At a small place like Northwood, relationships are strong. The soccer players train together every day, eat dinner together, and travel together every weekend. Over time, these players bond and begin to understand each other better, both on and off the field. That is the case with two of the U19s: Tziyon Morris and Ashton Khory. They are both currently seniors, teammates, and part of the same Northwood soccer system. But that is about to change.
Next year, they will be competing against each other at college.
Illustration: Instagram.
Tziyon Morris, a center back, has committed to Old Dominion University, while Ashton Khory, a midfielder, has committed to James Madison University. Both are elite programs in the Sun Belt Conference, meaning Ashton and Tziyon will play against each other multiple times.
Commitment posts sent by Ashton Khory and Tziyon Morris.
Morris is not just another center back. His game intelligence is much higher than most center-backs, allowing him to play smart passes that no one else sees. Defensively, he is a player who reads the game well, stepping in at the right moments and controlling the whole backline. When you watch him play, you will immediately spot the composure and calm he brings to chaotic situations. He doesn’t just react; he predicts with his game intelligence. Many people compare him to players like Van Dijk as he brings both physical strength and mental intelligence.
Illustration: Instagram.
Khory, on the other hand, is a player who is all about flow. As a midfielder, he always has the ball, linking with players and connecting the team. He is extremely comfortable under pressure, which is not surprising given the hours he spends perfecting his craft on his own. He is a highly creative player, which makes it hard for defenders to predict his moves. He also likes to dictate the tempo of games and bring others into the game. Many people like to compare him to players like Paul Pogba because of his elite flair and size.
At Northwood, these players complement each other well, and I am sure they will miss playing on the same team.
The Morris vs Khory battle is interesting because it has developed naturally. They have spent years playing together and building such a strong relationship. Now, they will have to get used to competing against each other rather than with each other. This is a matchup to look for. They are friends who have been forced to be rivals.
