Academy Task 5: A Way Too Early Mock

[njbadapple]

With the next season of SSL looming, we'll take a brief look into the strongest prospects heading into the season and where they will potentially end up based on the draft order.  The Season 18 draft class is quickly shaping into one of the largest drafts in league history, with recruiting having had a profound and rippling effect through other leagues and countries worldwide.  This resulted in a number of highly talented and driven players from around the globe declaring for the SSL.  Let's take a look at who we have available:

1.  Friendly Hermit (Sydney).  Leading the way is defender Friendly Hermit, who has put up solid numbers through two games thus far.  Having averaged a half-marathon running distance over two games, Hermit also posted a total of 3 assists to boot... not to mention 1 block, showing his prowess on both ends of the pitch.

Possible landing spot: União São Paulo

2.  Rigby Emerson (Sydney).  It comes as no surprise that the top two players from the prospect showcase come from Sydney as they've has an outstanding showing through the academy games.  Emerson is an explosive attacker, having scored 2 goals in as many games, even taking home Player of The Game honors one of those times.  He's also posted a blistering 9 shot attempts, three of which having made it on target (scoring percentage of 66%).

Possible landing spot: CF Catalunya

3.  Sweeper the Keeper (Victoria Falls).  The top keeper in the class clocks in from north of the border, playing for Victoria Falls.  Sweeper has had a remarkably strong showing despite giving up three goals.  Victoria Falls is one of the weaker teams defensively in the field so it makes sense he would see plenty of action.  Regardless, he's made a number of clutch saves and currently has the 2nd best SV% among the four draft-eligible keepers.

Possible landing spot: Tokyo S.C.

4.  Pope Thor (Victoria Falls).  As another Victoria Falls player drops into the top five, we have possibly the most offensively potent of the group so far.  Thor had a tremendous first game of the showcase, potting two goals in a losing effort to Sydney (2-3).  Through two games however he has landed 6 shots on target, leading all draft-eligible players.

Possible landing spot: CA Buenos Aires

5.  Caspian Skovgaard (Stockholm).  The second defender on our list makes their presence known from Stockholm.  Caspian is a strong two-way defenseman who has posted 2 blocks through as many games.  Showcasing his ability to work both ends of the pitch he also recorded a shot on net, helping Stockholm start the academy series with a 1-1 record through the first two days of play.

Possible landing spot: Hollywood FC

6.  Felix Baur (Victoria Falls).  The third player from Victoria Falls is also the third-highest ranked defender from all draft-eligible players.  Baur is an elite offensive-defender who has the ability to generate offense with little effort.  Having only blocked one shot, he makes up for that with 3 shot attempts through two games, and even recording an assist... which helped him clinch one Player of The Game honors despite losing the match.

Possible landing spot: A.C. Romana

7.  George Shaheen (Medellin).  Our final player on the list is yet another defender, making it abundantly clear that this class is going to re-shape defense lines across the league.  Shaheen plays a strict defense-first style of game for Athletico Medellin.  Despite starting the prospect showcase with an 0-2 record, Shaheen was able to record a blistering 4 blocked shots which leads all draft-eligible players.  Additionally he recorded one shot on offense and just 21km of pitch time, proving there's more untapped potential from him.

Possible landing spot: Schwarzwälder FV

Code:

Words: 500+

[norththegreatestshowman]

Based

[RashfordU]

damn, this is where I find out we lose our first rounder