If Alex Bruder is representative of what the future of soccer looks like then take a long hard look … and then immediately hit the gym.



Bruder is one of the many young talents having made a recent commitment, giving her verbal to USC, and she’s also a prime example of the game’s athletic evolution.



Bruder is an exceptional athlete whose talents are not confined to the soccer pitch. For starters, she’s a track and field competitor who has captured titles in the long jump as well as various track events; she’s also a pretty darn good shooting guard on the basketball court, and a black belt in Taekwondo.



So yeah, she has quickness, awareness, and just about every other physical capability that could set her up for a strong career – in whatever sport she so chooses.



As soccer goes, Bruder is a strong contributor on both sides of the ball for Real So Cal. She can be dangerous up top but also battle players on the ball. It will be interesting to see what USC coach Ali Khosroshahin has in mind for her when she finally arrives in a couple years.



Other intriguing youngsters who are already setting up their college careers include, Imani Dorsey, who has committed to Duke for 2014.



Long one of our highest ranked 2014 prospects, Dorsey is a dynamic attacker who helped lead SAC United to the U.S. Youth Soccer National title game last season. She’s also been regularly called into U.S. Girls National Team camp where she performed dominantly at times.



Dorsey is a supreme athlete (See Bruder) who can get behind the defense with ease and will only get stronger, and better.

Joining the youth movement is Canada’s Keeley-Ann Gormley (Calgary Chinook United) who has verbally committed to Arizona State for the 2014 season.



In other news:

Hannah O’Shaughnessy (Ohio Premier) has verbally committed to Toledo for the 2013 season.  

Haley Keefer (Michigan Hawks) has verbally committed to West Virginia for the 2013 season, while teammate Samantha Maher (Michigan Hawks) has verbally committed to Central Michigan for the 2013 season.

Alyssa Robinson (Cooper City Cobras) has verbally committed to Florida International for the 2013 season.


Madeline Schaak (St. Croix Academy) has verbally committed to Indiana State for the 2013 season.

Tara Sobierajski (Soccer Domain FC 09) has verbally committed to Siena College for the 2013 season.

Alison Ryan (Freestate Soccer Alliance) has verbally committed to Rutgers for the 2013 season.

Kayla Vera (FC Portland) has signed to Southeastern Louisiana for the 2012 season.

Ashley Ward (San Diego Surf) has signed with Louisiana Lafayette for the 2012 season.

Maggie Carey (FC Stars of Massachusetts) has verbally committed to Holy Cross for the 2013 season.



Riley Mahoney (Virginia Rush) has verbally committed to Marshall for the 2013 season.

Nicole Smolinski (West Coast FC) has verbally committed to UC Davis for the 2013 season.

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