5 Underclassmen Gems from CO Academy and Pride

A center back pressed into action saw a successful match as keeper. A high intensity, high motor player also highlighted the last two weekends of action at the Pride Soccer Complex in Colorado Springs. These underclassmen are hidden gems with tremendous upside.     Plays with a determined intensity. Feels like she can get to every 50-50 ball. A high effort player, with a motor that runs on high throughout the match. But, she backs that up with good size and sense. Willingly creates space with her body and is exceptional when it comes to shieldsingthe ball from defenders. Very proactive when inserting herself into the attacking third. Because she offers owell timed attacks, defenders have to react to her presence.     Great field vision and sense of where the attacking players are going. Eventhough she's normally a center back, she filled in between the pipes and turned in a clean sheet. Reaction time is outstanding. As a result, a point-blank kick save thwarted a goal as she stayed on the attacker's line. Also, corralled a loose ball at the goal mouth and dribbled it past the box for a clearance. Has the ability to see the entire picture of the field. Made five kick saves throughout the game. But, needs to learn to use her hands more. Showed grit on a kick save that popped over her head, beat her opponent to the ball for a jump save. Judgment for leaving the net to close the gap with an attacker was sound. Daughter of a coach, very outspoken, willing to lead and orchestrate a defense from the back.       Goes hard the whole match and understands the outside mid well. Because she's a high motor player, Giada is in constant motion and plays hard for long stretches. Which allows her to be immersed in the offensive attack and quickly engage in overlapping support. Uses above average speed to exploit the edge of the defense. When pressured, she controls possessions well. Also, poised under pressure when surrounded by defenders which allows her to extend possession as the team transitions into the attacking third.     Drives free kicks and corner kicks with a strong leg. Because she has plus straight-line speed and size she can hold off and avoid defenders. Scrappy in the box with a scorers mentality. Therefore, she's willing to do whatever it takes to sniff out a goal. Won't be outmuscled at the point of contact and is willing to box out defenders. Understands how to use a wide base to contend for 50-50 balls, maintains her feet on strong challenges and quickly turns her shoulders upfield to face the net and initiate offense. Traps and settles balls played over the top very well as the ball stays close to her body. Moves the ball well and dials in passes to teammates that fit the situation. Also, knows when to take something off a pass and when to zip one into a tight space.      Uses above average speed to create space from defenders. Her first touch is made under control. Which allows her to create opportunities for teammates with passes that are on time and in the flow of the offense. Very twitchy muscles. Therefore her first step is explosive and gives her an edge in pursuit of possessions. In congested spaces she's got the ability to quickly gain possession and sneak away to green space.     An offensive catalyst with technical skills and field awareness. Advanced ability to control the ½ chances in the open field. She's a high IQ player that supports teammates and makes the pass that sets them up for the correct play. Her ability to overlap in the attack allows the team to keep its shape. Showed a solid shot inside the box that hit the post. Had several chances where one more touch could have led to a shot, can be more aggressive to fire off chances on frame.

A center back pressed into action saw a successful match as keeper. A high intensity, high motor player also highlighted the last two weekends of action at the Pride Soccer Complex in Colorado Springs. These underclassmen are hidden gems with tremendous upside.