When it came to the products being showcased in the Soccer Nation Expo this past weekend at the Los Angeles Convention Center, there were some good, some bad, and some ugly.

Ok, maybe there weren’t any “bad” per se, but some were more innovative than others.

In keeping with TopDrawerSoccer.com’s commitment to bringing you all things new and exciting in the soccer world, here is a list of the top five exhibitors at the expo.

Some are new, others are established names, but all shined over the two days.

5. Soccer Wave. Created by Ben Mazloompour in 2006, it’s made - excuse the pun - waves in its short existence. It's simplistic in its design, but effective nonetheless.

The Soccer Wave helps a player work on a couple basic skills without the presence of any other players. Rather than dribbling and banging a ball against the wall, as many young footballers do, you can direct it toward this curved device which returns the ball in the direction of the player.

Depending on where your strike hits the Soccer Wave the return pass could come high, low, or in either direction, simulating the unpredictability of real play.

While the original item is compact and easy to transport, the new Soccer Wave XP is even smaller and offers a flat back panel that allows both sides to be used simultaneously.

Global Goal (Photo - Global Goal)

4. Global Goal. This is an item that stands out because of its multidimensional function. At first glance, the unique contraption looks a bit confusing, kind of like a giant hamster’s wheel with a conical top - or side, depending on the angle at which you’re looking.

What you won’t get about the Global Goal just by looking at it, other than it’s a net divided into seemingly a million sections, is how many ways it can be used.

Suitable for an individual or team, one can head or strike against the returnable net, or try to pinpoint headers or chips through the top. Just by turning Global Goal on its side it can transform into a precise target.

It can be used for heading, passing and control, and also utilized for goalkeepers working on shot stopping groundwork or crosses.

The infamous bench

3. TravelChair. Based in Seattle, Washington, these mobile chairs have been around since 1984 but continue to improve.

Every chair contracts in size and is light enough to take anywhere. The standout chair is actually a new bench that was unveiled and has been doing particularly well with soccer teams. It features a must-see YouTube spot that says it all without saying a word.

Whether a team, soccer mom or dad or coach, Travel Chair has something that fits you. Big with campers and hikers, the chairs are surprisingly durable as well.

The

2. igoal. Already wildly popular in Europe, this inflatable goal is launching its campaign on the States. Perfect for the soccer junky, whether young or old, this product can fit inside a moderately sized bag and inflate in less than 60 seconds.  

Game on.

1. i360. The ipod is beginning to rival the cell phone as the gadget most can’t live without. With that in mind, the i360 was created.

It’s a special headband that allows you to enjoy your music without any wiring impeding your progress. You simply insert your iPod into the headband, which is equipped with a wiring system and dual detachable speakers. Hats, and beanies of the same design are available as well. It’s a product that gives so much in such a small package.

There are varying headbands to accommodate the model of ipod and it’s perfect for runners, snowboarders, skaters, and, yes, soccer players.

Remember these words: in the next year or so you will run into an entire team warming up on the practice field while outfitted in the i360. It makes too much sense.

The i360 gets extra props for being the coolest-named product at the expo.    

TopDrawerSoccer.com will have interviews with all five exhibitors in the coming days, as well as many more exhibitors who took part in the event.