VA State Cup U17 Boys: Top performers from Richmond-VA Rush

The Virginia Rush hosted FC Richmond in a U17 VA State Cup quarterfinal match on Saturday and Rush came away with a hard-fought 1-0 victory. These two teams met less than a month ago in CCL play in which FC Richmond came away with a 3-2 home win. FC Richmond currently sits in first place in the CCL and was assumed to be the favorite vs. Rush, who sits mid-table. Played in unseasonable warm and very windy conditions at the Hampton Roads Soccer Complex, these two sides were even at the half 0-0 with neither team gaining much of an advantage on the fast-paced turf. In the 70th minute, a long ball was corralled by Derek Sapone who took a touch wide around the advancing Richmond keeper and was able to get off a tough angle shot and bury it for a 1-0 lead for the Rush. After a back and forth final 20 minutes that saw a few quality chances for Richmond, the Rush defense was able to stand tall in the final third to secure the clean sheet for keeper Michael Arzillo and advance to the semifinals. <strong>Boys who stood out:</strong> <strong>M Dylan Rich, VA Rush, First Flight (N.C.), Class of 2023</strong> [caption id="attachment_33460" align="alignright" width="300"]<img class="wp-image-33460 size-medium" src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2021/10/5BEBAC73-6088-4384-AD92-F9293FBFBF09-300x225.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /> Dylan Rich[/caption] Plays center defensive midfield and did a good job picking up the ball and stopping the attack on numerous occasions. Very active in the center of the pitch and was constantly around the action as expected from a six. Dropped in when needed but also joined the attack the situation presented itself. Comfortable possessing and kept his head up to connect with the open man. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; [caption id="attachment_33467" align="alignright" width="300"]<img class="wp-image-33467 size-medium" src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2021/10/A643FA1B-A28C-475C-B08E-46905BC73A68-300x225.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /> Michael Arzillo[/caption] &nbsp; <strong>K Michael Arzillo, VA Rush, Ocean Lakes, Class of 2023</strong> Played a smart game in less than ideal windy conditions. Was off his line and pushing up when he had the wind at his back and was able to receive balls played back to him and keep the ball moving. Very relaxed with the ball at his feet even when under pressure. Strong leg on both punts and goal kicks. Produced a clean sheet by making a few crucial saves in a win or go home State Cup match! &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; [caption id="attachment_33461" align="alignright" width="300"]<img class="wp-image-33461 size-medium" src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2021/10/113E2F90-0C88-48B2-94D3-711206420560-300x225.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /> Derek Sapone[/caption] <strong>F Derek Sapone, VA Rush, Ocean Lakes, Class of 2023</strong> A well-rounded attacker, capable of playing anywhere on the front line. Good size and not shy about winning headers in the final third. Like any quality striker, seized the moment and provided a great quality finish from a tough angle for the game-winning goal. Good pace and makes diagonal runs away from defenders. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; [caption id="attachment_33468" align="alignright" width="300"]<img class="wp-image-33468 size-medium" src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2021/10/C33EAA56-039B-498A-B529-E867706C18AB-300x225.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /> Evan Gaines[/caption] <strong>M Evan Gaines, FC Richmond, Cosby, Class of 2024</strong> An outstanding center midfielder. Great vision with the ball at his feet, looked to distribute going forward but did not force passes. Very good in the air won numerous balls in the midfield to gain possession for his side. Took his team's free kicks which produced quality services into the box. Great motor and cardio, never stopped moving which made marking him difficult. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; [caption id="attachment_33463" align="alignright" width="300"]<img class="wp-image-33463 size-medium" src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2021/10/C8F15D37-C409-4F88-A2ED-957528F05B5E-300x225.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="225" /> Joshua Nevins[/caption] <strong>M Joshua Nevins, VA Rush, Kellam, Class of 2023</strong> Wore the captain’s armband and was definitely the vocal leader for his squad on the field. Constantly made sure teammates were positioned properly and he was encouraging while directing the action. Played an outside midfield and made quality runs with and without the ball. Stayed wide most of the time and looked to cross into the box. &nbsp;