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Though drafted as an MLS talent in 2015, Andy Craven spent most of his year and a half in Seattle with Sounders 2. While there he played both as a forward and along the right wing. Midseason he was released, and later signed with OKC Energy FC. During the offseason he has signed with FC Cincinnati.
The ranking is based on several hundred Sounder at Heart readers’ votes. Realio rated every single MLS regular season and playoff game as well as the two CONCACAF Champions League matches. He did not rate USL or USOC play.
Andy Craven 2016
| Competitions | Minutes | Starts | Subs | Goals | Assists | Realio Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Competitions | Minutes | Starts | Subs | Goals | Assists | Realio Rating |
| MLS | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | N/A |
| MLS Playoffs | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | N/A |
| USOC | 6 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | N/A |
| CCL | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | N/A |
| USL S2 | 1342 | 16 | 0 | 3 | 2 | N/A |
| USL OKC | 714 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 0 | N/A |
| TOTALS | 2062 | 26 | 2 | 3 | 2 | |
| Average | N/A |
Offense:
Craven is best running at a defense with the ball at his feet; his skill as a pure target man is limited and he should drift wide to win those types of headers. He is not great putting shots on target with his head, but does create opportunities with his feet and is a decent passer who keeps his head up while on the move. On set-pieces he’s best as a target to knock the ball to an ally, or to pick up scrap. A good supplemental piece on a roster, Andy is a goal-dangerous player that needs to refine his ability to separate from defenders to take the step to MLS.
Defense:
Great engine and will chase as a forward. Large enough to help defensively in set-piece situations. Better defending up top rather than on the wing. His effort can surprise, forcing hurried and poor passing.
Physique:
Though tall, broad, and strong, Craven moves well. He’s fast enough to challenge defenses, even from wide areas. Can win headers.
Best Case 2017:
Follows the lead of Sean Okoli and explodes to an MVP level performance with a club that has MLS ambitions; Craven could then step back into the league.
Sidenote:
This doesn’t normally show up in our profiles, but definitely needs mention with Andy. He has a compelling personality and is able to reach audiences quite well. He’s the type of player around which you can build a marketing campaign.