By IVES GALARCEP
The chase for the NCAA title begins today all across the country, and the start of the college soccer season also signals the beginning of a process that will lead several college players to the pros.
An exodus of top talent from last season has seen the college game lose such standouts as Harrison Shipp, Andre Blake, Patrick Mullins and Steve Neumann, but a new generation of talented players will step up to fill the void and become the next targets for professional scouts.
The college game itself has enough drama to make it enjoyable to follow, as perennial powers jockey for position in traditional conference strongholds like the Pac-12, ACC, Big Ten and Big East. Teams like UCLA, Maryland, Notre Dame, Georgetown and UConn will be competing not only for conference honors, but also for a chance to lift the trophy Notre Dame won in 2013.
SBI will be providing regular coverage of the college game, and also keeping you up to date on the top pro prospects in the game that you need to be keeping an eye on. Today was our day to drop a series of team previews and player profiles to help introduce you to the 2014 college season, as it kicks off today.
Here is a rundown of SBI’s College Soccer Season Preview Stories, giving you what you need to follow the college game this season:
FOR STARTERS
SBI’s Top 40 MLS Draft Prospects in College Soccer
College Soccer Week 1: A Look Ahead
TEAM PROFILES
PLAYER PROFILES
Leo Stolz. UCLA star poised to lead Bruins to title, while also generating big interest from pro teams.
Cyle Larin. Young Canadian striker will lead UConn, and is turning heads with Canadian national team.
Ramon Martin Del Campo. From unknown to called up by the U.S. Under-23 national team after scrimmaging vs. the USMNT, Martin Del Campo’s career is on the rise.
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Will you be following college soccer this season? Which teams would you like to see covered by SBI? Which players would you like to read about?
Share your thoughts below.
Syracuse have had decent squads the last few years. They are our local team and are fun to watch. They also beat Akron in a preseason match. Alex Bono is a solid keeper and played well for Reading United in the PPL. I’m from Philly though and the Union is my MLS side so I am looking forward to seeing Maryland and Zack Steffen as well. (Can you tell my U12 is a keeper? I find myself more focused on the defense now that my son plays in goal),