USYS National League Girls U16 Preview - AZ

The US Youth Soccer National League P.R.O. event in Arizona kicks off on Saturday from the Legacy Sports complex in Mesa. The U16/2006 features some of the top teams from across the country in that age group. Prior to the event, PrepSoccer reached out to a few of the coaches of the top teams in the league to discuss the campaign and the benefits of the National League. In Group E, SOMD Rush (MD) leads the way. The squad from Maryland is a perfect 3-0 in National League games and yet to concede a goal. “Our players are very dedicated and have been consistent throughout the year in their training sessions,” SOMD coach Brandon Owens told PrepSoccer in an email interview last week. “We are also fortunate to have very good depth which has been key to this point. Players have embraced their roles, supporting one another and putting the team first. We play a very long and challenging schedule and the contribution that each of our players make is essential to our success.” Owens gave credit to National League for giving his team exposure to better competition through the events. [caption id="attachment_40647" align="alignleft" width="300"]<a href="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/03/SOMD-06-crop-931x611-1647376012.png"><img class="size-medium wp-image-40647" src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/03/SOMD-06-crop-931x611-1647376012-300x197.png" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> Photo: SOMD[/caption] “I believe the primary benefit of the National League platform for us has been further exposure to high caliber competition and the opportunity to showcase our players abilities at a national level,” Owens said. “Playing high quality teams from outside our region adds to the excitement of the experience. I also felt traveling to Florida in December provided our players with the chance to mature individually, as players and a unique experience to bond further as a team.” Owens said the success in National League has come from playing as a team and every player contributing to the overall goals for the group. Forwards [player_tooltip player_id="22510" first="Adiaha" last="Witherspoon"] and Sara Allwine lead the team in points scored, as the attacking duo have been nearly unstoppable. Center back Juliana LeFever was named to the Team of the Event in Orlando after her play in those three games. LeFever’s ability to play out of the back while under pressure was highlighted for her earning a spot on the Team of the Event. Goalkeeper Katie Thompson recorded all three shutouts in goal for SOMD during the event in Orlando. SOMD Rush takes on Lady Lobos Rush Premier (TN), Force FC (NY-E), and Clarkstown SC (NY-E) during the event in Arizona. In Group D, Syracuse Development Academy is looking to close out on a successful campaign. SDA 06G Orange is 3-0-1 in National League play heading into the weekend in Arizona. [caption id="attachment_40649" align="alignright" width="300"]<a href="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/03/SDA-06-crop-650x427-1647376122.jpeg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-40649" src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/03/SDA-06-crop-650x427-1647376122-300x197.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> Photo: SDA 06[/caption] “I think the key to our success this year has been that we are a TEAM,” SDA head coach Shannon Colton told PrepSoccer in an email interview. “We have 17 girls that can all play at this level and have bought in to the team-first mentality. The girls really enjoy playing with each other and they look for the extra pass every time. Coming out of Orlando in first place is great, but we have a lot of work to do in Arizona to stay there against this amazing competition.” Colton said that the National League games have been a good preparation for future competition for the team. “The benefits of playing in the National League PRO are that it prepares you for the tough games we will face in Regionals and hopefully Nationals,” Colton said. “The competition we play from all over the US is very good. Every game is a grind and you have to play your best for the entire 80 minutes. If you take a play off, these teams in the league will make you pay quickly.” The coach also said the level of competition from the league has brought in the scouts from the next level to the games. “Another great benefit is the college recruitment exposure these girls all get at these two events,” the coach said. “The ultimate goal for these players is to play college soccer. Having these games over two weekends at amazing locations brings the coaches in to see them.” Ryan Colton has been the leading scorer for the team with four goals. Alexa Marsh scored three goals so far in National League play. Amber Clarke has been the main distributor with four assists. Erin McDonald and Marsh each have two assists in the four games. The SDA strength has been in the depth of the squad with eight players scoring goals so far. The squad from New York will be counting on the depth with games against FC Dallas Youth Premier (TX), CT Rush Elite (CT), and Yankee United FC Attack (CT). In Group F, there is a battle at the top with three teams holding a perfect record heading into he weekend. FC Copa Academy (NJ), NY Surf (NY), and Club Ohio all are 3-0 with three shutout victories. [caption id="attachment_40651" align="alignleft" width="300"]<a href="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/03/ClubOhio-06-scaled-crop-2420x1589-1647376286.jpeg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-40651" src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2022/03/ClubOhio-06-scaled-crop-2420x1589-1647376286-300x197.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /></a> Photo: Club Ohio -06[/caption] “Our team’s ability to accept a collective vision and standard of operation has been a key to our success this season,” Club Ohio head coach Costa Kalorides told PrepSoccer in an email interview. “We have an amazing group for players, who have genuine care for each other, and work extremely hard on and off the field to never let each other down. That vision and concept has created an industrious work ethic, which has allowed the team to have success in all the challenges encountered.” Kalorides sung the praises of the league as providing an avenue for his team to play against some top teams and talent. “The National League platform has afforded our team the opportunity to compete against some of the best teams in the nation,” Kalorides said. “We are thrilled to be part of the league, which in addition to providing us extremely competitive play, has also allowed our players to perform in front of an impressive group of college coaches.” Club Ohio takes on Solar South FDL (TX), FC Copa Academy (NJ), and NY Surf (NY) during the event in Arizona.