Eight unranked players from the 08 GA Showcase to know
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The Girls Academy Spring Showcase in North Carolina kicks off on Thursday. Prior to the event, Prep Soccer gives a scouting report on some of the key players to know from the 2008 age group, which will have scouts crowding…
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Continue ReadingThe Girls Academy Spring Showcase in North Carolina kicks off on Thursday. Prior to the event, Prep Soccer gives a scouting report on some of the key players to know from the 2008 age group, which will have scouts crowding the sidelines as they get an early look at the 2026 class prior to the recruiting window opening in June.
Check out the top players to know from this group. And check back next week for more Girls Academy coverage.
Thompson is coming into the event in top form after scoring two goals in the friendly leading up to the Showcase. Thompson is a speedy forward who will be in the spotlight for scouts as one of the top 2026s from the region and country. She can play anywhere among the attacking trio. The Lou Fusz standout is a dual-sport standout as she has track speed as well (200M champion). Thompson is a difficult player to defend – especially in the open field. When she opens up her full stride, she is a menace to the defense. Thompson can create for her teammates with her creativity and vision, but she is best as the finisher.
The Lou Fusz midfielder has been outstanding lately. A two-way player who can dictate the play, she has been one of the most important players for Lou Fusz this season. The part of Kaiser’s game that stood out to me is how she adjusted her body before receiving the ball so she can open up to see the full field before taking control of the ball. There is an elevated approach to Kaiser’s game, which makes her a top recruit from the 2026 class at this event.
Jones is a forward on the Reign Academy side. She is a prolific attacking threat who had a stellar sophomore campaign at the high school level and has been on a tear in the Girls Academy as well. She is a good back to the goal forward as she can hold off defenders and provide key passes to break the defense. She’s also a weapon on set pieces with her ability in aerial duels.
Papania is an athletic shot-stopper for the Louisiana TDP 08 side. She was outstanding during the GA Winter Showcase in December. Quick off her line, she did a good job in shutting down chances over the top. She pulled off a number of dynamic kick saves as well. Papania has good instincts with distribution and can jump-start the attack with the range on her drop kicks. The Louisiana TDP goalkeeper has been identified as a top player in the Frontier Division and should shine in this showcase event.
Highlights
Parker is a forward on the Tonka Fusion Elite squad. She is one of the most skillful attacking players in the Girls Academy. She is a good dribbler with either foot. She has a sublime cutback move that works effectively against elite defenders. Parker’s skill with both feet and ability to cut quickly has made one of the most dynamic forwards in the GA. She will be a constant threat for the Tonka side. Goalkeeper Sophia Alvarez is also enjoying a stellar campaign and should be earning the attention of scouts at the event.
Anfinson is a forward on the Albion SC Las Vegas 08 team. She has been a top performer at the GA level and has an outstanding freshman campaign at the school level. The striker is a hungry scorer. She plays between the posts in the center channel and looks for every opportunity to score (or create chances). Anfinson is one of the top 2027s playing in the 08 age group and should get a lot of attention in a top group from the Showcase.
Gornik is a defender on the West Coast SC 08 squad. She can play outside back or center back. She is right-footed but comfortable using either foot. She has a strong leg and can whip in a cross when she is playing outside back. She can put in a good service from set pieces as well. At center back, she is good at getting into tackles and shutting down center forwards. She is a smart defender and times her tackles well – capitalizing on bad touches to poke the ball away. Gornik and the West Coast SC side in a tough group so her play at defense will be key to a successful showing.
Stangle is a midfielder on the Wake FC squad. She is one of the best set piece finishers from the Girls Academy. She possesses excellent ball striking technique with her right foot and she can hit a picture-perfect shot from the dead-ball on any chance within 25 yards. She is not a one-trick player though. She offers a tough defensive mindset and controls the game with her play through the center of the field. The ball-striking technique is on display with her passing too. Stangle is a key player for her side and should be in the spotlight during the event.