USYS National League Girls U15 Preview – AZ

<p class="p1">The US Youth Soccer National League P.R.O. kicks off on Saturday from Mesa, Arizona. The event is the third national showcase of the club season. In the U15/2007 age group, there are still some group winners to be determined heading into the weekend.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p1">In Group C, Wasatch SC 07G ZB (UT) and Lady Lobos Rush Premier (TN) are both sitting on nine points heading into the weekend. The squad from Utah relies on a core group that has played together for many years.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p1">“The core group of girls have played together for quite a few years,” coach Zach Burton told PrepSoccer in an email interview when asked about his team’s success this season. “Along with a few new pieces/girls, they have really grown strong as a group. They care for each other and it shows in the way they play as a unit. They are very resilient and they have a fight in them that’s hard to find.”</p> <p class="p1">The Wasatch group is averaging more than five goals scored per game through the first slate of games in National League. The youthful bunch from Utah has really enjoyed the National League platform.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p1">“The venues have been top notch,” Burton said. “USYS does such a great job of hosting events. They really try to make the kids feel special.”</p> <p class="p1">The depth of the roster has been key to the group’s success in the National League. Burton will be counting on everyone on the roster this weekend with three games in three days.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p1">Wasatch takes on Kings Hammer Academy North (OH), Lady Lobos Rush Premier (TN), and MS Rush Premier (MS).<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p1">In Group D, GTFC Impact Girls 07 Premier (OH) leads the way with a 4-0 record. The Ohio team has yet to concede a goal in National League play.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p1">“Truly the key to success is the girls blue collar approach to each and every day,” coach Mike Aubry told PrepSoccer in an email interview. “They put in so much effort and play with such courage that at times they simply will themselves to win. We had a kid play 4 games at regionals last summer and later found out she had been playing the entire time on a broken leg. Those are the kinds of kids we have.”</p> <p class="p2">The National League has paid dividends in many ways for GTFC, according to Aubry.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p2">“It's amazing playing the elite from all over the country and seeing how the different regions of the country produce teams that each have different qualities,” the coach said. “This has been such an eye opening and positive experience for our players. Additionally, the national exposure has really increased the local interest in our team.”</p> <p class="p2">The coach pointed to the collective defense from the team for the standouts this season.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p2">“It's really hard to pinpoint a player or players that have been impactful,” Aubry said. “We have a keeper that hasn't given up a goal in 4 games but her back line keeps her from having to overexert. We get goals from all over the place and while we have a couple consistent scorers they don't get those goals without the efforts of the players behind them. Our midfield has two kids playing that literally run all over the place and don't come off the field. Zero glamor in their job but we would be lost without them.”</p> <p class="p2">GTFC will need all those contributors again with games against South Florida FA/Boynton Knights (FL), FC Copa Academy Grey (NJ), and Force FC NL (NY) on the schedule for the weekend in Arizona.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p class="p2">In Group E, Idaho Rush 07 Premier (ID) sits in the top spot heading into the weekend. Rush is undefeated in four games with a 2-0-2 record. Club Ohio Dayton Green (OH), Washington Rush (WA), Team Challenger Black (OH), and Utah Surf (UT) are also in the mix at the top of the table in the fiercely competitive group.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p>