Joe's Big Board of top MLS prospects

Entering the 2011 college season, Top Drawer's Joe Mauceri ranks the top prospects for the 2012 MLS SuperDraft.

1. F, Ethan Finlay, Creighton -- "If it's goals you like ... " is a soccerism that fits the senior forward. Finlay has always had a knack for putting the ball in the back of the net. He is cultured off the ball and resourceful with it at his feet, showing a consistent ability to strike with power and accuracy. He has the special ability to create something from nothing in front of the net.

2. D, Matthew Hedges, North Carolina -- Just transferred in from Butler, Hedges is a 6-foot-4 center back who is equally adept at marking would-be goalscorers out of the game, and winning deliveries into the penalty area with his excellent aerial game.

3. D, Austin Berry, Louisville -- The 6-2 center back is solid in the defensive end and a force to be reckoned with going forward,having shown a consistent ability to meet crosses with his head and power them toward goal with accuracy. A very strong player, Berry also creates opportunities for others on set pieces simply by drawing defenders to himself.

4. F, Billy Schuler, North Carolina -- The youth national team veteran had an injury-plagued season last year, but his goal-scoring ability is coveted by pro scouts at home and abroad. His running off the ball is as intelligent as you will find, and this often puts him in good goal-scoring position, a place from where he tends to capitalize.

5. F, Colin Rolfe, Louisville -- Adept at scoring in transition, utilizing his attributes of speed and timing. Rolfe can smack a ball with pace and accuracy and has a consistently positive attitude about pressing forward.

1. D, Andrew Wenger, Duke -- The complete package at center back. Wenger is strong as an ox in dealing with burly forwards, but also reads the game and positions himself exceptionally well. Had above-average passing ability for a defender.

2. M, Kelyn Rowe, UCLA -- Youth national team veteran is an exciting offensive talent. Rowe combines slashing runs on the ball with strong athletic ability and a good soccer brain. He knows where the goal is and how to get into a position to put the ball there.

3. M, Dillon Powers, Notre Dame -- A two-way midfielder with an appealing blend of rugged tackling and cultured passing. The Dallas-area native's best attribute may be his field vision, which is exceptional.

4. F, Darren Mattocks, Akron -- This explosive forward fits so well into Caleb Porter's system at Akron. He has good technical speed for driving at goal, rapid acceleration for running onto through balls and the ability to turn his marker when playing with his back to goal. Look for a big year from the Jamaican.

5. D, Eric Schoenle, West Virginia -- A defender with a major upside in the form of offensive ability. Schoenle is good in the air on set pieces, but also can play with the ball at his feet, even making the occasional dribbling foray into the opposition half. The 6-2 junior from the Philadelphia area has strong defensive abilities as well.

See the full list: Top pro prospects tracked every week | College Soccer News