Stars Shine in 2025 GA Summer Playoffs and Showcase

This year's Girls Academy Playoffs & Summer Showcase promised a lot of talent and star-studded performances, and it did not disappoint. Let's take a closer look at the U15-U19 girls.   A big congratulations to Wasatch SC '07 for taking it all in the playoffs and showcasing dominant performances throughout the competition!    To call Leach versatile is nothing short of an understatement. Able to play in any facet of the game, she puts in dominant and classy performances whenever she steps onto the pitch. Primarily playing in a more attacking role, as a striker, winger, false nine, or attacking midfielder, she is a constant threat when in possession of the ball. With strong ball control and a solid first touch, she excels at dribbling and creating space to set up goal-scoring opportunities. Her finishing and presence in the attack can also not be underestimated; tall and physical, she is very hard to win the ball off and is quick to apply pressure onto defenders or goalkeepers. Always on her toes and anticipating, she explosive in her play, making forward runs. She keeps her finishing clean and simple: hard and to a corner. Leach is an absolute nuisance for any defense, midfield, or attack, using her physicality and technical abilities to the most every match day.     An exceptional goalkeeper, Glaittli has everything you're looking for in a modern goalkeeper. Quick and light on her feet, she does very well to get down and is quick off her line. She is brave, explosive, and possesses great reactions. On the ball, she is calm and collected, looking to play her best options. Her passing and distribution are that of a midfielder, constantly finding her targets. Glaittli may not possess the height traditionally associated with goalkeeping, yet her physicality, bravery, and aggressive mentality, combined with her exceptional goalkeeping abilities, allow her to excel in this role.     A forward, more specifically a left-winger, Staples is direct in her play. Fats, tidy, and agile, she makes that left-hand side her own. Bombing down the sideline, making runs, or trying to beat defenders. With excellent ball control and good feet work, the ball naturally sticks to her like glue. Possessing great awareness and distribution, she picks out runs and delivers enticing balls into the box. She strikes the ball very well, putting enough power and pace into nearly every pass and shot. Staples is a constant threat on left, and really anywhere in the opposition's half.     Serving as holding midfielder, Jacqueline is a physical presence and nuisance in the midfield. Physically astute in her play, she does a great job of keeping hold of the ball, holding up the play, and winning the ball back. She is not afraid to get rough, often bullying players off the ball and making strong challenges. She is smart with her play, reading the play well, timing her tackles and playing simple but effective passes. Lance helps solidify the midfield and brings strength and confidence into her side.     Manella is a versatile forward, playing primarily as a striker, but can put in a solid shift in the midfield. Standing at 5'5", she uses her stature to her advantage. Fast, tidy on the ball, and a low center of gravity allow her to maneuver through opposition defenders effectively, and find and create spaces to run onto. Combined with her physical, aggressive, and creative play, she is that much difficult to maintain, chasing down balls or beating players with a skill move. All of these qualities create a perfect recipe for goals Whether it's Manella finding the back of the net herself, setting up a teammate for an assist, or crafting a scoring opportunity, her impact on the game is undeniable.     Solid and reliable, Hughes is all you want in a defender. Physical, she makes it very hard to win the ball off and is quick to be on top of the opposition attacker. Technically, she possesses good ball control, plays accurate passes, and is calm on the ball. Playing with her head up, she she makes splitting passes look easy and effortless. Hughes instills confidence and stability in her team, putting in at least 7 out of 10 performances whenever she steps onto the field.     Center defensive midfield, center back, right back, left back; von Savoye is a defensive unit. Despite her smaller stature, she is not one to shy away from a challenge, whether it involves going for slide tackles, shoulder barges, or simply applying pressure to her opposing attacker. With excellent technical abilities, she controls the midfield or defense. Calmly picking out runs, switching or splitting the field, or carrying the ball up the field, she does it with proficiency and effectiveness. She is constantly mocing and looking to receive the ball. von Savoye is an exceptional defensive talent; resilient, dedicated, and a team player.     A pacey, tidy, and technical forward, Baltodano is not someone you want to come across as a defender or goalkeeper. Having a great foot on her, she strikes the ball pure with venom and accuracy. Aggressive with her play, she is always looking to be on the ball and have goal-scoring opportunities. A direct player, Baltodano is equally a team player, contributing with goals and assists, and creates many goalscoring threats for her side.

This year's Girls Academy Playoffs & Summer Showcase promised a lot of talent and star-studded performances, and it did not disappoint. Let's take a closer look at the U15-U19 girls.