Our third stop of the year took us just outside the nation’s capital to Evergreen Sportsplex in Leesburg, Virginia. The event had some very talented boys in attendance. In addition to the quality players at the event, we had some top notch programs in attendance as well. Here are the players who caught our eye.

Interested in playing in front of college coaches and earning a spot on a TDS Unsigned Showcase Best XI list? Check out all of the information on upcoming events.

TDS Unsigned Showcase DC/Baltimore Boys Best XI:

GK Jonathan Biggs, Triangle FC (2018): Biggs lives up to his name with impressive size and a great wingspan. He is confident in his abilities and commits when coming off the line. Biggs wore a Petr Cech inspired helmet on the day, and often looked like the Arsenal keeper. Biggs has time to continue to refine his game, but already he is full of talent and one to keep an eye on.

D Grant Hughes, Braddock Road YC (2017): Hughes was possibly one of the best players in attendance on the day. He is a physical center back who is confident on the ball and strong in the tackle. He was rarely, if ever, beaten in a physical confrontation during the event. In addition to a great build and speed that will help him in the transition to the next level, Hughes is also confident on the ball and can play a great long distance ball.

D Alexander Payne, CASL (2018): Payne is the kind of player who can easily get overlooked; however he constantly does the right thing throughout the game. He is very disciplined defensively and showed a high soccer IQ based on his positioning and reading of the game. Payne has the mental dexterity to make it at the next level, now he should just continue to improve his touch and communication skills.

D Adrien Cushing, Bethesda-Olney SC (2019): Cushing was one of the younger defenders at the event but was never out of his element. He is very intelligent and is constantly communicating and organizing his team. Cushing is a natural leader on the field, one who makes any team better. Cushing was constantly calm on the ball and showed a true hunger and passion for the game.

M Alexander Koritsas, Arlington SA (2017): Koritsas showed excellent technical abilities on the ball and a cultured left foot. He works hard when running forward and is incredibly comfortable with the ball at his feet. He is shifty and has a few tricks in his bag. Koritsas is at his best when he is on the ball (passing, dribbling or shooting) but should look to add more defensive responsibility to excel at the next level.

M Logan Cushing, Bethesda-Olney SC (2017): Cushing (the older of the two brothers) is a talented midfielder who constantly wants to get involved. He is both strong in the tackle and confident on the ball. Cushing scored some good goals on the day, showing an ability to find the corners. If he continues to improve the tactical aspects of his game, Cushing should be a valuable player at the next level.

M Antone Perry, Barca Elite FC (2018): Perry has a lot of great traits on the pitch. He is athletic and showed a great ability to run at players. At this stage, he seems a bit unpredictable; however he uses that to his benefit when running at defenders. Perry can become a college level player because he has loads of potential and the athletic prowess to excel.

M Luke Davis, Baltimore Celtic SC (2019): Davis caught the eye of everyone at the event. He is a box-to-box, 2-way player who has an excellent engine and fitness level. He does the simple things well, constantly linking up play and providing smart options for his teammates. Davis has a good, strong voice and commands respect in the midfield. In addition to a strong soccer IQ, Davis has great technical ability and a clean first touch.

F Conor Gill, Arlington SA (2017): Gill is a great point man who has great physical attributes and a solid build. He is able to play with his back to goal but is also confident on the turn. Gill can hit the ball from just about anywhere on the pitch and score a lot of goals throughout the day. Gill is a quality player who can be a versatile tool at the next level.

F Vincent Jackson II, Vardar (2018): Jackson II is an excellent attacker who is not short on confidence. He has a lot of tools in his bag and showed a great eye for goal. He is smart both on the field and off. He has great speed, energy and seemed to come alive at important moments throughout the day. Jackson II can continue to work on staying in motion and involved in the game, because he is a force to be reckoned with when in full flight.

F Luke Mega, Richmond United (2018): Mega is an attacker that every team needs. He is extremely physical and constantly runs. When defending, he quickly puts pressure on the defensive line and forces them to make mistakes. When in possession, Mega has a very good strike on the ball and showed great finishing ability.

Honorable Mention

GK Kenan Hierwarter, N/A (2017): Hierwarter is a quality keeper who has good, soft hands. He was able to quickly and accurately distribute the ball with both his feet and hands. As the day went on, Hierwarter became more comfortable with the environment and showed his communication and leadership skills out of the back. As he continues to improve over the next year, he can be a quality keeper at the next level.

GK Daniel Sanders, Baltimore Celtic SC (2020): Sanders is a very young keeper who showed good footwork and understanding of the position. His hands were not always the strongest, but his positioning often helped him with saves. As Sanders continues to grow and mature, he will improve the areas of his game to propel him to the next level.

M Cole Hendricks, Baltimore Armour (2019): Hendricks was consistently, yet quietly, effective on the ball. Throughout the day, he showed his versatility and a keen focus on fundamentals and doing the little things right. Hendricks grew in to the event more and more throughout the day, narrowly missing out on a midfield birth in this Best XI.

D Ben Biedenbach, Cleveland United SC (2019): Biedenbach is a quality young defender who has great potential and upside. He showed a great engine throughout the day and a true willingness to sacrifice for his team. Focused on defending first and foremost, Biedenbach can be aided by continuing to improve this first touch and willingness to commit to forward runs.

M Justin Gates, Loudoun FC (2017): Gates showed glimpses of true quality throughout the day. He has a very solid left foot. Gates is well built and understands how to use his body and strength to not only win possession, but also to keep it. Gates also has a quick first step which he uses well.