The 2015 edition of the TDS NorCal Combine had some incredible talent on the boy’s side. The beautiful turf and sunshine at Mary Grogan Park in Modesto provided the ideal conditions for high quality soccer. Quality programs from across Northern California were treated to great talent, including these Best XI players-

TDS Combine Boys Best XI: Northern California

Reece Mladjov - Goalkeeper – East Bay United SC – 2017 – Mladjov is an imposing figure in the net. His work rate, attitude, and athletic ability allow him to command his box. Mladjov combined his size with solid footwork skills and steady hands to excel at the combine. He made some key saves in the afternoon scrimmages, including a great 1v1 stop.

Eduardo De Loa - Forward – ACC Mavericks – 2016 – De Loa excels at taking players on 1v1. He has great all around skills which he combines with a brilliant soccer brain. His physical attributes including speed and strength allow De Loa to be a handful for any back line. Not only was he spritely and inventive in the full field scrimmages, he was also engaged and committed throughout the small sided games.

Alexander Caceres – Forward – Juventus Sport Club – 2018 – Caceres is a very good attacking player who has major potential. He made great decisions throughout the day and showed tidy finishing skills which will be coveted at the next level. While constantly moving off the ball, Caceres communicated well with his teammates and created a major buzz throughout the combine.

William DuBay – Midfielder – San Juan SC – 2016 – DuBay’s talent was evident from the first moment he stepped on the pitch. He is an excellent player with a terrific attitude and love for the game. Throughout the afternoon, he was a constant threat down either wing and excelled in 1v1 situations. He made a beautiful, slicing run down the left side and fished immaculately during his second game of the afternoon. DuBay has the talent and raw ability to make a major splash at the D1 level.

Christian Marion – Midfielder – Pateadores SC – 2018 – Marion is a crafty central midfielder who has an abundance of raw talent. He finished multiple chances and played key passes throughout the small sided games. Marion works well with his teammates, both offensively and defensively. He excels in the attacking central midfield role and has the potential to become a very sound collegiate player.

Alejandro Mejia – Midfielder – Atletico Santa Rosa – 2016 – Mejia has the pace and power that simply commands respect. He is extremely hard to stop in any open field or 1v1 situation. He is a well-rounded midfielder who has the potential, both physically and technically, to excel at the next level. First touch, shooting, decision making, speed and movement off the ball are all areas of strength for Mejia.  

Jorge Hernandez – Midfielder – Santa Clara Sporting – 2016 – Hernandez is a crafty midfielder who can play anywhere across the line. He impressed with his speed, but showed his well-rounded game by having a consistently clean first touch and immaculate distribution. Hernandez brings in players well and has full field vision which is on par with some of the best around. He played good through balls and was never short of a creative idea.

Primitivo Pardo – Defender – Atletico Santa Rosa – 2017 – Pardo, or Junior as he preferred to be called, is a quality all-around defender. When deployed in the center of the park, he commanded his defense through timely tackles and precise distribution. When asked to play on the outside, Junior’s attacking prowess was allowed to flourish. Pardo rarely put a foot wrong in the full field scrimmages and was energetic throughout the small sided games and training sessions. Absolutely has the skill set to play at the next level.

Sam Reavis – Defender – San Jose Earthquakes – 2017 – Reavis had a great all around combine.  He organized his defensive line well and was a constant communicator. It was highly evident throughout the day that Reavis is very coachable and able to be integrated in to multiple systems.  He was rarely out of place in the full field scrimmages and was strong in the air.  Never one to back down from a physical challenge, Reavis is a stern tackler and 1v1 defender.

Sergio Ruiz- Defender – Atletico Santa Rosa – 2016 – Ruiz is yet another well rounded defender coming from Atletico Santa Rosa. He has an innate ability to make the players around him better and more confident. Ruiz combines great physical attributes (speed, strength, quickness) with a clean first touch and distribution. He has composure and leadership skills that will make a smooth transition to the next level.

Bryan Mora – Defender – N/A – 2016 – Mora did not show a single weakness throughout the combine. He moved well and used his insight and soccer brain to organize and coordinate a cohesive back line. When he got forward, he was confident and found intelligent balls. Mora’s play in small sided games showed confidence on the ball that comes from years of training and devotion. His most notable attributes include his physical prowess and ability to constantly prevail in 1v1 situations. 

Honorable Mentions

Christian Fuentes – Goalkeeper – Sporting Santa Clara – 2016

Amine Elmoznine – Defender – De Anza Force SC – 2018

Levi Sanchez – Defender – Atletico Santa Rosa – 2017