VA State Cup U16 Boys: VA Rush-VBR Star
The U16 Virginia Blue Ridge (VBR) Star Premiership team made a five-hour road trip to Virginia Beach to face the Virginia Rush in a U16 VA State Cup quarterfinal match on Saturday. These two sides sit atop the table in…
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Continue ReadingThe U16 Virginia Blue Ridge (VBR) Star Premiership team made a five-hour road trip to Virginia Beach to face the Virginia Rush in a U16 VA State Cup quarterfinal match on Saturday. These two sides sit atop the table in the CCL so this was bound to be a good match-up. In a tale of two halves based on the end to end blowing wind, VBR struck first and went into the half with a 1-0 advantage. Rush wasted no time in the second half as substitute Marcus Arellano fired a shot from close range that caromed off of a defender and past the keeper just five minutes in. As Rush continued to possess and connect passes in the final third, center midfielder Bryce Jones broke the deadlock in the 66th minute with a sweet goal on an assist from Will Jennings to go up 2-1. Rush kept the pressure on the remainder of the game and eventually scored a last minute goal on another assist from Will Jennings to Ryan Walsh to secure the win and move on to the semifinals. A rematch and first place awaits these two as VBR Star will again travel to Virginia Beach this Sunday for a CCL match.
Players who stood out:
M Bryce Jones, VA Rush, First Colonial, Class of 2024
A very active midfielder who has a compact frame and uses his body well in tight spaces. Quality first touch which enabled him to make quick decisions with the ball. Was not afraid to challenge defenders when in an attacking role. Very good transition both ways in the midfield which is key for any center mid. Was up to the challenge all day and always wanted the ball.
F Ryan Walsh, VA Rush, Landstown, Class of 2025
A shifty and quick forward. Good movement off the ball, and has a quick shot that he doesn’t need a lot of space to get off. Played on the left and looked to cut to his right but plays well with both feet. Produced a goal in the final minute by putting in hard work and not tiring at the end of the game. Definitely has a forward mentality.
K Colin Rhodes, VA Rush, First Flight (NC), Class of 2025
Played well in windy conditions in a pressure match. Comfortable coming off his line and is at ease when the ball is played back to him. Not afraid to go to ground and made a few difficult saves look routine. Nice height for a young keeper and directed his back line. The goal he conceded was from the VBR forward who was in alone on a through ball. Overall very solid performance in goal!
M Marcus Arellano, VA Rush, Kellam, Class of 2024
Did exactly what a substitute should do. He subbed in toward the end of the first half and then started the second half in the midfield and made a difference in the match. Very active and played wide and when the opportunity existed, he got his team on the board with a quality finish. Good speed off the ball, very intelligent player.