In the second part (click here for Part 1) of our debriefing of the U.S. U18 national camp in Carson, CA, we’ll highlight three more emerging stars, all of whom were national camp first-timers but definitely have a shot of making it back.

Zach Batteer, Beadling SC

Watching him during a scrimmage against LAFC on Sunday it was difficult to imagine that Batteer had never previously been called into camp. In short, he was the best player on the field. Playing up top and forcing the action for the U.S., he scored a goal to lead a comeback from a two-goal deficit.

He’s got great size, he’s strong and powerful and is always pressing and probing. He can strike the ball with pace from distance and has an enthusiasm for the game that comes through in his play.

Batteer is originally from Southern California but moved to Pennsylvania a couple years ago where he’s made quite a name for himself in a short amount of time. His assistant coach at Beadling SC, Ron Wilcher, is actually his high school coach at Mt. Lebanon High. The interesting thing there is Batteer’s club head coach, Gary Weber, heads rival high school Chartiers Valley – unfortunately for Weber.

“He scored three goals against us,” said Weber, of a recent high school match between the two teams. “You try to prepare the players for what they’re going to face, but … He’s extremely mature and someone who is like a coach on the field.”

Bryce Follensbee, Florida Rush

At 6-foot-2, Follensbee stands out for many reasons. He has the power to match his height but also the technical skill that gives him a nice package. Follensbee scored a couple of goals during scrimmages against outside competition, and combined well as a twin striker with Batteer during one of the days.

“Bryce is very good at combining,” said Florida Rush coach Sean Murphy. “He has good pace and vision and he works really hard defensively. He has the skills to play in the midfield but he mostly plays forward for us.”

Follensbee is still growing and maturing physically and will be a player to keep an eye on as he combines power and finesse extremely well for someone his age.

Steve Palacios, United FC

While Palacios has been a standout for some time, this year has kind of been a breakout one for the talented midfielder.

After making the All-Star team at the Adidas ESP camp, and gaining interest from several college coaches, Palacios found himself at national camp for the first time.

You would’ve never known by watching him. Palacios was poised while operating in the midfield, a skill that helps define his game.

“He’s very good and comfortable on the ball,” said United FC coach Bryan Wallace. “He’s a very technical player who can attack, but I think his long-term position, and the one where he is best suited is in the central midfield.”

Palacios grew up in a soccer playing household, with one elder brother and one below him. Coming up he trained with his brother’s older teams and his early exposure to playing on advanced stages has obviously suited him well.

Missed Part 1? Click here to check it out!

U.S.U18 Men's National Camp Roster

GOALKEEPERS (3): Jonathan Kempin (Kansas City Wizards; Leawood, Kans.), Max Kurtzman (FC Delco; Bryn Mawr, Pa.); Adam Zepeda (Arsenal; Corona, Calif.)

DEFENDERS (12): Kevin Alvarenga (Rush Academy; Katy, Texas), David Caban (Chicago Fire; Kenosha, Wisc.), Sean Cunningham (Derby County Wolves; Troy, Mich.), George Fradenburg (Birmingham United; Belden, Miss.), Bryan Gallego (New York Red Bulls; Kinnelon, N.J.), Ricardo Hernandez (Arsenal; Fontana, Calif.), Matt Sheeleigh (PDA; New Vernon, N.J.), Aaron Simmons (Dallas Texans; Mansfield, Texas), Isaiah Trejo (Cal Odyssey; Clovis, Calif.), Victor Vasquez (Chivas USA; Cypress, Calif.), Eric Weberman (Derby County Wolves; Farmington, Mich.), Matthew Wiltse (PDA; Belle Mead, N.J.)

MIDFIELDERS (13): Nat Eggleston (Potomac; Chevy Chase, Md.), Oscar Gonzalez (New York Red Bulls, Clifton, N.J.), Matt Ingram (Indiana United; Indianapolis, Ind.), Miguel Lopez (Lonestar SC; Alton, Texas), Jon-Paul Medina (Cal Odyssey; Fresno, Calif.), Daniel Metzger (PDA; Holmdel, N.J.), Kevin Pahl (Clearwater Chargers; Lakeland, Fla.), Steve Palacios (United FC; San Clemente, Calif.), Victor Pineda (Chicago Fire; Bollingbrook, Ill.), Jimmy Petruccelli (Seacoast United; Brentwood, N.H.), Steeven Saba (Weston Academy; Miami Beach, Fla.), Scott Thomsen (PDA; Brick, N.J.), William Trapp (Columbus Crew; Gahanna, Ohio)

FORWARDS (8): Samuel Adjei (New York Red Bulls; Newark, N.J.), Zach Batteer (Beadling SC; Pittsburgh, Pa.), Bryce Follensbee (Florida Rush; Orlando, Fla.); Marcus Lacroix (NJSA; New Egypt, N.J.), Sean Okoli (Washington Premier; Federal Way, Wash.), Sekani Sinclair (Weston SC; Coral Springs, Fla.), Chris Somerville (FC Delco; West Chester, Pa.), Ryan Zinkhan (Richmond Strikers; Fredericksburg, Va.)