* Classes weighted by TopDrawerSoccer.com Players To Watch® & Top 100 Lists
* Number in parenthesis denotes Top 100 Ranking

So how do you rank the best conference in men’s college soccer when there isn’t so much as a bad class in the bunch? Well, for starters you break the conference up into two parts.

In this edition you’ll find the teams that finished in the bottom half of last year’s standings. This collection of programs still includes two NCAA tournament teams and a litany of incoming talent.

Atop this edition’s list is a program probably in need of a pick-me-up.

Click here for Part 2

Austin Savage

No. 1: Clemson (pictured on front)

The Tigers have had a tough offseason that’s included the resignation of coach Trevor Adair along with the death of Clemson legend Nnamdi Nwokocha. They’ll be starting a new era under the guidance of Phil Hindson and led by a new crop of stars.

Austin Savage (13), of Bridge FA, is a promising striker and a local product to boot. He has good speed and a good change of pace. Joshua Shutter (PA Classics) is a strong and athletic fullback who will also pay dividends for the school.

The class totals nine players including US Academy standout Marco Alcocer (Lonestar FC) and teammate Wesley Nelson; central midfielder Eric Fletcher (Norcross Fury) and goalkeeper Kamran Khyltash, who played in the Copa Chivas International in Guadalajara, Mexico.    

No. 2: Duke (pictured on front)

The Blue Devils made a brief run to the NCAA first round a year ago and would like to extend their stay next season. A couple of key losses will hurt Duke, forward Mike Grella, and starting goalkeeper Brendan Fitzgerald in particular – but for a team that ranked toward the bottom of the conference in offensive efficiency a year ago the program has to be happy with its additions.

Midfielder Andrew Wenger (21) and forward Ryan Finley (27) are huge pickups. Wenger is a coach’s dream, the PA Classics midfielder can play a variety of positions and knows the game extremely well. Finley, of PDA, is a great goal scorer who should be able to help the team put points on the board next year.

Solar SC players Christian Brown, a defender, and midfielder Ryan Brown will be welcome additions as well.

Scott Goodwin

No. 3:  North Carolina

The Tar Heels will never be starving for recruits for a variety of reasons. A trip to last year’s College Cup certainly isn’t turning away talent this season either. A strong class of eight is highlighted by CASL goalkeeper Scott Goodwin (29) who should be able to compete with standing Tar Heels keeper Brooks Haggerty for some playing time.

Goodwin’s teammate Martin Murphy (70) will join him and be inserted into the midfield – hopefully helping to absorb the loss of all-conference midfielder Michael Callahan, not to mention top striker Brian Shiver.

North Carolina is excited about junior transfer Michael Farfan, who comes over from Cal State Fullerton. Farfan, a midfielder, was a two-time All-Big West selection there and won the Freshman of the Year Award. Midfielder Stephen McCarthy is another big transfer by way of Santa Clara, and should insert the team with added offense.

Enzo Martinez, South Carolina’s all-time leading high school scorer, joins the group, along with Josh Rice (Richmond Strikers) and Alex Walters (Players Club, Bradenton, Florida).

No. 4:  Virginia Tech

The Hokies went winless in conference play in 2008 and coach Oliver Weiss resigned in the offseason …

Nowhere to go but up.

Joe Vidmar, of the Baltimore Bays, will bring a lot to the table from the backline. A left-footed left back, he is a top prospect with the strength and competitiveness to compete at the next level.

Greg Cochrane (FC Delco) is another tough left back who is smart and accurate and could eventually work his way into a pivotal role. David Fiorello and goalkeeper William Reynolds will also complement the defense, while on the offensive side, Patrick Huang (Birmingham United Soccer) is a quick attacking player and could bring fireworks. Other commitments include Colin McNew (Atlanta Fire), Pat Ryan (Blackwatch Dundee) and Greg Weimer (Penn Forest).

Other: N.C. State(m) will try to spark a resurgence this season, and the Wolfpack’s freshman will be led by Andrew Carey (North Meck SC) and David Brown (Triangle FC).


Part 2: The top half of the ACC is ranked