John Gallagher

What Scouts Say: "Left back with attacking mentality ... Smart player ... Similar stregnths and weaknesses to Seth Sinovic (Sporting KC) ... Has more variety in his crossing, and can whip a ball in better than Sinovic ... Was a forward growing up, they tried him at left mid but he made a very good left back and has played two years there ... Defending side of the game is a work in progress ... Physically a beast ... He can run with guys and had good speed ... He's not a stay-at-home guy ... Needs more time at left back but he's strong and athletic ... Best prospect out of Big 10 aside from Indiana's Eriq Zavaleta ... Can do things both ways, defensively good and has a good temperament for the game ... Needs a little more seasoning, but upside is good ... He needs the tactical piece, but stays connected with the back four. That's stuff he can pick up ... Not blazing fast but he's not slow ... Decent 1-v-1 in the final third."

College: Attended Penn State University all four years of his college career (2009-2012) ... Appeared in six games his freshman season ... Appeared in 12 games, starting three, in his sophomore season, registered one goal, a blast from 35 yards out ... Played 21 games in 2011, starting 18. Put up two assists ... Started all 15 games he appeared in during the 2012 season. Tallied a goal and three assists from a new left back position and was effective in set piece delivery. Helped the Nittany Lions to concede just 15 goals in 16 games and post seven shutouts. Named First Team All-Big Ten and NSCAA All-Great Lakes Region second team.

Prep: Graduated Pine Bush High School in Pine Bush, N.Y. Honored as the Orange County Interscholastic Athletic Association (OCIAA) Player of the Year in 2006.

Club: Played on the Super Y National Select Team in 2006 and 2007 and on the USYSA Region I Team and Eastern New York State Team in 2006. Earned club experience with FC Westchester US Soccer Academy. 

Links:

Penn State University: Official player page

TopDrawerSoccer.com: Player page 

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