#CollegeSoccerExposed Catches Up With ACC Freshman Sensation Zach Knudson

2014 Atlantic Coast Conference All-Freshman Team selection, Zach Knudson is up next on #CollegeSoccerExposed.

Previously starring for U.S. Development Academy power, PDA, Knudson moved on to NC State after an impressive run in the academy system. Going into his senior year in high school, Knudson was classified as a four-star recruit and ranked 24th in New Jersey by Topdrawersoccer.com. 

While Knudson has spent the majority of his development stateside, he's no stranger to world-renowned youth academies. Over the course of Knudson's upbringing, he's had the opportunity to travel to both Colombia and Spain for training stints. 

During the 2013 Capelli Sport/Newark Liberty International Soccer Summit in Newark, N.J., PDA met with Queens Park Rangers Football Club of England which saw Knudson net the equalizer for the Americans. The 2013 Capelli Sport/Newark Liberty International Soccer Summit also played host to youth academies such as Inter Milan, Liverpool and Maccabi Haifa FC most notably.

Knudson hit the ground running for NC State this past fall finishing with four goals and two assists in 17 games securing third in total offense for the Wolfpack with a combined ten points. The 19 year-old from Oakland, N.J. was the lone representative for NC State on the ACC All-Freshman team which culminated with a selection to the New York Redbulls U23 side for the summer of 2015. 

#CollegeSoccereExposed caught up with Knudson to get his thoughts on college soccer, what it's like overseas and his plans for the summer. 

CSE - Fundamental: What's the best part about college soccer?

Knudson: The best part about college soccer is being able to play the game I love while acquiring an education. Nowhere else in the world allows athletes to be able to compete at a top level while pursuing a degree. Becoming educated is vital and college gives the best of both worlds; education and athletics.

CSE - Fundamental: What's the worst part about college soccer?

Knudson: The worst part about college soccer is the condensed schedule, packing so many games into such a short span of time [isn't beneficial for players]. To begin, it doesn't allow the proper amount of time to recover fully. Second, everyone is more injury prone due to fatigue. Lastly, due to the constant physical injuries, players are never given the proper amount of time to fully recover, preventing them from being seen at their peak.

CSE - Player Specific: Describe what it was like playing in Colombia and Spain and compare the level of play/atmosphere to college soccer.

Knudson: Colombia, Spain, and the United States vary in level and style of play. Colombian soccer is more technical, flashy and aggressive, however it lacks tactics. Spain is a very fast paced and technical style. South American & European cultures are influenced heavily by soccer, creating a soccer focused atmosphere. College soccer is much more physical than European & South American soccer, however it lacks technical presence. Also, being that American culture isn't heavily influenced by soccer as much, it is overall a less exciting environment.

CSE - Player Specific: After a solid rookie season with NC State, how do you plan to build on this past season and what are some of your goals heading into your sophomore year?

Knudson: Sophomore season is a big year for all division one athletes. It's a year that can put you on the radar for greater things; I plan on focusing on all my weaker areas throughout the course of this spring to make improvements. Spring and summer are going to be a huge part of coming into next fall in prime shape, physically and technically. I hope to be able to make the ACC First-Team, double my goal count, and help the team make an NCAA tournament appearance.

CSE - Player Specific: What does it mean to play for the New York Redbulls U23 team this summer?

Knudson: Playing with an MLS academy offers huge benefits. It allows me to play at the highest amateur level, while working with some of the greatest coaches within a competitive environment. This is a great opportunity for me to become a better player and I look forward to working with the staff and players throughout the course of this summer.

If Knudson continues in the direction he's going and reaches some of the goals he's set for next season, he might be one to watch for in the not so distant future. Keep it here for weekly installments, as we expose some of the greatest and poorest aspects of college soccer as told by the players. 

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#CollegeSoccerExposed - "The Second Coming" : Ian Harkes

Former United States Men's National Team Captain, John Harkes was one of the first American's to make it to the English Premier League. Harkes was the face of U.S. Soccer in the 90's and has been retired for just over 13 years. Now that his playing days are over, Harkes has been running his own radio show in the Washington D.C. area; and while this USMNT pioneer has been trying his craft on the radio, the next generation has been on the rise.

The son of this National Soccer Hall of Famer is current Wake Forest University midfielder Ian Harkes, seemingly the next in line. After being born in Derby, England, Ian and the Harkes family settled down in Fairfax, Virginia. He would go on to prove his worth in the academy system of possibly the most storied Major League Soccer franchise, D.C. United. As a budding star, Harkes carved up the high school soccer scene and was named a High School All-American by the NSCAA along with receiving an invitation to the coveted High School All-American game; ultimately attracting the attention of the Wake Forest Coaching Staff.

While at Wake Forest, Harkes has made an immediate impact for the Demon Deacons. In his freshman season, Harkes was the only player to start every game which culminated with a selection to the ACC All-Freshman Team.

Following his stellar rookie campaign, sophomore year took him one step further as Harkes was named to the ACC All-Second Team. #CollegeSoccerExposed sat down with Harkes to get his take on the good and the bad of college soccer, D.C. United Academy, the weight that comes with his name and what the future has in store for him.

