Spectacular Finish at USYS Nationals
MESA, Arizona – The US Youth Soccer National League PRO event in Arizona wrapped up on Monday with the top teams from the U15 through U19 age groups in action. The event in Arizona is last national showcase for the…
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Continue ReadingMESA, Arizona – The US Youth Soccer National League PRO event in Arizona wrapped up on Monday with the top teams from the U15 through U19 age groups in action. The event in Arizona is last national showcase for the league during the regular season.
There was plenty on the line as teams fought to finish top of the group in their respective age groups after three games in the desert sun and seven games throughout the competition this season.
PrepSoccer was on hand for the games. Check out some of the standouts from the games on Monday from the Legacy Complex in Arizona.
Shawn Houser, Hoosier FC 2007 Elite Wolves (IN) – Houser is a no-quit type of player. He will chase down every ball for his side and his effort was rewarded on Monday as he got his toe on a ball for a goal. The target forward is a bully in the box and one player that the opposition must stop when playing against Hoosier.
Dylan Kopenits, VSA Centurions 07B (PA-E) – Kopenits is a talented winger who stood out on Monday. He has this elusive pause and drag move that is difficult to contain in 1v1 situations. He is adept with both feet, which makes it especially tricky on outside backs for trying to figure out which way to force him.
Willem van Beelen, VSA Centurions 07B (PA-E) – There was a period of the game on Monday when van Beelen just took over. The center midfielder was on the ball for a major spell of the contests. He was strong in the tackle and accurate in his passing. He scored on a thunder strike from long distance to put a highlight on the performance.
Ty Collins, Azzurri Storm 07 Premier (FL) – Collins had another impressive performance on Monday. He scored the late game-winner against UIFC and then hit the Griddy, which is the common celebration in youth soccer now. Collins is a dynamic winger with a bright future. He is fast and skillful. He has quick feet and a hunger for goals. He was in the running for best players at the event.
Kevin Velasquez, UIFC Laguna FC 07B (CA-S) – Velasquez showed a good first touch to escape pressure in the game on Monday. The left winger did well in his chances and was a bright spot for his squad.
Zsombor Onodi Zsombor Onodi F St. Ignatius (OH) | 2023 State OH , FC Evolution 05B (OH) – The whole FC Evolution squad deserves a spot on this list. They were very impressive in less than ideal conditions. The Ohio squad dominated from the opening kick and did not take their feet off the gas pedal at all in the first half. Onodi scored a spectacular goal when he juggled past a pair of defenders before volleying home the tally. The attacking midfielder has all of the qualities that top college coaches look for in recruits. He is smart on the ball, plays quick, and makes great decisions. He should be a highly regarded recruit from Ohio in the class of 2023.
Jonathan Reyes, Juventus Doral – Dybala (FL) – Reyes scored in the first half in the game against La Roca. The winger did well with his chance as he showed composure to wait out the slide tackle before placing his shot for the opening goal in the game.
Henry Shehu, Juventus Doral – Dybala (FL) – Shehu did a lot of the dirty work for Juventus. The target forward battled against a strong La Roca squad. He won his fair share of duels and created chances for his team.
Jorge Beltran Lara, La Roca 07 (UT) – Lara has a good player profile for an attacking player in this age group. He reads the game well and makes good decisions on the ball. La Roca was trying to play through him in the first half, but there just a half step off between the linking play. His instincts suggest he will be one to watch in the future. Quinton Bailey had a strong game at center back.
Dylan Freebury, LA Surf B07 (CA-S) – Freebury was one of the most athletic center backs at the event. He charged through tackles and broke up the play. He showed good technique on challenges as he moved his feet well and got his body behind the ball. He was a weapon joining the attack too.
Maximiliano Angelelli, Doral Elite 07 (FL) – Angelelli made a really impressive save on a penalty kick in the second half. He read the kick correctly and made a great diving effort on the save.