Girls Academy Quarterfinals: 09 Preview

The Girls Academy Finals wrap up this weekend from the River City Sportsplex in Virginia. There are eight teams left in each age group. The quarterfinals for the 2009 age group will be held on Thursday. The semifinals will be on Friday. And the championship game will be on Sunday.   Check out the Prep Soccer exclusive <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/?s=girls%20academy&search-state=national&search-type=Articles">Girls Academy coverage here. </a>Below is a preview of each of the four games from the quarterfinal round of the competition.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[program_tooltip program_id='283695' first='Michigan' last='Jaguars'] vs. [program_tooltip program_id='283706' first='NEFC' last=''] </h2>   Preview: [program_tooltip program_id='283695' first='Michigan' last='Jaguars'] were battle-tested in group play with two wins and a draw. Both wins were one-goal results, as the team showed the fortitude to hold onto a result in a high-pressure situation. Jaguars strength comes from the dynamic attack. They are good at playing off the center forward and getting everyone involved in the attack moving forward. The midfielders are excellent at closing off space and keeping the pressure on the opposition. They have shown some weaknesses though. Jaguars gave up a goal in every game of group play. West Florida Flames was successful on corner kicks, which could be an opportunity for [program_tooltip program_id='283706' first='NEFC' last=''].   [program_tooltip program_id='283706' first='NEFC' last=''] advanced from Group A of the playoffs with a perfect 3-0 record. Much like [program_tooltip program_id='283695' first='Michigan' last='Jaguars'], all of the games were close. [program_tooltip program_id='283706' first='NEFC' last=''] won all three games with a one-goal margin. The biggest advantage [program_tooltip program_id='283706' first='NEFC' last=''] has in this match-up is on set pieces. They have excellent service from [player_tooltip player_id='170490' first='Julia' last='Kaminski'] and [player_tooltip player_id='286130' first='Giada' last='Antidormi']. [program_tooltip program_id='283706' first='NEFC' last=''] has a bunch of targets to win aerial duels as well. On the flip side, [program_tooltip program_id='283706' first='NEFC' last=''] tends to defend a narrow channel in the center of the field and Jaguars ability to play through the wingers could exploit the space left behind the defense.   Player to know:    The Jaguars defense will be tested in Virginia. Shields, the right center back, will need to step up to the occasion. She's shown this season that she is fully capable of meeting those moments. She had some excellent defensive plays in the victory over West Florida Flames.   [player_tooltip player_id='273017' first='Chiara' last='Webster'] is the other defender to know from this group. Webster is a two-way player at outside back. A tough-tackling defender who can also get forward with her skill, Webster offers game-breaking quality. She also has a long throw-in that is a weapon in the final third.     This game could come down to the battle in the midfield. Antidormi is a creative force and she opens up a lot of chances for her team. If she is finding success off the dribble, [program_tooltip program_id='283706' first='NEFC' last=''] will roll in this game. If she is limited, [program_tooltip program_id='283706' first='NEFC' last=''] is going to have a lot of trouble generating chances.   [player_tooltip player_id='286124' first='Tia' last='LaBrecque'] is the other midfielder to watch for [program_tooltip program_id='283706' first='NEFC' last='']. She is also capable of splitting open the opposing defense with her movement and passing.    Prediction: [program_tooltip program_id='283706' first='NEFC' last=''] 3-2 [program_tooltip program_id='283695' first='Michigan' last='Jaguars']   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Syracuse Development Academy vs. Galaxy SC </h2>   Preview: [program_tooltip program_id='276495' first='Syracuse' last='DA'] opened up Group Play with a 2-1 win over Florida United and then rolled to big wins in the next two games to clinch the spot in the quarterfinals. The New York squad has a strong defense, crafty midfield, and arguably the best center forward in the Girls Academy. They found success in the playoffs with the midfielders setting the table for the attack and Alexis Fragnito's success in getting behind the defense and finishing off chances. They were also convincing in the press as Fragnito's physical play gave center backs all they could handle. SDA did let in some goals along the way. They conceded on set pieces and also looked slow in the transition. They were often too compact when the midfield was forced back and the defensive line didn't drop off in support quick enough.   Galaxy, as a club, advanced three teams to Richmond, which speaks to the depth and development of the players at the club. Galaxy SC 09 was the best defense (statistically) from the advancing teams at the Group Play stage. The Illinois club only conceded one goal in three games. The two shutouts showcased the cohesiveness and standout play from goalkeeper Leilany Corona. The defense will be tested against a potent Syracuse attack.   [player_tooltip player_id='233155' first='Keira' last='McMahon'] and [player_tooltip player_id='153303' first='Ilyana' last='Barriball'] are two names to know from the attack. McMahon was excellent on set pieces in the Group Play round. She provided goals and assists. Barriball is a center forward who can create for herself as well her teammates.   Player to know:    This game is going to come down to Fragnito for a few reasons. She dictates the play for her side and she also forces the opposition into difficult decisions. She was exceptional in the Group Stage and very well could be the MVP of the event if she continues to play at that level.     It's going to be on the Galaxy defense to slow down the Syracuse attack. Goalkeeper Leilany Corona will come up with saves, but the line in front of her needs to be sharp. Czarnik will be one of the players in task with trying to slow down the SDA attack.    Prediction: Galaxy SC 2-1 SDA   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">St. Louis Development Academy vs. SC del Sol </h2>   Preview: St. Louis Development Academy is another example of how fine the margin is between the season ending and the season continuing into July. STLDA won the group with two one-goal victories and a draw. The seven points and a plus two-goal differential won the group and earned a quarterfinal showdown with SC del Sol. The key for St. Louis Development Academy in this matchup is how much success they find in the press and transition. They are one of the best teams in this age group in springing the attack. They are great at switching the point of attack too and creating numerical advantages in the attack, which will be the key to breaking down one of the best teams in the country.   SC del Sol topped their group with a 3-0 record. The Arizona club scored nine goals in those three games. Buoyed by a talented midfield that dictated where the game was played in all of the contests, SC del Sol controls the action and breaks down the opposition frequently. The high-line back four can be suspect to balls over the top, which is where St. Louis Development Academy might find the most success.   Player to know:    Hoffman has game-breaking qualities that could be the difference in this game. She has the pace to get behind any defense and the skill to create chances for her teammates. Her quickness shines in the press too.   [player_tooltip player_id='149752' first='Rachel' last='Walter'] is also a key catalyst for the team. The midfielder plays with her head up and makes quick decisions on the ball. She will be one to watch in the attempt to contain the opposition.     Ogren has been great this season in the Girls Academy. She was selected for the National Talent ID event, but she will be competing for the National Championship instead. The midfielder is a one of one. Towering in her frame, she stands out on the field, but she's more than a physical presence. She's a smart player with a competitive drive.    Prediction: SC del Sol 3-2 St. Louis Development Academy   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[program_tooltip program_id='283739' first='SC' last='Wave'] vs. Louisiana TDP Elite </h2>   Preview: The [program_tooltip program_id='283739' first='SC' last='Wave'] attack carried the team through the first two games of Group Play in the playoffs with nine goals scored. Then the defense clinched the spot at the top of the standings with a scoreless draw to secure the trip to Richmond. It might end up being a similar story for the club in Virginia with the attack doing the heavy lifting at the start of the competition.   Louisiana TDP Elite was the only team in the quarterfinal round without a player called into the Girls Academy Talent ID National Event. Obviously, none of the players will be participating in that event because it occurs at the same time, but the lack of respect for the individuals on this team might put a chip on their shoulders heading into the game on Thursday. The trip to Richmond is a massive prize for the club, but they will certainly be looking for more. They came out of the Group with only five points secured, but it was enough to book the ticket. The defense will need to be sharper against an [program_tooltip program_id='283739' first='SC' last='Wave'] side that can score in the blink of an eye.   Player to know:    Helf is a player who can play any spot on the field. Her best position is in an attacking midfield role, but she can drift wide and thrive in 1v1 duels. She's a talented dribbler who can attack defenders going in either direction. She's got an excellent finish with her right. She could be the key for [program_tooltip program_id='283739' first='SC' last='Wave'] in unlocking the Louisiana defense.     The Gatorade State Player of the Year was one of the standout performers from the Group Play round and should be the focus for [program_tooltip program_id='283739' first='SC' last='Wave'] in hopes for slowing down Louisiana. She is a creative force who dictates the play from the attacking midfield spot. She covers a ton of ground and likes to make charging runs into the box. She's a great finisher for her position and can bury any chance within 30 yards that falls to her.    Prediction: Louisiana TDP 1-1 [program_tooltip program_id='283739' first='SC' last='Wave'] (Louisiana advances on PKs)

The Girls Academy Finals wrap up this weekend from the River City Sportsplex in Virginia. There are eight teams left in each age group. The quarterfinals for the 2009 age group will be held on Thursday. The semifinals will be on Friday. And the championship game will be on Sunday.