We had a chance over the weekend to sit down with RSL Assistant Coach and Technical Director of Youth Development Brian Johnson and chat about each of the 20 players that we had with us in Madrid. Take a peek below to see what BJ had to say about each of the guys…

Mike D’Arrigo (GK):  Mike is a great shot stopper, constantly coming up with the big save to keep his team in the game. A good distributor who is very long with his kicks.

Jason Dodson (GK): Jason is physical presence in goal. Handles balls in the air very well and possesses an impressive kicking game and good footwork for a big keeper. Constantly improving.

Taylor Bowlin (DF): A true team captain, has the ability to lead by example on and off the field. Very consistent 1 v 1 defender on both the left and right side of the defense. Very good at getting forward and helping out the attack.

Taylor Peay (DF): Taylor is a big, strong, fast and skillful central defender. Very good at organizing the players around him. Another very good 1 v 1 defender. Causes the opposing defense difficulties attacking on corners and free kicks.

Carlos Cruz (DF): Very composed when in possession of the ball, Carlos takes up good starting positions while in defense. Comfortable with both feet. Very confident.

Josh Kealamakia (DF): An excellent ball winner, Josh is very good at stepping into the midfield when man marking a FW. His great size and physical strength makes him difficult to defend on all set pieces.

Jon Pearman (DF): Jon is a central defender who is very good at winning balls and has great pace for a big defender. A strong 1 v 1 defender when isolated with the opponents forward.

Kodiac Gamble (DF): Versatile player who can play in both the defense and midfield. Always puts the team before himself. Very good at reading the game. Confident on both the left and right sides of the field.

Adrian Saldana (MF): Excellent play-making midfielder. A great striker of the ball with both feet, Adrian is very dangerous on attacking set pieces. A tireless worker on both sides of the ball with great athletic ability.

Mike Hodgen (MF): Mike is a 2-way central midfielder who likes to join the attack, yet will do the dirty work on defense. Excellent in the air. Very coachable and always looking to get better.

Karson Payton (MF): A true wide midfielder, Karson is right footed but plays on the left flank. Excels running at the defense and is able to go inside or outside, keeping the defenders guessing. Possesses great pace.

Trevor Henderson (MF): Trevor is one of the hardest working players on the team. Very skillful player who causes defenses problems with his tenacious defending and relentless attacking. Always a team player.

Tommy Martin (MF): Tommy is great in the air on all set pieces. As a holding midfielder, he is excellent at disrupting opponents rhythm in the midfield.

Colin Anderson (MF): Colin is a versatile player who can contribute in both the defense and midfield. Looks to play the simple ball first while putting himself in great positions to support his teammates. A very honest player.

Nick Marshall (MF/FW): A tireless worker with a very good first touch. Strong in the air on set pieces and makes good, timed runs behind the defense to create goal scoring opportunities. Can play both in the midfield or up top.

Donny Toia (MF/FW): A true left sided player either in the midfield or as a striker. Excellent running at defenders while in possession of the ball. A good ball winner who doesn’t shy away from contact. His versatility is a strength.

TJ East (FW): Very strong and physical striker. TJ is very good at playing with his back to goal and holding the ball up, allowing his teammates to join the attack. Very good pace for his size, with a knack for goal in the box.

James Rogers (FW): James is very opportunistic in front of the goal. Causes the defense all kinds of problems because of his skill and pace with and without the ball. Is capable of scoring goals in many different ways.

Danny Mwanga (FW): His combination of speed, skill and composure with the ball make him a nightmare for opposing defenses to contain. Great first touch, looks to get his teammates involved but is able to create space for himself as well. Very coachable.

Joey Layton (FW): likes to make runs in behind the defense because of his breakaway speed. Is a physical forward who doesn’t mind contact. Very good in front of the goal. Very coachable.