2022/2023s shine on GA opening day
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The Girls Academy Spring Showcase kicked off on Thursday from North Carolina. The U19 age group was in action with some of the top players from the league in action. PrepSoccer highlights some of the standout performances from the opening…
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Continue ReadingThe Girls Academy Spring Showcase kicked off on Thursday from North Carolina. The U19 age group was in action with some of the top players from the league in action.
PrepSoccer highlights some of the standout performances from the opening day of the event.
Lily Graham, Clay County/United Soccer Alliance U19 – Graham played as the left center for USA-CC on Thursday. She stood out for her decision-making on the ball. She did well in recognizing when to take the ball down from the air with a subtle touch and when to escape danger with a one-touch clearance. Graham also did well in changing the position of her body before receiving a pass so she could see more of the field while in possession. It’s a bit of polish to a still developing prospect. Graham is part of the Maryland recruiting class for 2022.
Amina Okumu, Clay County/United Soccer Alliance U19 – Okumu is still uncommitted as of last month, which is a promising development for coaches with a spot open on their 2022 roster. Okumu scored the opening goal on Thursday. She’s a fun winger to watch. She tracked back well to win possession for her side. She was also quick with making decisions to help her team create chances.
Natalie Anderson, Baltimore Armour U19 – Anderson is a tall center back who had a good first half on Thursday. She uses her body well when shielding the ball. She is comfortable in possession and can build out of the back. She is tough on the tackle and likes to pursue challenges. Anderson did drift to follow markers, but that could have been more of a team tactical choice than an individual decision. Anderson is part of the University of Mary Washington recruiting class for 2022.
Sonja Zeepvat Sonja Zeepvat 5'11" | GK Mendham (NJ) | 2023 NJ , STA U19 – The STA goalkeeper was impressive in the second half against FC United. Zeepvat made the saves when called upon, but she really stood out for her ability to handle crosses. Soft hands, good size, Zeepvat has the physical tools to be a top level goalkeeper at the next level. She scuffed one pass during the second half, but otherwise her distribution was excellent as well. She is a New Hampshire commit for the 2023 class. Alyssa Alfano Alyssa Alfano F Hanover Park | 2023 NJ scored the last goal of the game for STA on Thursday.
Anna Cup, Sockers U19 – Cup scored a terrific goal late in the first half on Thursday. She received the ball just outside the box, took a touch, picked out the upper right corner, and then drilled the shot into that unstoppable spot. The future for the Valparaiso commit might be at center back, but she showed she has some attacking chomps.
Ella Janz, Michigan Jaguars U19 – Janz has quick feet and a hunger in the attack. She was primarily playing as the right winger in the second half against PA Classics. She had a moment when she took on three players on the dribble to create a chance for her side. Janz is part of the Michigan State recruiting class for 2023.
Kara Thompson, PA Classics U19 – Thompson was a standout for her decisions on the ball. She always made the right choices with her passes and played quickly and simply. Thompson had a moment when she was caught on her heels defensively, but she recovered well and still won the tackle. The defensive midfielder is uncommitted from the 2022 class.