CCL Report: VA Rush U18s move into second place

The VA Rush U18 boys improved to 3-1-0 in CCL play and currently sit second in the table as keepers Robert Mackey and William Stanley combined for Rush's third clean sheet in four games. Rush's first goal was set up by an illegal handling call on the LMVSC keeper as a back pass was coming in high and hard. The ensuing indirect kick from six yards was stopped by the wall but the rebound came to Noa Denno who buried it from 12 yards with a beautiful side volley. Rush's second goal came via a penalty by Matthew Sabater after Wyatt Lutrell was fouled in the box. A back and forth second half did not produce any scoring and the match ended 2-0 in Rush's favor. LMVSC dropped to 0-2-0 in CLL play and travel to Roanoke to face unbeaten (2-0-1) Virginia Blue Ridge (VBR) in their next match. Next up for Rush is a trip to Herndon to face third-place VA Valor (3-1-1), which is averaging nearly four goals a game. <strong>Players Who Stood Out:</strong> [caption id="attachment_32039" align="alignright" width="300"]<img class="wp-image-32039 size-medium" src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2021/09/6ED602E2-F9EC-4518-B131-444FFDA1B8FB-300x225.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /> Noah Kephart[/caption] <strong>D Noah Kephart, VA Rush, First Colonial, Class of 2023</strong> An outstanding center back who has good height and easily wins aerial battles vs forwards. He was second in minutes played as a sophomore on his VHSL Class 5 state champion First Colonial squad. He's a great decision-maker with the ball at this feet and doesn't panic when under pressure. Has all the traits coaches look for in a center back. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; [caption id="attachment_32047" align="alignright" width="300"]<img class="wp-image-32047 size-medium" src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2021/09/ED4F9DB3-7CA4-4526-AA3D-8371C7AA9CD9-300x259.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="259" /> Photo: Carolyn Lynch, Courtesy Photo Angel Aguilar[/caption] <strong>M Angel Aguilar, LMVSC, Potomac (Va.), Class of 2023</strong> Does not back down from challenges and goes hard on 50/50 balls. Great cardio and conditioning, never seemed to tire while playing an aggressive midfield role. Excellent ball skills and looks to attack any defender 1 v 1, and always looked to win the ball back when not in possession. He is a passionate player who went hard for 80 minutes. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; [caption id="attachment_32043" align="alignright" width="300"]<img class="wp-image-32043 size-medium" src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2021/09/BD494886-C4C1-4869-B048-87CEE8460377-300x225.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /> Matthew Sabater[/caption] <strong>M Matthew Sabater, VA Rush, Landstown, Class of 2022</strong> Seemed to be attack-minded but also had no problem dropping into a CDM role. Great confidence, stepped up to the spot in 1-0 game to take his team's penalty which he finished with authority. Very good in tight spaces and flowed from side to side looking for space when not in possession. Very talkative and supportive of his teammates throughout the match. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; [caption id="attachment_32046" align="alignright" width="300"]<a href="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2021/09/BF57C48D-71F5-44D6-BE51-19FAA44AC846-crop-759x499-1632769240.jpeg"><img class="wp-image-32046 size-medium" src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2021/09/BF57C48D-71F5-44D6-BE51-19FAA44AC846-crop-759x499-1632769240-300x197.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> Photo: Carolyn Lynch Courtesy Photo Aguri Suzuki[/caption] <strong>D Aguri Suzuki, LMVSC, Madison, Class of 2023</strong> Very good outside back who can get up down the field supporting the attack. Quickly transitioned both ways with changes of possession. Smart player who seemed to anticipate where the play was going. Very good first touch and likes to play wide while his team had the ball. Forced opposing players wide and used his physicality to slow down attackers. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; [caption id="attachment_32041" align="alignright" width="300"]<img class="wp-image-32041 size-medium" src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2021/09/A234C3B3-2325-4B99-B592-7D41196E5B30-300x225.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /> Wyatt Lutrell[/caption] <strong>F Wyatt Lutrell, VA Rush, Ocean Lakes, Class of 2023</strong> A tough match-up for opposing center backs, made nice diagonal runs, and looked to get open. Good speed and was able to run onto balls played directly into space. Once in possession looked to go to goal and get shots off. Nice 1 v 1 skills, but knows when to distribute vice trying to beat two defenders. Dangerous with the ball at his feet in the final third.