U16 Generation Adidas Cup Quarter-Final Standouts

It was a hot one in Bradenton as temperatures were in the mid 80's and with so many games already being played by these boys you could start to see the fatigue setting in. However, the players showed great heart and battled their tails off to try and advance into the Semi-Finals. Here are some players that had some great performances Thursday afternoon. Luckily these players will have a day off before they play again on Saturday in the Semi-Finals.   Leon Adieba Arkhurst, Montreal (RB, CB)- Really good at anticipating play and has excellent recovery speed. He won a ton of aerial/ground duels and showed his versatility playing in multiple positions in the back line. Got involved in the attack well when he was playing outside back with a couple of excellent through balls to his further forward teammates. Helped his side earn a shutout unfortunately Montreal's GA Cup run has come to an end as they lost 4-2 on penalties.   [player_tooltip player_id='146592' first='Mateo' last='McLean'], [program_tooltip program_id='283671' first='LA' last='Galaxy'] (CB)- Athletic specimen. He won a ton of headers and was very precise with his passing. Had a 4 or 5 blocks that looked destined for goal. Has excellent defensive footwork for such a big guy and is great at poking the ball away from opposition attackers. Exceptional talent with a bright future.   Angel Alexander Villatoro, Galaxy (LW)- Really silky lefty playmaker that uses a ton of body feints and hesitations to create space for his next action. Really sharp on the turn and has a really fast first few steps. He was a problem for Montreal's defense all game. Good crosser of the ball and seems to be just as comfortable inverted as he does on the wing.   [player_tooltip player_id='147162' first='Max' last='Steelman'], Galaxy (RW)- A more direct winger then his counterpart on the other side. He loves a 1 v 1 duel and comes out on top the majority of the time. He was really unlucky not to score as he created a ton of shots for himself and forced the Montreal Goalie into a bunch of saves. Also got to the byline and created a handful of chances for his team. I wouldn't be surprised if you saw him sign a professional deal in the next couple of years.   Max Nelson, Galaxy (GK)- Excellent distribution and made a number of big saves. Some from close distance and a handful from long range that he had to lay out for. Claimed or punched a bunch of set pieces. He also made some fantastic saves in the shutout that ultimately lead to his team advancing to the Semi-Finals on Saturday.   Carlos Gonzalez, Charlotte (CDM)- Fantastic in possession always has a plan before receiving the ball. He is really good at dribbling out of pressure and progressing the ball forward. When I look at what is needed as an effective 6 I always want a guy who can manage the game and he does it masterfully. He is not the most physically imposing but uses his incredible soccer IQ to read play defensively and makes a ton of interceptions/blocks. Very good at playing the ball with the appropriate weight through the opposing back line for his forwards to run onto. He is also a very consistent set piece taker and puts the ball in great spots.   Colin Brauer & Wyatt Holt- Charlotte have two fantastic Center Backs and both goals conceded by Charlotte were when they were up for set pieces as they got hit on the counter. They have a great understanding and cover for each other well. Between them I don't think I saw them lose a single aerial duel. They take turns stepping into midfield while the other covers. Watch out for these two come MLSNext Playoffs in June.   Anders Theurer, Real Salt Lake (RB)- In the modern game you want an outside back who is fast in transition and this young man is just that. He is a lockdown defender and excellent at getting involved in the attack. He is gifted technically and an excellent passer. He got off a couple of great crosses to create chances for his side.   [player_tooltip player_id='147503' first='Rylan' last='Hashimoto'], Real Salt Lake (RW)- RSL's right side was a problem for Charlotte all game. This young man is a shooter. A lefty playmaker who was fantastic at cutting inside to create his own shot. He can weave through traffic exceptionally as he forced the Charlotte goalie into making a handful of saves.   Nicholas Silva, RSL- Scored an excellent goal to put his team up 1-0 and ultimately ended up being the game winner. He dribbled through midfield masterfully and slotted home with his left foot.   Rowan Martin, RSL- He had the best bit of quality I've seen all tournament with an amazing assist. He controlled the ball in his own half created space on the dribble with some exceptional footwork with two defender all over him. He then proceeded to play an amazing through ball to his teammate (#44) in behind for a one on one with the goalie that he roofed to the near post to make it 2-0. Icing it for RSL and earning a spot in the Semi-Finals on Saturday.

It was a hot one in Bradenton as temperatures were in the mid 80's and with so many games already being played by these boys you could start to see the fatigue setting in. However, the players showed great heart and battled their tails off to try and advance into the Semi-Finals. Here are some players that had some great performances Thursday afternoon. Luckily these players will have a day off before they play again on Saturday in the Semi-Finals.