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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