NXT LVL: Day 1 Standouts, Best XI

The NXT LVL Invitational is bringing together 39 top boys prep and residency programs from 10 states and one from Canada for a weekend of competition in Colonie, N.Y. Each day a new set of teams join the event. Therefore, each day is an opportunity to learn more about how teams stack up and the players who make the difference. Each day PrepSoccer.com will list the top performers capped with a Best XI for the day. <strong>FRIDAY'S BEST XI</strong> <strong>GK: Olivier Therien, Ribeiro Moojen Pre-University School Gold (Canada), Sr.:</strong> Therien faced a lot of pressure from Woodstock Academy and turned in the top keeper performance of the day. He established himself with a hard challenge early, made a perfect tip over the bar on a would-be goal and held his position to make saves in one-on-one chances. <strong>D: Ronan Louis Wright, Ribeiro Moojen Pre-University School Gold (Canada), Sr.:</strong> Even though his side often was overloaded, he was consistently strong and a great communicator. <strong>WB: Lohkoah Paye, Northwood School (N.Y.), Jr.:</strong> Playing in a wing back role, Paye was very active in the attack. The best part of his game on Friday was his passing ability. <strong>DM: Thomas Giraudo, Combine Academy (N.C.), Sr.:</strong> One of several players from France on Combine's roster. Giraudo plays the 6 and controls the tempo of the game. <strong>M: [player_tooltip player_id='152633' first='Enoch' last='Joseph'], Woodstock Academy (Conn.), Jr.:</strong> The junior from Bermuda was Woodstock Academy's top performer Friday night. He controlled the tempo of the match. <strong>M: [player_tooltip player_id='60229' first='David' last='Lee'], Woodstock Academy (Conn.), Sr.:</strong> Lee, from South Korea, created several opportunities, including assisting on both of Woodstock Academy's goals. He caused a lot of problems for RMPUS (Canada) and helped set up Woodstock's defensive pressure. <strong>M: Noa Perez, Combine Academy (N.C.), Sr.:</strong> Perez, from France, joined Combine Academy after playing in the Olympique Marseille academy program. He was probably the best player on the field in the match against Northwood School (N.Y.). He was elusive and was a great passer. <strong>M: David Pfeifer, South Kent School (Conn.), Jr.:</strong> The junior from Germany was confident on the ball and always was looking to attack. <strong>M: Jordan Shullenberger, Northwood School (N.Y.), Sr.:</strong> Shullenberger is a box-to-box midfielder who stood out defensively on Friday. He played all 90 minutes in a grueling match with Combine Academy (N.C.). <strong>F: [player_tooltip player_id='233136' first='Harun' last='Bakaran'], Hoosac School (N.Y.), Jr.:</strong> The day's lone two-goal scorer was smart and fast. In addition to being an offensive weapon, the junior also pressed high. <strong>F: Santi Marin, Combine Academy (N.C.), Sr.:</strong> The Creighton commit delivered the lone goal in Combine's 1-0 win over Northwood School (N.Y.). <strong>OTHERS</strong> <strong>Position: Name, School, Year, Commitment (if any)</strong> GK: Anthony Fusay, South Kent School (Conn.), Sr. F: [player_tooltip player_id='152636' first='Richard' last='Sarpong'], Woodstock Academy (Conn.), Fr. M: Joaquin Waldimirro, Immaculate Heart Central (N.Y.), Jr.