Elite Performances in Georgia HS Showdown - Riverwood vs Marietta

The Marietta Blue Devils visited the Riverwood Raiders in a non-conference matchup that ended with the Blue Devils leaving victorious after a 4-0 victory. From the start, it seemed the Blue Devils were just a step ahead of the Raiders, as they started out with an early 2-0 lead going into halftime. In the second half, they displayed some calm possession and build-up play, and doubled their scoring tally on the day while retaining another clean sheet. Here are some of the top performers from Tuesday nights match.    The striker for the Blue Devils, it's no surprise watching Marietta play why he has 24 goals on the season already. A captain and leader of the team, Kevin displays some superb footwork and quick dribbling skills in tight spaces, allowing him to set up shots whenever he has the ball at his feet. He scored two goals in Tuesday nights contest, one coming from some wonderful build-up play in which he was the final recipient, and the other a powerful, low driven shot from close range. He is very calm under pressure and displays great chemistry with his teammates. An all-around striker that showcases some fantastic skill and finishing ability.     A crafty center midfielder, Gabriel plays with lots of flair and technique when he is on the pitch. The young freshman would have you guessing he's a senior with the amount of confidence he plays with. He plays the role of a creative playmaking midfielder that looks to set his team up first with passes and link-up play. He notched two assists in the match, and both of them were superb. The first assist was a calmly timed pass across the box to set up his striker for an easy finish, after getting past two defenders. His second assisted was a lovely timed through ball, playing in the run of an attacker who finished it home. A real talented freshman who I expect to elevate his game even more over the next three upcoming seasons.     An electric right midfielder that displayed some nice one-touch passing and finishing, Rodney brings it all for his team down the right flank. Rodney was involved in lots of link-up play and possession build-up during the game, as he seems to have mastered one-touch passing. He moves into open space after passing the ball, a trait I love to see in players, and can use his speed to get in behind defenders. He scored a nice goal in the second half of the game, receiving a through ball on a run forward before rounding the keeper and finishing from a narrow angle with his right foot.     Maykon looked sharp in the midfield, a center mid who plays with his head up constantly scanning the pitch. His vision impressed me the most during the match, showing an ability to pick out short or long balls from almost anywhere on the pitch. He started quite a few counter attacks thanks to this, and is a threat when taking any set piece as well. He scored the opening goal of the game for the Blue Devils, delivering a rocket of a low-driven shot into the opposite corner giving the keeper no chance. With some explosive speed as well, Maykon is a great catalyst in the midfield area.     The Blue Devils have now gone three straight matches without conceding a goal, and have only given up 11 all season in a total of 13 games. Dylan is a large contributor to this, as a physically dominating center back who wins possession back for his team and keeps the teams shape in order. Dylan is very skilled at getting his body in front of the ball and shielding off attackers who are looking to get in behind him. He makes lots of aerial clearances and was able to man-mark the Raiders striker and thwart attacks throughout the game.

The Marietta Blue Devils visited the Riverwood Raiders in a non-conference matchup that ended with the Blue Devils leaving victorious after a 4-0 victory. From the start, it seemed the Blue Devils were just a step ahead of the Raiders, as they started out with an early 2-0 lead going into halftime. In the second half, they displayed some calm possession and build-up play, and doubled their scoring tally on the day while retaining another clean sheet. Here are some of the top performers from Tuesday nights match.