Elite Friendlies Standouts: Top Attacking Talent

FORT WORTH, TX - On August 20 and 21, the top girl's ECNL, Girls Academy, and other club teams from across the region came out to compete in the Elite Friendlies in Fort Worth. These matches gave the clubs a chance to get acquainted with their new rosters and test themselves against top level competition before the regular season kicks off. There was a lot of great soccer being played throughout all ages and divisions. This article will highlight some of the top forwards from the U16-U19 (2007-2004) age groups who should be on your radar in 2022-2023.

Ella Eggleston Ella Eggleston F State #179 Nation TX , Forward, Solar ECNL 05/04G (U18/19G) Bates

Ella is a striker with a knack for scoring goals. She has loads of pace and is fast with the ball at her feet. The combination of her speed, fitness, and work rate make her effective at pressing defenders. Ella is definitely a goal-scoring threat, she can find the little bits of room to get shots off. She is a clinical finisher and can score off crosses, from distance, by beating defenders 1v1, and on through balls. Overall she is a great all-around athlete who will create problems for defenses with her speed, runs, and finishing abilities.

Taylor Cheatham Taylor Cheatham F Hebron (TX) | 2023 State #44 Nation TX , Forward, Solar ECNL 05/04G (U18/19G) Bates

Taylor is a talented winger who has the athleticism and skill to be dangerous. She is tall, fast, and strong which make her a challenge for defenders to deal with. Taylor can see the field well and makes smart penetrating runs in behind defenders. She can deliver accurate crosses with either foot. Her powerful shot makes her a threat anywhere around the opponents box, and she won't hesitate to strike it from distance.

Emma Yolinsky Emma Yolinsky F Prosper (TX) | 2024 State #7 Nation TX , Forward, Solar ECNL 05/04G (U18/19G) Bates

Emma is a forward with loads of physical talent. She has a wonderful touch and feel for the game. Her pace is impressive, but even more so is how fast she is with the ball at her feet. With her pace she can catch up to opponents and run onto through balls. Emma can read and anticipate the game very well. She makes good decisions on the ball and can play quickly. Emma especially draws attention for her striking and goal scoring capabilities.

Carson Glenn, Forward, NTX Celtic RL NTX U18/19

Carson is a fast forward with good finishing abilities. She could be successful playing as a sole striker or as a winger. Her speed helps her separate from defenders and find space to get shots off in the attacking third. What makes Carson dangerous is her runs in behind defenders, ability to beat players, and clinical finishing in front of goal.

Aleysia Welch, Forward, Solar South 06 Girls (Adames)

Aleysia is an athletic striker who can play the position successfully in a variety of ways. She plays well with her back to goal and uses her strength well to act as a target forward. Aleysia can also turn and take defenders on with her skill and speed on the ball.

Cameron Patton Cameron Patton F/M Vandegrift (TX) | 2024 State #160 Nation TX , Forward, Lonestar SC 04/05G GA

Cameron is a quick forward who can play on either wing or upfront. Her movement off the ball allows her to frequently get open or pull defenders. She is very fit and gets up and down the wings quickly, and the combination of her pace and her dribbling skills will cause problems for defenders.

Madeline Adams, Forward, Lonestar SC 04/05G GA

Madeline is a forward who is creative and technical. She can excel as a target forward because she is great at holding off defenders, keeping possession, and makes smart passes. Madeline is technically gifted and has an excellent touch. Her skill on the ball allows her to turn quickly and take defenders on. Madeline is very good in the final third, she can create space for herself to get shots off, and her delivery on crosses is fantastic. Madeline is the opposite of a one dimensional forward and she can impact a match in a variety of ways.