2003 ECNL Regional League VA – Boys Who Stood Out

2003 ECNL Regional League VA &#8211; Boys Who Stood Out

Drew Damico

September 23, 2021 @ 05:19 AM

ECNL Regional League Virginia: Richmond Strikers Win 3-2 Over Beach FC The U19 Richmond Strikers boys visited Virginia Beach looking to slow down a hot Beach FC team who started ECNL play with three straight wins. On a sunny but humid day, they did just that coming away with a hard-fought 3-2 win for their second win in two games in VA Regional play. The Strikers got on the board in the second minute when Sam Roberson picked a defender’s pocket and buried one from close range to grab the early momentum. Roberson followed that up with another goal shortly after that to grab his brace and Richmond went into halftime up 2-0. In a scrappy second half, Ryan McAdams scored the eventual game-winner for the Strikers sandwiched around Beach FC goals by ODU commit Gavin Dooren and Zach Richards. Boys Who Stood Out:

M Sam Roberson, Richmond Strikers, The Steward School, Class of 2023 A dynamic attacking center mid who commands the pitch. Has a powerful physical presence and speed to match any defender on the field. Has a knack for going to his right and cutting around outside backs back into the box. The dangerous finisher has to be accounted for at all times.

F Ryan McAdams, Richmond Strikers, Richard Bland CC, Class of 2021 A versatile player who started this game at forward but also plays outside back. Plays with passion and intensity and has a motor that doesn’t stop. Very fast forward who can be a handful for defenders with or without possession. He has a powerful shot that he can quickly unleash from anywhere in the box. Looks to take on defenders first and then distribute when he senses better options.

F Gavin Dooren, Beach FC, Cape Henry Collegiate, Class of 2022 (committed to Old Dominion) A leader and key member on Cape Henry Collegiate that has won three consecutive VISAA D1 State Titles (no tournament in 2020). He is an attacking player who moves effortlessly around the pitch. Likes to play wide and looks to either attack 1 v 1 or cross the ball into the box. Great vision and awareness of where defenders are around him. Solid first touch and is great dribbler in tight spaces. 2022 Player commitments: Gavin Page Gavin Page F Hickory | 2022 VA , Beach FC, Hickory, James Madison University Aaron Deans, Beach FC, Cox, Old Dominion University