TopDrawerSoccer recent descended upon Randall’s Island in Manhattan for our Tri-State combine. As the final installment of our summer series, top programs and quality players braved the sweltering mid-August heat to participate in one of the best combines thus far in 2015.

Here are the boys who stood out.

Mike Iacono- Goalkeeper- Keystone Athletic Grifos- 2016: Iacono is an excellent shot stopper and has the confidence that all top keepers need. He is quick and decisive when coming off his line to claim crosses and cut out through balls. Iacono has very soft hands and an excellent extension on his dive. He constantly communicates with his team and gives confidence to his back line.

Dylan Reed- Defender- Maryland RUSH- 2016: Reed is a dominant defender in the air and in challenges. He is always aggressive and creates unease in any attacker. Reed not only has his defensive game on lock, but has the ability to distribute and turn defense in to attack. He has excellent athleticism, strength and pace. Reed earned his spot on this list by having the uncanny knack to never lose out in 1v1 duels.

George Ladner- Defender- Penn Fusion- 2017: Ladner moved around the back line throughout the day and performed well in every role. He has a clean first touch and always seemed to find the mark with his passes. Ladner showed excellent strength in aerial duels and 1v1 battles. If he continues to improve his foot speed, Ladner will become a quality all around defender at the college level.

Lachlan Woolsey- Defender- Everton FC Westchester- 2017: Woolsey displayed excellent ball skills for a center back. He is confident in his touch and always finds the mark with his distribution. Woolsey has an excellent soccer IQ which he uses to intercept passes and coordinate his team like a military general. He handled everything that was thrown his way during the combine- aerial balls, large attackers, quick attackers, bouncing balls, and through balls.

Kevin Loughlin- Midfielder- Lehigh Valley United- 2016: Loughlin showed excellent attacking flair though out the combine, including scoring two quality goals in the full field games. He makes dangerous runs from his midfield position that are very difficult to track. He is able to escape defenders by utilizing his ball skills and quickness.

Bryce Millington- Midfielder- TSF Academy- 2017: Millington had one of the best 1st touches at the combine and always looked to keep possession. He has the ability to link play from defense to attack. Millington is confident on the ball and has smart ideas. If he continues to fine tune his game, Millington will become a forced to be reckoned with in the college game.

Julian Stifano- Midfielder- Oakwood SC- 2016: Stifano is a versatile midfielder who has a wicked left foot. He played well both in the center and on the outside. He has the ability to run at players and the IQ to understand when it isn’t on. Stifano has an excellent first touch and is extremely strong on the ball. There is really nothing he cannot do.

Kian Alberto- Midfielder- PDA- 2018: Alberto is a young player with tons of potential. He knows what to do with the ball before he gets it and has an excellent touch which allows him to put thought in to action. He has excellent feet and an ability to dribble out of tight spaces to create passing or shooting lanes. Alberto constantly found pockets of space between the opposing defensive and midfield lines. If he continues to develop physically, Alberto will be a force to reckon with at the next level.
 
Cole Blake- Midfielder- Real Colorado- 2018: Blake excels in a position that is often easy to overlook, defensive midfield. He has the ability to win balls in the air and the IQ to anticipate and intercept passes. He knows when to step in and win the ball and when to close down space and force an attacker back. He is very good under pressure, always playing simple balls to open teammates. He often plays back and sideways, but has the passing ability to find both short and long forward balls.

Graham Bright- Mid/Fwd- DC United- 2018: Bright occupied multiple roles throughout the combine but truly showed his talent when allowed to fly forward. He is incredibly confident on the ball and constantly makes smart decisions. He is athletic and quick over five yards. Bright uses his quick bursts to glide past defenders and create chances for himself and teammates. Bright is a young player who has a lot of the necessary tools to excel both at the club and college levels.

Gerald Maher III- Forward- Beachside SC- 2015: Maher III showed dynamic movement and a knack for getting in the ball in the net throughout the combine. He scored a cracking 30 yard shot in his first full field game which caused everyone to stand and applaud. Maher III makes excellent decisions on the ball, always finding a teammate and making things happen. Although small in stature, Maher III’s natural ability makes him a player who can improve many programs at the next level.

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