ECNL Boys TX: Albion Hurricanes B09 vs. BVBIA NTX B09

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another week of action went by in the club season and teams from around the country got to the field looking for wins and to display good performances. Prep Soccer was again following the action, looking for the hidden gems of the sport in the country.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On Saturday, October 28, I was at the Campbell Road Sports Park, in Houston, following the ECNL Boys Texas Conference duel between Albion Hurricanes FC ECNL B09 and BVBIA NTX ECNL B09 - click <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2023/10/ecnl-boys-tx-albion-hurricanes-b09-vs-bvbia-ntx-b09-photos/">here</a> to see the best photos of the match.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Albion Hurricanes FC ECNL B09 1 - 1 BVBIA NTX ECNL B09</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The visiting BVB side had more possession at the start of the match and tried to find ways to hurt Albion's backline. They attempted several combination plays through the middle and one of them found Diego Arroyo with space on the penalty box to score. The home team reacted and balanced the match but couldn't find a goal before the halftime whistle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/2/613005/654071ceda5c260cc4015ea4' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-654105a682bb3"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Albion kept the pressure at the start of the second half and was awarded a penalty kick after left back Paul Cannings III sent a cross into the BVB's penalty box and the ball touched the hand of defender Nicholas McNeal-Noumane. Winger Dillon Dixon took it with power and precision and tied the game. Both sides pushed forward looking for a game-winning goal, but defenses prevailed and kept the score even until the end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Performers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Zane Aras","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"101","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Clements","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Albion Hurricanes","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Aras was very solid in the center of Albion's backline, playing as a right-sided center back and forming a strong duo with Ryan Gifford. He was strong in 1v1 duels, being very hard to be beaten off the dribble, and also got several anticipations. Aras also read the game very well from the back and displayed good mobility to, on numerous occasions, cover his teammates. He was also very calm and confident in possession, hitting good passes even when BVB pushed their forwards to pressure Albion's backline.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-653fd170a2147"} /--> <!-- wp:image {"id":152561,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/10/IMG_4905.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-152561" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Albion Hurricanes FC ECNL B09 vs. BVBIA NTX ECNL B09</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Paul Cannings III","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"101","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Albion Hurricanes","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Cannings displayed an interesting skill set and a very complete game at left back. He showed very good quality on the ball, controlling it well and finding good solutions when operating in tight spaces, be it with a quick dribble or an intelligent pass. The outside back pushed forward when his team was behind and displayed good precision with his crosses - one of them resulted in a penalty kick that equalized the match. Cannings was solid defensively for most of the match and, even when he was beaten, he would come back and try to recover.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-653fd170a221f"} /--> <!-- wp:image {"id":152566,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/10/IMG_4939.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-152566" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Albion Hurricanes FC ECNL B09 vs. BVBIA NTX ECNL B09</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Francisco Acosta","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"102","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Albion Hurricanes","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"'Cisco' Acosta was Albion's most offensive-minded midfielder, trying to create chances and connect the team in the final third. He played behind the team's striker during the first half and made good moves off the ball, drifting to both sides to get in great spots to make plays. Acosta was very quick and efficient with his decision-making, finding good passes and solutions for his teammates. He started the second half playing center forward, which gave Albion a different look offensively, but continued to move well and get involved in most of the team's offensive plays.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-653fd170a22ed"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://x.com/grtorres/status/1718335466607382595?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/grtorres/status/1718335466607382595?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Dillon Dixon","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"103","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Albion Hurricanes","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Dixon played with great intensity and was always very active on the wings. He started on the right and then switched to the left, but continued to make an impact in the game. He displayed a very diversified game and created issues for BVB's defenders in a variety of ways, beating them off the dribble, moving well off the ball, combining with his teammates and even dropping deeper to attempt long passes. He took the penalty kick that evened the score in a critical moment of the match and was very competent with it. Dixon also showed great energy to track back and help his team defensively.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-653fd170a23bb"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://x.com/grtorres/status/1718347404297023710?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/grtorres/status/1718347404297023710?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Nicholas McNeal-Noumane","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'8u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"101","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"BVBIA NTX","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"A very technical and confident center back, McNeal-Noumane did a solid job on the backline for BVB. He was very efficient defensively, anticipating plays when he had a chance and holding his position when that wasn't an option. His quality and calm on the ball were also a big factor for his team as McNeal-Noumane initiated several offensive plays, dribbling around the penalty box - he had even more freedom to push forward when the team switched to a back three at the end of the first half. The center back ended up conceding the penalty kick that tied the match, but it was mostly a play of bad luck as the ball went over the head of a teammate and bounced before hitting his hand.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-653fd170a2487"} /--> <!-- wp:image {"id":152554,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/10/IMG_4872.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-152554" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Albion Hurricanes FC ECNL B09 vs. BVBIA NTX ECNL B09</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Alex Santiago","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"102","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"BVBIA NTX","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Santiago played a major role for BVB from his central position in the team's midfield. A player with good size, he used his physical tools to win the ball and dominate the midfield, contributing defensively to the team. His distribution was also excellent as he not only displayed good vision to connect good passes but was also very intelligent when operating in tight spaces, finding solutions to break pressure and keep the ball moving. Santiago's game was very smooth from start to finish and kept his team in a rhythm.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-653fd170a2544"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://x.com/grtorres/status/1718331341270667307?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/grtorres/status/1718331341270667307?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Diego Arroyo","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"102","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"BVBIA NTX","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Flipping between attacking midfielder and forward roles during the match, Arroyo was a constant threat to Albion's backline. He combined very well with Julio Garcia and often switched positions with him, disorganizing the opposing backline. Arroyo was always very, both with his thinking and execution, and it was very hard to anticipate him when on the ball. Despite not being very tall or strong, he used his body well to shield the ball and was able to hold his own even against more physical players. Arroyo was also very calm inside the penalty box and scored his team's goal with a clinical finish.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-653fd170a25ff"} /--> <!-- wp:image {"id":152552,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/10/IMG_4867.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-152552" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Albion Hurricanes FC ECNL B09 vs. BVBIA NTX ECNL B09</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Samuel Sedeh","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"103","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"BVBIA NTX","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Sedeh circulated very well in the attacking third, spending time on both wing positions and also more centrally. 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Sedeh is very confident in his finishing skills and never misses an opportunity to fire a shot - some of his attempts were blocked, but he kept trying until the end.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-653fd170a26b7"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://x.com/grtorres/status/1718352450120216874?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/grtorres/status/1718352450120216874?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed -->