Texas High School Soccer: 2024 Midfield Standouts | Prep Soccer (2024)

Initial Thoughts:My first thoughts of Angel Cruz is that he is consistently involved in the play of his team. He flows through the pitch and seems to be wherever he needs to be. Whether he’s on the break towards goal or turning play negative to regroup, Cruz does well to control the tempo. Another gift that Cruz possesses is excellent understanding of the half space within play. Cruz utilizes the half spaces to create and open passing lanes to connect his team on their transition.Size Profile:Cruz is relatively small at 5’4 and 145 lbs, however he plays much larger. Cruz uses his frame to weave in and out of defenders in order to catch angles. I don’t mind Cruz’s smaller stature because of the fact that he uses his body well to hold off the opposition. While Cruz would never play striker or center back at a high level, he very easily could be an extremely dangerous midfielder or winger.Skill Set:Cruz uses his speed and technical ability to attack the touchline and bring the ball down the pitch. Once he gets to the byline he’ll either cut in to find the shot or send a diagonal pass towards his teammates. Cruz is able to keep the ball close and consistently use his skill to break defensive lines and find space.Attacking Preference:rnCruz prefers to find the ball at his feet during transition and likes to utilize quick passes to open up his teammates. Once his team finds an overload, Cruz distributes the ball effectively and capitalizes on the opposing team’s mistakes. Cruz doesn’t mind getting high into his teams attack and finding himself in front of goal. If the opportunity arises, Cruz will definitely have a go. Scoring 27 goals and adding 21 assists doesn’t happen in Texas high school soccer without a player that is proactive getting heavily involved.

Final Thoughts:Ultimately, Angel Cruz is an underrated midfielder within an extremely talented Texas high school soccer class. It’s unfortunate that he hasn’t received more attention coming off a junior year in which he scored 27 goals and had 21 assists in only 25 matches played. Some will argue that Cruz played inferior competition, however it is very apparent that the talent is there. I expect Cruz to have an even better senior season.

Initial Thoughts:Garcia has been named District 26-4A Most Valuable Player for two consecutive years. Garcia’s MVP awards may in themselves be impressive, however his 57 goals within his two seasons on varsity do more to show his contribution to his team’s success. Garcia’s attacking contribution puts him in the category as one of the best midfielders in all of Texas high school soccer.Size Profile:Kevin Garcia is another smaller midfielder, coming in at 5’5 and around 150 lbs. Even within a smaller frame, Garcia does a lot to make himself seem larger on the field. He has a great deal of lower body strength and maneuvers himself well on the pitch. It’s clear that Garcia has dominated during his time in Texas high school soccer and I don’t see any reason to question his size. Garcia is strong, swift and intelligent on the ball.Skill Set:Kevin Garcia is very calm under pressure. His ability to bring the ball down out of the air and move forward is extremely strong. Garcia does well to get the ball in the middle of the pitch before lifting his head and sending a screamer towards the net. Garcia is also very calm on set pieces and seems to know what he wants to do with the ball before he even steps towards it. I think that Garcia’s first touch into space is another characteristic that truly gives him an upper hand. This touch is critical towards Garcia’s ability to get into space and find his teammates’ attacking run.Attacking Preference:Garcia doesn’t mind having his back towards the goal, he’ll gladly take a negative step before quickly turning and laying the ball into the upper corner of the net. When Garcia gets the ball to his feet he turns into space and plays quick passes towards his teammates. Once he releases the ball, Garcia is already moving into the next passing lane to receive it back. By establishing multiple passing lanes Garcia does well to help his team transition up and down the pitch.Final Thoughts:Kevin Garcia has accomplished so much in his short varsity career. Two MVP’s, a captaincy and over 50 goals in two seasons is something that most players dream of. As if he’s not already a midfield standout, it’s hard to imagine that Garcia won’t top his previous two seasons and do even better this year. Kevin Garcia is a real talent within Texas high school soccer, given the opportunity there is no reason why he cannot have another spectacular season. Garcia has the talent, intelligence and ability to pave his own path within the game.

Initial Thoughts:Tyler Kenny excels when bringing the ball towards the touchline and then using his speed to escape down the outside. Once behind the defense, Kenny uses his technical ability to play a lateral ball towards his on running teammates. Kenny also works well when cutting towards the inside of the pitch, frequently getting shots off towards the net.Size Profile:Kenny is a decently sized player at 5’7 and 150 lbs. He uses his body well, but even if he’s a little smaller it doesn’t matter, Kenny’s speed and agility puts him well above his peers. He flies through the opposition’s backline and can change direction easily. He doesn’t need to be the biggest or strongest in order to become the most dangerous player on the pitch. When Kenny gets the ball in space, he easily has every opportunity to score.Skill Set:Tyler Kenny’s most dangerous attribute is easily his speed and quick shooting ability. Kenny has the ability to turn on a dime and has the touch needed to push the ball forward into space before shooting. Whether it’s the ability to pick a teammate out from a set piece, the follow-up finish from a teammates shot or simply taking on the opposition alone; Kenny is dangerous from anywhere he wants to be.Attacking Preference:Kenny drifts wide to receive the ball on a lot of his team’s plays in order to spread the field and create attacking opportunities. These runs give his teammates a chance to pull defenders out of position and find themselves open in the center of the pitch. When attacking from within, Kenny cuts in and out of defenders while connecting quick passes and looks for the corners of the net. Kenny is highly effective in tight spaces and is very consistent with hitting the far reaches of the net.Final Thoughts:Tyler Kenny is an attacking standout player that is ready for the next level. His touch, finishing ability and athleticism puts him in the top tier of players within Texas high school soccer. He would have no issues fitting in and making a difference for a collegiate program needing some attacking quality in the upcoming season. Having scored 17 goals during his junior year, Kenny has already proven that he can hold his own against the best of his peers. Kenny’s ability to stretch the field and burn defenders is outstanding and I truly think that his senior season will be his best.