Trey Muse (Indiana University, Freshman)
After star-turn displays in the Hoosiers’ run to the NCAA National Championship game, the plaudits and accolades have been pouring in for the freshman goalkeeper. Muse, who spent three years in the Sounders’ youth system, took college soccer by storm as a composed and athletic shot-stopper, leading the nation in shutouts (18), goals-against average (0.26) and save percentage (90.3%). That fine form carried over into the College Cup final against Stanford, where the 18-year-old kept Indiana in the match with a string of world-class saves. If Muse continues his rapid development at the collegiate level, he’ll have a bright future in the professional ranks.
Handwalla Bwana (University of Washington, Sophomore)
In terms of raw talent and technical ability, Bwana has to be considered one of the top prospects in college soccer. Whether it’s threading inch-perfect passes, combining through midfield or firing in goals, the University of Washington sophomore has shown a consistent knack for flipping a game on its head with a single moment of magic. After a blistering start to the 2017 campaign, in which Bwana tallied six goals and five assists, his production fell off a bit. But the Academy alum returned to form late in the season with two goals and an assist in his final three matches. His stellar performances throughout the season earned him a spot on the All-Region Team and the Pac-12 First Team, improving upon his Pac-12 Freshman of the Year accolade back in 2016.
Sean Bowman (University of San Francisco, Junior)
Bowman burst onto the scene as a mobile, clever forward in his freshman campaign. But after losing his starting job for the 2016 season -- he started just four matches and failed to score a goal -- the Bothell-born striker strung together his best season to date in 2017. From just 18 matches, Bowman led the Dons in points, scoring 11 goals and contributing two assists. His performances steadily improved throughout the campaign, culminating in a match-winning display against Cal in the first round of the NCAA tournament. All signs point to Bowman returning to USF for his senior season, so he’s definitely one to watch for the future.
Ivory Randle IV (Seattle University, Freshman)
A key component of the Redhawks’ stingy and dynamic back line, Randle was a revelation as a two-way left back, making 15 starts in his first college season. Blending strength, speed, technical ability and dogged defending, the Sammamish native was a lockdown 1v1 defender who can also bomb down the left flank and join the attack. Alongside freshman winger Gabby Ruiz, a Houston Dynamo product who scored a golazo against UW to send SU into the next round of the NCAA tournament, the Redhawks’ left-hand side will be formidable for years to come. And if Randle can continue to develop under the tutelage of Seattle University’s head coach/Sounders FC broadcaster Pete Fewing, he has the potential to be an intriguing professional prospect.
