Top 2010 Performances from ECNL Virginia

Last weekend in Virginia featured 150 teams from across the country competing in the ECNL Virginia tournament. Out of those 150 teams, a third were from the 2010 age group. Here were some of the weekends best performers from that age group.    A technical center mid, Xavier controls the game from the center of the pitch with his nice distributing passing and his control on the ball. The center mid is aware of his surroundings at all times on the ball, looking around the pitch for defenders and teammates frequently. His control on the ball is excellent, possessing some quality touches and skills to keep the ball at his feet. He has the vision of a center midfielder, and the touch to effectively use his vision to pick out some nice passes and through balls to create chances for his side.     An explosive right mid, Noam causes havoc down the right flank with this quick speed and dangerous crossing abilities. He makes some nice runs into open space down the wing and can use his pace to get on the end of long balls effectively. He is not shy of taking on defenders with the ball as well, using some nice skill moves to dribble past defenders on the outside to either cut in or shoot or play a cross into the box. His crosses from out wide normally curl in from the sideline, giving the keepers lots of trouble when dealing with it.     A physical center attacking mid, Brandon is a composed finisher in front of net. He uses his physicality to muscle defenders off the ball before having a shot on goal. He prefers to shoot off his right foot, sending some thundering attempts towards goal forcing some saves from the keeper. His first touch and control on the ball looked great as well, bringing down some long passes as well as keeping control of possession with his feet.     A left winger who is exceptional with both feet, Matthew causes havoc down the left flank with his play. His quick pace mixed with some serious skill moves make him a difficult player to stay in front of, especially with his flair stye. He cuts back and chops frequently, taking some nice shots with his right foot that hit the woodwork. He makes nice runs in behind as well as plays other teammates in who are making runs. A smart, crafty playmaker.     A holding cdm, Gavin controls the game in the midfield by frequently winning possession back in the midfield for his team thanks to his aerial wins and timely defensive challenges. On goal kicks or long balls forward, Gavin gets up over opposing players to successfully win the ball. He starts lots of counters for his side when winning back possession, playing long balls forward for his teammates to run onto. He occasionally will make runs forward, normally out wide and provide as a passing option during the attack.     A cdm who offers a lot going forward as well, Steven possess lots of tools as a midfielder. He has a great right foot that he uses to take set pieces for his side, and either send balls into dangerous areas or go for goal himself. He had a banging free kick from miles out hit the bar in what was a spectacular effort on goal. On the defensive side of the ball Steven is very sound, putting in some crunching tackles and winning the ball back for his team. He is very calm and controlled on the ball when in possession as well.     Jeremiah is a right back that reads the field well and can kickstart an attack going forward. He puts in very timely challenges on the defensive end and will frequently come away with the ball after stepping in for a challenge. On the ball, Jeremiah excels at spotting runs down the pitch, and plays these long threaded through balls down the pitch onto the run of his teammates. A player who has some really good vision and can see the entire field exceptionally well.

Last weekend in Virginia featured 150 teams from across the country competing in the ECNL Virginia tournament. Out of those 150 teams, a third were from the 2010 age group. Here were some of the weekends best performers from that age group.