Scouting the Finishers: 10 NC 2028 Forwards to Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The North Carolina Girls 2028 player rankings were updated this week on Prep Soccer. Check out the rankings here. Learn more about the ranking process here. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below is a scouting report on 10 forwards who appear in the rankings. This group includes dynamic wingers who should be on the Youth National Team to center forwards who are starring in their first seasons in the ECNL. This group will have scouts scrambling to their phones on June 15. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44","player_evaluations_0_player":["110317"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":0,"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69c558369e3f2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Povsic is the best dribbler in this group. The [program_tooltip program_id='283410' first='NC' last='Courage'] winger freezes defenders with her ability to keep the ball glued to her foot while using her change of pace to create separation. She's been a key contributor for the [program_tooltip program_id='283410' first='NC' last='Courage'] 09 ECNL team this year. She's also had experience playing for her club's U20 team. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Povsic is the player who looks the most ready for the speed of play at the college level. Her ability to play the game at her pace suggests she is always in control and will remain that way thanks to her improvisation skills and creativity. She's also an excellent finisher. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44","player_evaluations_0_player":["277747"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":0,"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69c558369e35a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hayes is the riser in the recent rankings release. She's a terrific attacking talent who has been a breakout star for the [program_tooltip program_id='283284' first='Charlotte' last='SA'] 2010 ECNL team. She is the cleanest winger in this class who can create chances with the ball at her feet. Her passing and vision are exceptional for this group. The timing of her passing is also among her top qualities. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hayes has been part of the US Soccer Talent ID events in the past. She was named to the ECNL All-Conference Second Team last season. She should be getting the attention and credit to be a First Team selection this year. She's been one of the best in the region and deserves the recognition of scouts from top programs in the area. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44","player_evaluations_0_player":["277930"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":0,"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69c558369e36d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Clack is the other standout winger in this class. The [program_tooltip program_id='283410' first='NC' last='Courage'] attacker is speed, skill, and power. She is a two-way force on the wing. She is a competitive player who will compete defensively at every opportunity. When she is on the ball, she is quick to make decisions and she wants to fly forward. She likes to exploit space behind the defense and use her quickness to create chances in that way. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Clack has game-breaking abilities at the youth club level and massive potential for the college level thanks to those attacking qualities in the final third. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["277940"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69c5653a89396"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Durry-Hammett is a forward on the [program_tooltip program_id='283410' first='NC' last='Courage'] 2010 ECNL. She is a center forward who is the best in this group with playing with her back to the goal. Her knack for taking her first touch away from pressure is a strong point of her game - and a major reason why she does so well in retaining possession for her side. She can create chances on her own and also shows playmaking qualities. She's got all the quality to be a top center forward in the region. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["342496"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69c5653a892b7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Truxillo was the best player at the Girls Academy Talent ID event this season. The elite combination of pace and attacking instincts had her heavily involved in the play from the opening whistle to the final one. She scored twice and was key to the other goal for her side. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She is a 2010 who plays up with the 2009 team for her club. She's been a key contributor in the older age group, but the all-star game was plenty of evidence to show she is among the best attacking talents in the 2028 age group. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44","player_evaluations_0_player":["277752"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":0,"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69c558369e39e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">McNulty is a winger on the [program_tooltip program_id='283526' first='Wilmington' last='Hammerheads'] 09 ECNL team. She can play on either side of the formation. She is equally good with her right or left foot. She is an excellent finisher, arguably the best finisher in this class. McNulty has composure in front of goal, and also awareness to spot when the goalkeeper in out of position. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McNulty has been part of the North Carolina and Regional ODP teams. She's also been a highly decorated high school player. She has been a standout at every level and should continue to be a top talent at the wing position at the next level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44","player_evaluations_0_player":["277939"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":0,"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69c558369e3d4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Pak is a forward on the Charlotte Independence 09 GA team. She can play as a center forward or on the wing. She's right footed with good ball control, strength, and high-level soccer smarts. Pak is a weapon in the press. She picks off passes consistently. She reads angles and closes down options for defenders. She bullies the opposition with her ability to anticipate where they want to go next with the ball. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pak has been excellent in the Girls Academy this season. She's been contributing constantly to her team's success. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44","player_evaluations_0_player":["353194"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":0,"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69c558369e3e3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Burns is a forward who feels like an unstoppable force on the field. She is a magnet for the ball. When the ball is at her feet, it's clear she is just thinking about how quickly she can put it into the net. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Burns was a key performer during the Girls Academy Talent ID event this season. She can be an effective attacker against the best defenders in the league. She does an excellent job with using her body in the duel and keeping her balance under the challenge. Burns is a good dribbler and has a powerful shot. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44","player_evaluations_0_player":["353368"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":0,"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69c558369e410"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Axford is a winger for the North Carolina FC ECNL. She can play on either side of the formation. She has all the potential to be a top winger in the region. She has a thunderous shot and excellent technique on ball striking from the run of play. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Axford could take her game to the next level with a bit more intentional work on the ball. She takes an extra touch or two to set up her action at times. Cleaning up her moments on the ball will make her a difficult play to stop because she already has the speed and finishing to put her in elite company. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44","player_evaluations_0_player":["353372"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":0,"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69c558369e41e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Zacharias is a five-foot-10 forward on the [program_tooltip program_id='283412' first='NC' last='Fusion'] 09 ECNL. She can play as a striker or on the wing. I think she's at her best in the center forward role, but her mobility and cleverness in 1v1 situations shines from the wing too. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Zacharias is a late riser in this class. She previously played in the RL and has developed into a key player at the ECNL level this season. She's got a strong all-around game - and is only getting better with every day. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->