Five Midfielders to Spotlight in the Class of 2027

As September 1st awaits, college coaches are chomping at the bit to get in contact with the high profile class of 2027 recruits. It was an active summer for the Rising Junior class, and a few midfielders in particular may have upped their value in a big way leading up to Labor Day. Let’s dive into the five standouts that separated themselves from the pack:

Anthony Asaro – Garden City HS/Shore 2 Shore

Asaro was a man amongst boys on the tournament trail this summer. The 6’2, 200 pound midfielder was a force dodging from the point, running by (and sometimes through) defenders to get his hands free for optimum scoring opportunities. He proved to be a lethal shooter, showing off his ability to shoot on the run effectively with both hands, which made him nearly unguardable on offense.

Lucas Diamond – Shoreham Wading River HS/Legacy

There’s an inner confidence, and swagger from Diamond when he carries the ball. It’s seen by anyone who watches him, and it doesn’t take long to understand why. The midfielder is not only physically gifted, but his IQ is as good as it comes in his age group. His swiftness in his dodges creates great separation, and it isn’t often that he doesn’t capitalize on it. Dodger, feeder, shooter, Diamond can do it all.

Nick Haugen – Half Hollow Hills HS/Shore 2 Shore

Fresh off a Class A New York State title, Haugen continued his stellar 2025 on the summer circuit with the Shore 2 Shore Grizzlies. The rising junior flashed his offensive potential, winning his matchups on the perimeter and seamlessly turning them into goals or nice feeds. The grit that Haugen possesses is evident in the way he welcomes contact on his dodges. His physical presence alone makes him quite the handful to deal with as a defender.

Hayden Sipress – Chaminade HS/Team 91

Sipress showcased his elusiveness and quick shot releases all summer long. The Chaminade product is twitchy in his dodges with an instinctiveness to get to the goal. He gives goaltenders headaches with his ability to shoot from different angles and change up his ball placement. Sipress is the definition of a pure scorer.

Brady Smith – Manhasset HS/Shore 2 Shore

Smith plays with a chip on his shoulder that gives him an edge over his opposition. The athletic midfielder shines in between the restraining line, gobbling up ground balls and navigating the field in the clearing game. He’s a menace on the defensive side of the ball, irritating opposing dodgers with his savvy stick checks. Smith is all about doing the dirty work, and it’ll make him quite the attraction to college scouts.