Girls Academy Winter Showcase Best XI - 09

The Girls Academy event in Southern California wrapped up last week. Prep Soccer was on hand scouting the event. Below is the Best XI from the 2009 age group at the event.     Linnea Wilhelm, Salvo SC - Wilhelm was excellent in the Salvo SC scoreless draw against Madison 56ers on the final day of the event. She made an early save on a tough breakaway that set the tone for her side. She was a key part of the defense that only let in one goal in three games.     Layla Gregoire, Downtown United SC - Gregoire was one of the top performers at the event. The DUSC defender had a stellar opening game against Seattle Celtic. She is versatile enough to play a number of roles, but stars as a center back. She was a key part of a squad that only let in one goal in three games. Emma Darman was another key player from the DUSC defensive unit.     Reagan Weier, Madison 56ers - The Madison defender was part of a defense that did not concede a goal during the event. She can play as a center back or outside back. I thought her best moments came when she had the ball at her feet and saw the opportunity to progress it up the field off the dribble. She plays with her head up and likes to attack. Weier is a strong defender who can shut down the top center forwards in the country.     Paige Manley, California FA - Manley was a bright spot in every California FA game that I watched from the event. The center back is competitive, strong defensively, and calm on the ball. She was outstanding against Tulsa. Her strength shined in 1v1 defending. She uses her body well and keeps control of the attacker with her positioning and timing of tackles. Manley put together a highlight reel performance from the event.     Scarlet Losee, Albion SC Las Vegas - Losee scored the game-winner in the final game of the event for her side. She was a constant threat throughout the event. The two-way midfielder peppered the opposing goal with her ability to rip shots on frame from over 35 yards out on goal. She also had key clearances in every game at the event. Losee is a valuable piece to her side and showed it during this event.     Josie McCabe, Sporting Nebraska - McCabe scored the lone goal for her side in the 1-1 draw against Washington East Surf. She was also a bright spot in the 2-0 win over Century United as she brought a lot of energy to her side with her play. Lucy Hervert was also a standout for Sporting Nebraska.     Amelia Moorhead, Downtown United SC - Downtown United SC was the most dominant team at the event. They finished with a 3-0 record, 17 goals scored, and only one conceded. Moorhead was consistent in her play in the midfield. She was on the front foot from the opening whistle and dictated where the game was played. She had brilliant moments and scored some thunderous goals, but she also imposed her will on the game through her tackling and tactical brilliance. She's a two-way midfielder from the 2027 class who showed this week that she should be getting more looks from Division I scouts.     Emily McKinney, Albion SC Las Vegas - McKinney finished the event with a goal and an assist from the three games. The midfielder did a lot more than just those contributions around the goal. She was a catalyst in the midfield. She made quick decisions on the ball and always provided an outlet for her team. McKinney was excellent in her decision-making and proved to be a key player for her side.     Mika Becker, Downtown United SC - Becker was another star of the DUSC squad. The center midfielder did a bit of everything and seemingly found her way on the scoresheet in all of the games. Becker is a skillful, competitive player who controlled the pace of play in every game. Becker has a bright future in the game.     Ava Dorsam, Salvo SC - Dorsam scored two goals in the win over Blues. She added another goal in another victory for her side. The North Dakota-native was prolific in the attack for her side. She led to a successful showing in Southern California at the event. Lily Kuettel was also excellent for Salvo.     Avery Fieber, North Shore United - Fieber tore apart the outside defenders at her will during this event. The winger is electric on the ball and elusive in tight space. She has the speed to get behind the defense consistently. She makes good decisions in the final third. Fieber scored and contributed with assists to help her to a successful showing in Southern California.     Gracie Rea, California FA - Rea was one of the bright spots of the CFA Aspire team at the event. Her squad went 3-0 in a challenging group. Rea was a threat on the wing. She had a two-goal performance against McLean in the second game, and was a top performer in every game. Rea showed the quality to be a difference-maker in the final third against elite competition.     Lyla Brown, Madison 56ers - Brown scored two of the three goals for her side during the event. The center forward is excellent in the press. She has the pace to get behind the defense. She also displayed the strength to hold off the defender. Brown had chances to score in every game during the event thanks to that unstoppable engine and speed.

The Girls Academy event in Southern California wrapped up last week. Prep Soccer was on hand scouting the event. Below is the Best XI from the 2009 age group at the event.