NJ vs. Philly Fall Challenge: Additional Standouts

Below is a review of five additional prospects who caught our attention with their outstanding play last Sunday at the New Jersey vs. Philly Fall Challenge.    Assuncao is regarded as one of the top 2028 face off specialists in New Jersey and last Sunday it was easy to see why he has earned that reputation. This elite FOGO displayed fast hands and polished footwork as he consistently won face-offs cleanly. Once the ball was in his mesh, Assuncao exploded off the dot and then streaked into the offensive end to create scoring opportunities. Last weekend, Assuncao proved he could score and distribute while running through multiple stick checks. Assuncao also demonstrated that he values possession by not forcing the fast break action and instead moving the ball to an open attack. Additionally, this poised FOGO with underrated stick skills showed that he could patiently carry the ball behind the cage and then feed cutters from X.     At the NJ vs. Philly Fall Challenge, Brydges displayed impressive speed, a non-stop motor, and unique versatility. The multi-skilled Brydges operated as an SSDM, O-mid, and even dabbled at LSM. On defense, Brydges showed he could be a gritty on-ball defender with a short stick or a pole. He also executed a handful of smart double teams that forced turnovers. The combination of his quick reactions and active stick resulted in several extraordinary ground-ball pickups. Offensively, Brydges was a plus player in Ridley's transition game. He flashed the shiftiness and stick skills to lead the fast break and then make the right decision on whether to fire on net or move the ball to an open teammate. College coaches will love the high IQ Brydges displayed.     The ridiculously skilled and highly decorated Grainger, an All-State and All-American pick, is committed to Division III power Washington & Lee. After his performances last Sunday, we predict that Grainger could have an immediate impact for the Generals in 2027. With his quick burst, elusive change-of-direction moves, and creative finishing skills, Grainger was unstoppable 1v1. Grainger's ability to run through contact until he got his hands free for a rip was impressive. Grainger also displayed an incredibly powerful shot from GLE, as well as the wing. The quick release and accuracy of his shot rendered goalies helpless. Grainger flashed creative passing skills, too.     McGrath is an incredibly athletic midfielder with considerable size who showcased an extraordinarily well-rounded skill set. At the NJ vs. Philly Fall Challenge, McGrath scored and distributed, operated with both hands, blew past, or ran through opposing defenders, and even dropped back to play a little SSDM. His explosive first step and smooth face dodges made initial defenders look like they were standing in concrete. He then swiftly dashed into open space for cranks at the net. When the help defense slid to him, McGrath's high IQ and field vision produced several Instagram worthy assists. McGrath's field awareness and ability to read a defense enabled to quarterback the EA offense from anywhere in the offensive end. The multi-skilled McGrath is committed to Richmond.      Last Sunday, Schwarzenbek was an absolute ground ball machine. In traffic or open space as well as on the face off wing, Schwarzenbek relentlessly pursued and then secured GBs like it was his job. Once he had possession, Schwarzenbek did an outstanding job of rolling to open space and then firing an outlet pass upfield or distributing back to a fellow pole. Schwarzenbek also legged out a few clears on his own. In addition to his GB skills, this athletic and rangy pole demonstrated he could provide tenacious on-ball defense at both LSM and close. His ability to work through or over screens was noteworthy, too. Plus, Schwarzenbek did a fantastic job of helping his defensive unit stay connected via his constant communication.

Below is a review of five additional prospects who caught our attention with their outstanding play last Sunday at the New Jersey vs. Philly Fall Challenge.