Day 2 of matches at the MLS Combine is in the books in Carson, California, and several players reinforced their stocks as top tier talents.
Some carried over their fine play from Sunday, while others took a step-up with their performances. Here’s who shined at the home of the LA Galaxy.
[ MORE: Day 1 Status Report ]
Niko Hansen, New Mexico -- It only take a moment to impress, and his goal in the second game was a cutback that fooled the center back and allowed him to hit a quick shot by the recovering goalkeeper. Big goals make impacts.
Daniel Johnson, Louisville -- The West Ham man and Georgia native gave a Man of the Match showing in the first match, and he was pretty darn dangerous in this one. Could he have cemented himself as a Top Ten pick?
Napo Matsoso, Kentucky -- Maybe we were watching the diminutive Lesotho native a bit closer following our profile piece on Monday -- Read it here -- but Matsoso was smooth on the ball and made good, quick, attacking decisions. It’s difficult to believe he won’t go in the first round.
Chris Nanco (Syracuse) and Guillermo Delgado (Delaware) -- Smart runs, strong runs, and good instincts were on display by both attackers. Nanco’s a bit thicker and Delgado a bit quicker, but similar days.
Lalas Abubakar, Dayton -- On a combine team that hasn’t given him much to work with, the big center back powered a fine header wide of the goal off a corner and showed solid positioning.
Zeiko Lewis, Boston College -- He signed an MLS contract before the Combine, and it’s quite clear why. He’s simply a soccer player down to his core.
Honorable mention: Kwame Awuah (UConn), Brandt Bronico (Charlotte), Francis De Vries (St. Francis (PA)).