CSE - Fundamental: What's the best part about college soccer?

Harkes: I would say one of the most rewarding aspects of college soccer is representing your college on the national stage against some of the best players older, younger, and your same age. There is a focus that comes with being a college student-athlete that makes you work hard and dedicate yourself to the sport as well.

CSE - Fundamental: What's the worst part about college soccer?

Harkes: I think one of the worst things about being a college soccer player is how short the season is and not being able to have a full year season.

CSE - Player Specific: How has D.C. United Academy helped you develop as a player?

Harkes: D.C. United Academy helped me prepare for the college level with the level of competition they provided and gave me a way to play a quality brand of soccer.

CSE - Player Specific: What are some aspects you personally deal with soccer wise that are directly related with being the son of John Harkes?

Harkes: I haven't really felt too much pressure from fans but there is an unspoken expectation that I feel and one that I actually put on myself to be the best that I can be because of my name. I don't feel pressure to be as good as my dad and I have felt no pressure from him or my parents to even play the game. However, I am inspired by him and love the game.

CSE - Player Specific: What does the future hold for you in regards to your soccer career?

Harkes: I hope my future does involve soccer because it is something I am passionate about and hopefully I will one day be able to play professionally. I know that this is a difficult dream to achieve but Wake Forest is hopefully helping me get one step closer.

There is no denying Harkes comes from one of the most soccer affluent families in the United States and he seems to be well on his way towards making a mark similar to his father's on U.S. Soccer. His arrival on the professional stage might just be imminent.

Stay locked in to see which future star from college soccer is up next on #CollegeSoccerExposed.

#CollegeSoccerExposed Sits Down With Akron Star Adam Najem To Get His Take On College Soccer

Former U20 U.S. National Team player Adam Najem might just be the next big star out of college soccer. After being named to the All-Freshman teams by both College Soccer News and Soccer America, Najem was named captain of the Akron Men's Soccer Team as a sophomore and continues to grow as the play-maker for the Zips. The Clifton, N.J. native currently sits 37th nationally by Topdrawersoccer.com and 2nd in the Mid-American Conference. #CollegeSoccerExposed caught up with Najem to get his thoughts on the best and the worst college soccer has to offer, his family reunion in Germany and what brought him to Akron. 

CSE - Fundamental: What's the best part about college soccer?

Najem: The best part of college soccer is probably the ability to continue my education while continuing to play soccer each and every day. Not many people have the chance to further their education in college and to be able to play while doing that is truly a blessing. Education has always meant a lot to my family and me, and we believe it’s such an important thing to have that college degree. In regards to college soccer specifically, going to a school like Akron, it is really amazing to see the support of the community and students on and off the field. The atmosphere of not only our stadium, but rival stadiums is truly something that I will always remember.

CSE - Fundamental: What's the worst part about college soccer?

Najem: The worst part of college soccer probably has to be the condensed scheduling. The two to three games a week really takes a toll on the bodies of the players and sometimes it can affect the style of play for teams. Players may be hampered by injuries throughout the season, and with the short rest periods they may not be able to get back into rhythm and it can affect them greatly.

CSE - Player Specific: You had the chance to go pro before college, what about college soccer and the deal you were offered made college soccer a more beneficial route?

Najem: Education has always been important to my family and me. The opportunity to play professionally is something I always dream of, but when the opportunity came during high school, my family and I just didn’t think it was the right time and situation for me. I’ve never regretted the decision I made because once we put that offer aside I just moved on and started to focus on my next stage of life, which is currently college. I’ve learned so many things about soccer while being here at Akron, and while it may not be a professional team, I truly feel like I have become a better player by being here, while still furthering my education.

CSE - Player Specific: You spent last summer in Germany, talk about the teams you played with as well as the overall environment there and how it compares to college soccer.

Najem: Last summer in Germany was such a great experience for me. Having my brother [David Najem] playing out there really opened up some great connections and I was able to train with Nurnberg’s U21 team and Borussia Monchengladbach’s U23 team. I've always said that the European soccer environment is something people have to experience for themselves to really get a great feel for. The training's, games, and overall atmosphere is always so professional, and they truly live for the sport out there. Credit to some of the coaches in college soccer that have really taken initiative to improve the game and become more and more tactically and technically sound. At Akron, our coaches really go into depth about the game and allow us to see the game differently, very similar to the way European teams do. So in regards to that, depending on schools and coaches, we are not too far behind the European teams. But what I really enjoyed the most and what I truly learned from over there was just the attitude the players brought into training every single day. Soccer is their livelihood over there, so while people in college may have other dreams and goals and may not take it as seriously, players over there treat it as their only way to live and you can see it in their mentality every training session.

Najem is currently in his second semester as a sophomore at Akron studying Marketing Management. He is in the process of planning his summer and a trip to Europe in a few months may be in his future.

Stay tuned to see which future star from college soccer is up next on #CollegeSoccerExposed.