Taig Healy is a 22-year-old attacking midfielder for Fort Wayne FC, signing for them at the conclusion of his college career with North Carolina State. He began at the University of New Hampshire before playing his final two years of eligibility with the Wolfpack. As a senior, he started all 22 games (he never missed a start in two seasons), scoring 5 goals and assisting 8 more. He scored a goal in four straight matches to end the season, including the College Cup final loss to the Washington Huskies.
Healy is a diminutive, skinny midfielder at 5’7”, 145 lbs. He is quite agile and quick, but is clearly at a strength disadvantage. This means he struggles in physical duels, though his balance and press resistance are admirable for his size, while having the gamesmanship to draw fouls when outmatched. Stronger opponents do still knock him off balance, and his stature limits his aerial presence. Healy’s quickness allows him to explode into space on delayed and trailing runs. He plays with clear intensity and urgency, showing passion and consistent high energy.
Healy profiles as a no.10, most comfortable as a pocket player in the half spaces. His left foot is highly dangerous, able to curl set piece finishes into the back of the net while being accurate chipping in crosses and sending through balls into the final third. His scanning and awareness are at a high standard for this level. He must improve his decision-making speed, as it is inconsistent, taking too long to release the ball at times. Healy is a generally quick and progressive distributor, though, and is strong in combination play within one or two touches. The technique of his passing is a high standard for the level, able to break lines with receivable weight, hitting targets in stride when needed. Off ball, he is effective on counters, understanding how to control tempo and spacing while having well-timed delayed and trailing runs to crash into the box and create danger. He finishes using great timing and placement once entering the box, staying composed and being decisive enough to shoot first or second time. His shot selection can be poor, striking low-percentage long shots and attempting ill-advised chances when the defense is too close. His technique when finishing must become more consistent to limit rushed strikes and skied chances. Healy can be selfish at times, deciding to shoot instead of truly evaluating his creative options. Although he is comfortable receiving on the half turn and progressive carrying under pressure, he tends to overdribble, which causes him to run out of options. His first touch can be heavy when receiving in stride or under pressure. His weak foot is functional but does not stand out—he lacks confidence in it and some quality.
Out of possession, Healy is a willing and energetic presser, but his defensive work rate is inconsistent, not playing with the same urgency he does in attack. His quickness helps him to close space and disrupt the buildup. His read of the game in attack translates when the opposition is in possession, playing with anticipation, which allows him to intercept. At times, he will hustle back on recovery runs during transition, especially after set pieces. Healy also fouls unnecessarily near his own box and complains or dissents the referee, presenting that he may have to reel his passion in a bit.
Healy has the technical ability to play much higher than USL League One. Expect him to spend a couple of seasons at this level, putting up similar stats to his NCAA Division I days as his frame fills out. With added strength and improved, quicker decision-making, Healy will be able to carve out a long USL Championship career for himself.
Target Scouting 