1st Two 2008 Generation Adidas Signings...

Folks, I've pointed you to 3rd Degree many times. Those loyal to the premier pre-season signing site already know this. Those slow on the draw won't have read yet that Buzz says both Ciaran O’Brien and Eric Avila have decided to sign before their senior years with MLS and the Generation Adidas program. Buzz gives the scoop, I'll fill you in on the players since both are long time members of my database.

Interestingly both players are currently students at UCSB. While Avila did feature heavily in the 2006 national championship, O'Brien was at the University of San Diego before transferring for his Sophomore season at UCSB.

Eric Avila - M - 20 yrs old - 5'9": 2004 ESP All*Star, 2005 StudentSportsSoccer.com #6 top prospect, 2005 2nd All-Freshman Team, US U-17 Team, 2006 CSN 3rd Team All-American, 2006 NSCAA/adidas All-America Team 2nd Team, 2007 CSN Pre-Season 1st Team All-American, 2007 MAC pre-season Hermann Trophy watch, 2008 US U-23.

2007: 4 g - 8 a - 20 GP - 35.7% SOG
2006: 8 g - 5 a - 25 GP
2005: 3 g - 5 a - 21 GP

Ciaran O'Brien - M - 20 yrs old - 5'9": 2004 - 2005 ESP, 2005 ESP All*Star, 2005 NSCAA/adidas Boys Youth All-America Team, 2006 CSN 100 Freshman to Watch, 2006 CSN 2nd All-Freshman Team, 2006 SA Freshman of the year 2nd team, 2006 NSCAA Freshman All-America, 2007 All PDL Team, 2006 Big East All-Conference, 2007 CSN 3rd Team All-American.

2007: 7 g - 11 a - 21 GP - 44.4% SOG
2006: 6 g - 4 a - 19 GP

Both creative midfielders should get consideration in the first round of the SuperDraft. They're Generation Adidas status will ensure teams take a gamble on them. Avila will be the more sought after of the Goucho pair and their inclusion in the draft pool certainly increases the quality of the midfield prospects. They'll be two of the final 8-12 players added to the combine. Add Richardo Pierre-Louis to that list and we're looking at between 5-9 potential GA slots remaining.