There are shooters, there are scorers, and then there is Rick Giordano! Even as an underclassman at Darien (CT), he displayed a natural feel for the game and a pure touch that immediately caught coaches’ eyes. By the time Rick arrived at Brunswick, that foundation had evolved into one of the most dangerous offensive profiles in the 2026 class. Giordano changes the geometry of a defense — forcing rotations, opening lanes, and commanding attention the second he touches the ball.

His production only tells part of the story. In 2024, Rick had a sensational sophomore season totaling 37 points (25G, 12A) as the Bruins went 17–1, their lone loss to Lawrenceville (NJ), the eventual national champion who avenged their only earlier defeat. He followed that with 37 goals and 15 assists (52 points) during a breakout junior year in 2025, helping Brunswick compile a 14–3 record against a schedule loaded with nationally ranked opponents.

Giordano warps coverage with elite time-and-room mechanics. He has smooth hands, a ferocious first step, and effortless power transfer that allows him to generate velocity from angles most high school midfielders can’t attempt. He’s dangerous with either hand, punishing defenders who misstep or take a bad angle. Rick can still find daylight when opponents execute perfectly. His split dodge up top consistently creates separation, and his downhill release is fast, heavy, and precise. The blend of burst, balance, and leverage makes him a nightmare matchup for shortsticks and long poles alike.

However, he’s far more than a finisher – Giordano plays with pace, purpose, high-end stick skills, and turns defensive transitions into instant offense. He beats pressure, swims through rides, and attacks north–south with intent. He can sling the skip pass, hit the simple touch, or draw a slide and distribute off contact. A legit sniper with creative instincts, he’s a playmaker ready to thrive in the ACC’s up-tempo, run-and-gun style.

Now signed to the University of North Carolina, Rick Giordano enters his senior season as one of the most complete midfielders in the country — a player who looks ready to turn up on Tobacco Road.

Giordano is sure to make an impact the second he steps on the turf. His explosive bursts of power allow him to create space and fire off shots from almost anywhere on the offensive end of the field. He takes advantage of high-pressure situations with speed, agility, and a level head on his shoulders. Give him an inch of space, and that ball will find its way to the back of the net. Ranked #9 in his class, Giordano is only at the beginning of his career.

Rick Giordano Rick Giordano 5'9" | 180 lbs | M | Right Hand Brunswick | 2026 #23 Nation CT is always a dominant force and a constant presence on the field. His shot is one of the fastest and most accurate, and it’s an absolute weapon. When Giordano is on the field, he consistently draws the LSM assigned to him, a testament to his ability to control the game and draw defensive attention. Beyond his shooting prowess, Giordano’s toughness stands out. In the final seconds of the game, he took several heavy hits from Lawrenceville’s defender, but not once did he lose his composure. Despite the physicality, he remained poised with the ball as if it didn’t faze him. North Carolina is getting a true talent in Giordano, and he’s poised to make an immediate impact at the next level.

After racking up 25 goals and 12 assists for a veteran-laden ‘Wick offense, Garcia’s longtime running mate was incredibly productive at BIC and continued to show off his elite outside shot. His release is uncanny, hiding it behind his ear and letting it rip before goalies can even get a read. He often made things happen when re-dodging and consistently applied pressure with his outside shot. In terms of his development, I’d like to see Giordano develop as a passer. He tends to hold on to the ball and would benefit from dodging to feed more regularly given how much attention is put on him due to his ability to stretch a defense.