Stars Emerge in Florida: Standout Players from Champions Cup

Tresick set the tone as the first line of defense with her excellent pressure from the No. 9 spot. She was active defensively and made Columbus United work hard to try to build from the back. She created some chances in the first half too with her hold up play and passing.

Hejduk provided the assist on the opening goal for her side. She capitialized on an errant pass and then delivered the perfect pass to Sydney Thomas Sydney Thomas F State OH for the goal. Hejduk was active all over the field with her quick movements and close ball control.

Superb against Tophat. A constant threat to beat the backline. Played with confidence and had no fear going 1v2 against the talent Tophat backline. She's a player with a high engine and unstoppable work rate. She's an effective No. 9 with a lot of potential for the next level. She scored twice in the win over Tophat, including the game-winner.

Kirby provided a terrific finish on the opening goal for SJEB against Tophat. She was in the right place to control the outlet and then buried a shot into the upper corner of the goal. She also provided an excellent assist on Brownlee's goal in the second half.

Brown showed good pace and anticipation on her goal against SJEB. She read the flight of the ball well and got behind the defense on the pass that bounced over the defense. She wasn't getting caught in the open field and showed the composure for an excellent finish. Brown also had a good assist on a similar type of play in the second half. She played a great ball to Holly Champney for the late goal for Tophat.

I thought Pickering had one of the best performances of the event at outside back in the win over Columbus United . She was brilliant defensively. She shut down a number of attacks with her ability in the tackle and also her positioning. She was smart on the ball too. Natalie Pinkard was also a bright spot of the City defense.

Lisak had an outstanding finish on the opening goal in the semifinal win over Columbus United . She was active in the No. 9 role. She did well in creating chances for her teammates with her hold-up play. Her movement off the ball was a strong point too. Her activity was a key reason for her goal as she poached on the chance and put it away.

Gresik was the best player on the field for City SC in the semifinal win over Columbus United . The midfielder has clearly elevated her game and looks like one of the best in the country in the center of the pitch. She's calm on the ball, always checks her shoulders before receiving the pass, active in providing a support angle for her teammates when off the ball, and she plays an accurate long-range pass consistently.

Isabella Taliano Isabella Taliano 5'5" | M/D Centennial | 2028 MD was instrumental in the midfield for her side. She was the engine for the team. She provided the assist on the opener, but she was in the action from the opening whistle. Her passing to link the defense to the attack was instrumental for the attack for Baltimore Armour.

Alessandra Escobar and Sandra Bauer were also standouts in the midfield for Baltimore Armour.

Jackson scored two goals in the win over Eugene Metro on Friday. The center forward was effective against the defense with her strength on the ball, skill to keep close control under pressure, and quick shot. Jackson had an impressive showing from the opening game.

Puna had impressive footwork to dance around defenders before hitting home a nifty finish on the opening goal in the win over Baltimore Armour on Sunday. She showed good balance and control while in a tight space. Rhea Steil was also a standout for the HTX side.

Finding players who strike a free kick correctly was a rarity at this event. Finn stood out for her ability in the dead-ball situation. She buried a goal from a free kick against Florida United. Finn was a catalyst for another goal in the second half, as she brought down a tricky pass with a good first touch to continue a clever sequence from McLean.