Dante Marini

WHAT COACHES SAY: “His decision making and passing in the final third has to outweigh his physical disadvantages, I don't think he is strong enough for the next level, there are other small attacking players in college who do as much if not more and are stronger.... He will be overlooked because of his size, he never backs down, always a catalyst in the teams quality moves, great technique, should be on a wing, will be a better player with higher talent around him, so dangerous in 1v1 situations, he will be a fan favorite wherever he plays because of his size and style, has an Italian passport so he will look at Europe if MLS doesn't work out...My favorite player in college soccer he has to at least get a look from a team, we focused on shutting him down so his numbers suffered, but he can do real damage ... One of better midfielders we saw this year in terms of influencing game, being on ball and popping up in right areas … My question would be if he can play winger? ... Good decision maker with ball and people will say he's 5 nothing but the kid just keeps going and going. Work rate, work ethic and all those things very good. There's something to that kid and he finds ways to score the odd good ... Size and small ... He's always managed to get it done. His ideas are very good. Quick burst of pace. Quick first step. Gets in between players with and without the ball. Can score goals left foot or right foot. Doesn’t respond well to physical play.”

COLLEGE (Northeastern): As a captain his Senior year he started all 18 of the teams matches ... He led the team in both goals with 6 and assists with 5 ... Named 1st team All-CAA ... 2012: Named to 2nd team All-CAA... Started in all 20 matches he appeared in (1 goal and 5 assists) ... 2011: Named 1st team All-CAA ... Started all 19 of the teams matches while leading the team in both goals with 7 and assists with 5 ... 2010: Started in 8 of the 16 matches he appeared in (2 assists.)

HIGH SCHOOL: Salesianum High School.

CLUB: Played for Matchfit Chelsea FC ... plays PDL with Reading United. 

PERSONAL: Planning to graduate with a chemical engineering major in 2015 ... Also holds Italian passport through grandparents.