They may be new to the college level, but these freshmen phenoms are making a mark on the pitch early on this season in D1 Men’s Soccer. A number of these star prospects come from overseas, but a couple are home grown, as well. Get to know their names, from the look of it, they’ll be making noise for a while.
Luka Prpa — Marquette (15 points)
With 15 total points, Luka Prpa is ranked second in the country behind Buffalo senior Russell Cicerone, who has 18. Prpa is leading BR-109 Marquette in goals (5), assists (5), points, shots (14) and shots on goal (6).
Born in Milwaukee, Prpa enrolled at IMG Academy in Florida as a sophomore in high school and was ranked as the No. 1 midfielder in the Midwest. He has been a member of the U-14, U-15 and U-17 U.S. National Teams and is in the Olympic Development program. This season already, Prpa was named National Player of the Week by both the National Soccer Coaches Association of America and Top Drawer Soccer.
Photo Courtesy: Marquette Athletics
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Siggi Benonysson — High Point (9)
Fresh off the plane from Iceland, Siggi Benonysson has been nothing short of spectacular for BR-123 High Point. Just three games in, the freshman has racked up four goals and one assist for nine total points. He has gotten off seven shots with all seven being on goal, leading High Point to a 2-0-1 record.
Benonysson has been named the Big South Freshman of the Week and was tabbed to the College Soccer News National Team of the Week as well early this year. Prior to joining the Panthers roster, Benonysson played with the U-17 and U-19 National teams in Iceland, leading the U-19 team in goals with 14 in 17 games played.
Photo Courtesy: High Point Athletics
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Niklas Brodacki — Central Arkansas (8)
Down at BR-195 Central Arkansas, Niklas Brodacki is leading the charge for the Bears. The forward from Sweden has scored four goals for eight total points in three games played, including a hat trick against Central Baptist.
Brodacki has taken 11 shots with six on goal and notched a game-winner in 238 minutes played. He was named the Missouri Valley Conference Offensive Player of the Week once already.
Photo Courtesy: Central Arkansas Athletics
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Kai Bennett — Jacksonville (7)
Kai Bennett has only started one of the four games that he’s played in this year for BR-198 Jacksonville, but he’s made the most of his time on the pitch. Bennett has three goals and one assist for a total of seven points.
He has gotten off seven shots with four on goal. Bennett hails from nearby Georgia where he led his high school team to its first ever state title. During his HS career at Riverwood, he scored 31 goals, including 21 during his senior campaign.
Photo Courtesy: Jacksonville Athletics
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Lewis Suddick — Butler (7)
Lewis Suddick is leading the BR-17 Butler Bulldogs in both goals scored (3) and total points (7) this season in his debut season on the pitch. Suddick also has an assist and has taken four shots with three on goal.
The England native also notched one game-winner in leading the Bulldogs to a 2-0-1 start.
Photo Courtesy: Bulldogs Athletics
