Texas High School Soccer: Rising Stars | Prep Soccer (2024)

Initial Thoughts:rnThe 6’0 midfielder and forward claimed All-State first team honors during his inaugural campaign for the Palestine Wildcats. During the 2022-23 season, the young attacker was able to contribute 22 goals and 24 assist in only 27 appearances for the Wildcats. This astonishing feat would be amazing for any player within Texas high school soccer, but is made all the better due to the fact that Sanchez was in his first season at the high school level.

Size Profile:rnSanchez is very lean, which is more than understandable considering the fact that he’s currently a sophom*ore, however at 6’0 he’s sure to grow into his frame as he ages. He uses his height to his advantage and his surprisingly quick on his feet. He doesn’t seem to have any of the stereotypical awkwardness that young athletes tend to face whenever they are growing into a taller frame.

Skill Set:rnSanchez is a natural on the pitch. He possesses great decision making and touch, both of which help him open up and create chances on net. Sanchez keeps his head up and recognizes the development of play in front of him, leaving the opposition trying to recover as he charges down the pitch and distributes the ball to his fellow attackers. He has the ability to play the ball with both feet and doesn’t seem afraid of anything the opposition puts in front of him.

Attacking Preference:rnSanchez quickly established himself as a leading figure in the Wildcat attack, regularly starting at the varsity level and contributing almost immediately. He uses his excellent vision to open up the attack and widen his teams attacking opportunity. I see Sanchez as a real threat in the midfield but I could definitely understand the fascination with getting him further up the pitch.

Final Thoughts:rnTony Sanchez is going to be a regular name when discussing the best players in Texas high school soccer for the remainder of his career. He will only improve as he grows into his frame and continues to develop his game. While there will we questions towards the level of competition that he faces at the Texas UIL 4A level, I personally believe he can transcend these doubts with the quality that he clearly possesses. Competing for State Championships every year will absolutely add to his credibility as well.

Initial Thoughts:rnLino Rodriguez is a standout winger from Uvalde High School, scoring 11 goals and adding 1 assist during his freshman campaign. Rodriguez has a lot of potential, and if given proper mentorship during the offseason, he could truly turn into an extremely dangerous attacker. He moves well on the outside of the field and finds himself in front of goal often.

Size Profile:rnRodriguez is of average build for a high soccer player but has surprising strength. This strength comes in as a large advantage when Rodriguez finds himself on an island in the out wide space. Given time, he should grow into a physically dominant winger that can use his strength and speed to cut into backlines and finish all the chances given to him.

Skill Set:rnRodriguez has a great eye for goal and uses all aspects of his attack in order to create chances. Rodriguez utilizes both feet when placing shots on net, finds cheeky back-heels that turn into goals and even takes on the opposition to find space to attack into. I really enjoy his first move after getting the ball at his feet, usually feinting a direction and using his speed to quickly cut back into open space. I’d also keep an eye out to see how his aerial game develops as he ages, he already seems to have a good grasp on the spacing needed to finish these chances.

Attacking Preference:rnRodriguez combines very well with his attacking partners, filling gaps in open passing lanes and staying a step ahead of the opposition. He isn’t afraid to take on the backline of the opposition directly, yet Rodriguez will also pull the ball back to intelligently restart play. Even at a young age he doesn’t force the attack or rush play, Rodriguez is very calculated and decisive when the ball reaches his feet.

Final Thoughts:rnWhile I do believe that Lino Rodriguez has a long ways to go in terms of overall development, I truly believe he has the potential to become one of the best prospects within Texas high school soccer. He has the intangibles both physically and mentally to grow within the game, as well as the skill to contribute to his program right away.

Initial Thoughts:rnDaniel Castillo is one of the many rising stars that have found themselves playing at Seagoville High School. Castillo was able to put up 16 goals and 5 assist in only 11 games for the Dragons during his very first season in the program. His dynamic play and quick feet helped boost his team forward and solidify his role within the team.

Size Profile:rnCastillo is relatively short in stature but his speed and ability on the ball immediately disregards any doubts in his role within the team. Castillo’s stature gives him a lower center of gravity on the ball and allows him to cut quickly into tight spaces with the ball near to his feet. As he progresses into his high school career, he’ll surely put on more muscle and increase his strength on the ball as well.

Skill Set:rnCastillo is a crafty attacker that controls the play and dribbles quickly through the opposing defenders. Castillo uses the ball and his instant decision making to execute fast turns and leave his markers behind him as he charges down the pitch. He has a great shot and utilizes his agility to find space and place the ball into the back of the net.

Attacking Preference:rnCastillo floats around the middle of the pitch when able to, using his speed to lunge into space and either find the next open player or shoot on goal. When drifting towards the outside of the pitch, Castillo is able to break free from the defense and burst down the touchline before playing a dart towards the middle of the opposing teams box. He is very good with his feet and despite being a younger player has shown the confidence to take on the challenges in front of him and overcome them.

Final Thoughts:rnI really enjoy the style of play that Castillo utilizes. The ability to understand your role within the game and capitalize on it is something that many experienced players tend to ignore when determining their style of play. Castillo isn’t going to try and play as a longer player, but is going to instead master his craft as someone shorter in stature while dominating with technique and speed.