Kevin Cope, Michigan State: The third defender ever to win the Michigan’s Mr. Soccer Award, Cope has long been built for the college stage. He is a player who thrives on intensity and it only enhances his ability to be playing on a level with like-minded competitors. A great leader with good physical size, Cope was named the conference’s co-Rookie of the Year along with this next player in our profile …

Hamoody Saad will be joined by brother Soony next season.

Matt Lampson, Ohio State: It could be said that goalkeeper is the hardest position on the field to excel at as a first-year player. A keeper has to earn the respect and trust of its team; and in turn, the team has to learn and respond to the sound of his/her voice. Lampson made the transition look fairly seamless. He started 17 of the Buckeyes’ games and earned nine shutouts. Lampson has great height at 6-3, and after transferring from Northern Illinois, where he redshirted, he was the main reason Ohio State allowed the fewest number of goals in the conference on its way to a second round appearance in the NCAAs.

Hamoody Saad, Michigan: After a tremendous club career with the Michigan Wolves and Vardar of the U.S. Development Academy, Saad was an instant impact player. He was third on the team with six assists and five goals and proved he could make things happen while starting in 14 games. Even better for the Wolverines, Saad will be extra motivated to continue his rise next season when little brother Soony arrives. It’ll be exciting times at Michigan as the Saad’s can flat out score goals.

Chris Hegngi, Ohio State: Having nearly won a national title with D.C. United last summer, Hegngi came to the OSU program with great vibes and skills. He is very good on the ball and has suitable size for the college level. His feet and finishing ability allowed him to break the starting lineup right away where he stayed for every game. Hegngi finished with four assists and three goals (second on the team in both categories) and will only grow.

Matt Wiet, Indiana: This Columbus Crew prospect was a strong contributor for the Indiana defense from the start. He appeared in 21 matches with 20 starts while playing in the midfield a little before moving back to defense and helping the unit record eight shutouts. Wiet is a natural man marker and will be a pleasure for the new coach Todd Yeagley.