Photo courtesy of UCLA
With the 2012 MLS SuperDraft around the corner, the final additions to the draft class are being made through the Generation adidas process. Over the next week, MLSsoccer.com's college/youth expert, Travis Clark, will reveal and analyze the 2012 members of the GA class.
Today, we take a look at UCLA forward Chandler Hoffman.
1. He knows how to make a name for himself.
Hoffman, a native of Birmingham, Ala., wasn’t on the radar of any major college programs despite a prolific scoring record. To amend this, he uploaded a YouTube compilation (right) of some of his goals, and sent it off to a few college coaches. It caught the eye of coaches at Wake Forest, Maryland and his eventual destination, UCLA.
2. He’s a clinical finisher.
Get the ball into the box, and Hoffman can find a way to finish things off. On a talented UCLA roster, the forward scored 18 goals this year, helping carry the Bruins to the NCAA Tournament semifinals.
3. He departs UCLA in elite company.
The last forward to score 18 goals in a UCLA jersey in one season? Former USMNT and MLS vet Joe-Max Moore. Hoffman can only hope to follow in the footsteps of the World Cup striker as he embarks on a pro career of his own.
4. He finished his college career close to home.
The site of this year’s College Cup was Hoover, Ala., about 10 minutes from where Hoffman grew up. And while eventual champions UNC knocked out his UCLA side in penalty kicks in the semifinals, he had the rare opportunity to close out his collegiate career near where he first started playing.
5. He’s a bit like…
Chris Wondolowski. Has a nose for the goal, and pounces on chances inside the 18.
