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Soccer Goals: If there was ever a day to suffer another let down, day three could have been the day that could have caught Team Condivo off guard. After dominating the first two days, it appeared that Team Condivo would fall trap to complacency, facing a winless Jabulani but rich in talent.

 

Soccer Videos: Alexander scores from distance

 

MLS Combine 2010: Eric Alexander Scores from mlsinsider on Vimeo.

 

With combine standout, Tony Tchani, relegated to the first half bench, Jabulani's Amobi Okugo asserted his dominance in the midfield utilizing his defensive prowess and quick exchanges to spark the offense, stellar play which kept their opponents on their heels. After 30 minutes of controlled possession, Jabulani suffered a lapse of concentration and a back-breaking moment, when Eric Alexander (Indiana University) rocketed a 25-yard blast for the only first half score and game winner.

 

In the second half, Condivo leveled the possession thanks to Tony Tchani's play which demonstrated his deft and creative passing that witnessed two consecutive probing passes during an attacking sequence. In addition, left winger Justin Morrow (Notre Dame) terrorized Jabulani's flank with his menacing runs, resulting in a multitude of attacking sequences and several potential goals.

 

CONDIVO

-----------------Dike---------Kissi---------------

Alexander---------Thomas----------------Loyd

----------------------Yanez------------------------

Morrow-----Opara----------Kinney------Braun

----------------------Perk--------------------------

JABULANI

--------------Bunbury-----Schilawski--------------

Warner------------Nakazawa-------------Estrada

----------------------Okugo--------------------------

Aiyegbusi----Tangney-----Schuler---------Welch

---------------------Haggerty-------------------------

 

Providing several spectacular diving saves to secure a 3-0 record in the final day, UCLA keeper, Brian Perk, boosted his draft value with an excellent combine performance. Wing Back, Justin Morrow (Notre Dame), increased his draft value exhibiting his flank speed and accurate crossing, while offering strong defensive showings as well.  Moving up scouts draft charts faster than a Lamorghini on the Autobahn, Eric Alexander (Indiana Univ.) demonstrated both his solid interchanges and also his deadly long-range arsenal.

 

Despite Jabulani's 0-3 record, several bright spots radiated in the combine in the form of midfielder Amobi Okugo (UCLA), who stated his case for a higher selection in the first round. London native and left back, Olukorede Aiyegbusi, pestered opposing wingers and wing backs with agressive style, running the flanks like a track star. Although his diminutive stature will worry some MLS teams, his upside is extremely tempting for a team willing to take a chance.

 

Honorable Mentions: Dilly Duka (Rutgers), Zach Schilawaski (Wake Forest), Collen Warren (Portland), Chris Schuler (Creighton Univ),  Zach Lyod (UNC).

 

Poor Performances: Bright Dike (Notre Dame), Two-Boy Gumede (Alabama-Birmingham)

 

In game two, Adidas F50i took the lead early with a Tennant Mcvea (Loyola Univ. Maryland) header from a corner kick. Although goals were sparse, the attacking sequences and passing were evident, as several prospects were hoping to increase their draft value in the final game.

 

Soccer Videos: Mcvea scores a header from a corner kick.

MLS Combine 2010: Tennant McVea's Header from mlsinsider on Vimeo.

 

 

Following up a solid two-day performance, playmaker Drew Yates (Univ of Maryland) demonstrated his active and creative play. Speaking of active players, winger Irving Garcia (Univ. Calilfornia-Irvine) hoped to dispel the notion that his size will diminish his play on the next level. Shifting to a central defensive position, Zach Herald (U-17 MNT) matched the physical play of his more developed elders.

 

Predator X's players were no slouches either, as Kwaku Nyameky provided consistent play in all three games. Although his first two games did not meet pre draft expectations, Michael Stepehens demonstrated the creativty that allured MLS to pursue a Generation Adidas' deal for the UCLA playmaker in 2009.

 

Look for upcoming posts which will feature a Top 20 board, Top Combine performers, Potential steals, and Top positional board.

 

Honorable Mention: Jack McInerney (U-17 MNT), Blair Gavin (Univ of Akron),  Kwame Watson-Siriboe (Conneticut), and Sean Johnson (UCF).

 

Poor Performances: Nelson Beccera (St. John's Univ), Andrew Wiedman (California), Samuel Appiah (Boston Univ), Corben Bone (Wake Forest).

 

Which player do you hope that your team will choose? Are you surprised by the impressive performances? Share your thoughts.

 

Included are blogs that discuss Soccer Goals: MLS Combine Day 3 - Team Condivo makes last day statement

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