The future looks bright for fantastic freshmen

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The 2029 class produced some freshmen standouts who were major contributors on their team in the regular season as well as the playoffs.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>USE THE PROMO CODE almasin30 for a discount on your first subscription</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The fantastic five contributed to the success of their teams while making a name for themselves, with some teams reaching top-level CA as well as national rankings. The players represent teams from the NorCal region competing at the A-Division, or highest level, of high school soccer. Most leagues have an A-Division and a B-Division, while larger leagues also have a C-Division.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Standout 2029 players represented Bishop O'Dowd, Buchanan, Archbishop Mitty, Mountain View, and Piedmont Hills. All five teams made it to postseason play. Bishop O'Dowd (#4 in CA and #24 in the nation) went as far as winning a NorCal Open Section Title and competed in the Division I State Championship title match. Buchanan (#15 in CA and #67 in the nation) played in the NorCal Section title against O'Dowd, and Archbishop Mitty (#47 in CA and #157 in the nation) played in the NorCal Division II final against San Ramon Valley.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mountain View had an overall record of 14-5-1 and finished the season in 2nd place at 8-3-1. Piedmont Hills had an overall record of 10-8-2 and came in 4th at 6-6-2. The team seems to be on the rise as they won their first round matchup after only winning one league game the previous season. As for Mountain View, they are always in the mix, and with Coach Jeff Panos at the helm, they are poised to have another strong season with many possibilities.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I was fortunate to be able to cover matches for all but one of the featured players during the 2025-2026 season. I am definitely headed out to a Buchanan match in the upcoming season, and I'm looking forward to covering one of [player_tooltip player_id='270098' first='Macie' last='Lomeli']'s ECNL matches as well as those of the rest of the fantastic freshmen during the spring ECNL season.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Featured Players:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1. [player_tooltip player_id='276576' first='Sadie' last='Siedel'] - 2029 - Bishop O'Dowd - [program_tooltip program_id='278035' first='Mustang' last='SC ECNL'] G10 - Forward/Midfielder - #4 in the Nation, #1 in CA and #1 in position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2. [player_tooltip player_id='270098' first='Macie' last='Lomeli'] - 2029 - Buchanan - [program_tooltip program_id='283257' first='Bay' last='Area Surf'] ECNL G11 - Midfielder - #20 in the Nation, #3 in CA and #1 in position</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>3. [player_tooltip player_id='347921' first='Avery' last='Richter'] - 2029 - Archbishop Mitty - [program_tooltip program_id='283641' first='De' last='Anza Force'] ECNL - Defender/Forward</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>4. [player_tooltip player_id='356082' first='Megan' last='Tran'] - 2029 - Piedmont Hills - [program_tooltip program_id='283461' first='San' last='Francisco Elite'] Academy ECNL RL - Defender/Forward</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>5. [player_tooltip player_id='335302' first='Olivia' last='Peters'] - 2029 - Mountain View - [program_tooltip program_id='278033' first='MVLA' last='ECNL'] - Defender/Forward</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Player Evaluations:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='276576' first='Sadie' last='Siedel'] - 2029 - Bishop O'Dowd</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["276576"],"_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-69e85a9eda539"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The #4 ranked 2029 player in the nation made some big plays during the Dragons' run in the playoffs. Sadie had a huge game in the NorCal title match against Buchanan as she contributed 2 goals in the 4-0 championship win. I also saw her slice through the Carondelet defense during O'Dowd's NCS Open Division championship match, where she got an awesome assist for the Dragons' first goal. She plays with poise and intensity at a high pace. The USYNT U-16 player is making a name on the national level, and it will be great to see her compete at the higher levels. Despite being one of the best players in the nation for the class of 2029, she looks to have unlimited potential, and her ceiling remains high as her competitiveness seems to have a liking effect on others.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Sadie's Highlights - Bishop O'Dowd vs. Carondelet - NCS Open Championship Match</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/2028701270350155968?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/2028701270350155968?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='347921' first='Avery' last='Richter'] - 2029 - Archbishop Mitty</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["347921"],"_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-69e864407309c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I was able to cover two of her matches this season. On the first one, the Mitty CB was dominant on the backline. She made long ball passes over the top with ease and closed down attackers in the channels and in overlapping runs. I really liked her ability to make precise passes after making clean tackles in the defensive third. She reads the game well and knows how to utilize her size and mobility. Avery is just scratching the surface as a freshman starter, and she will remain a critical part of the Mitty defense as they look to reload and have another outstanding season with many starting players coming back next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Avery's Highlights - Social Media Soccer Highlights</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DSZAHvVkTIT">https://www.instagram.com/p/DSZAHvVkTIT</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='356082' first='Megan' last='Tran'] - 2029 - Piedmont Hills</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["356082"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":355849,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-6a0e91514a9f4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Megan was a key part of the Pirates' defensive line. Playing primarily as a left-back and moving up for the attack when additional offense was needed, she showed her level of fitness and grit. The freshmen starter for all of her team's matches displayed critical stops by making clean tackles and utilizing her speed to disrupt runners trying to get down the flank or make overlapping runs to the 18. Megan can also play as a midfielder or up top as a striker, but wherever she's on the field, she has the ability to make an impact on both ends of the field. I am looking forward to evaluating her at the ECNL level and seeing how she and her team progress next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Megan's Highlights - Piedmont Hills vs. Pioneer</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/2013152455220216003?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/2013152455220216003?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='335302' first='Olivia' last='Peters'] - 2029 - Mountain View</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["335302"],"_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-69e86440731e4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I've covered her at the ECNL and high school levels this season. Olivia is a consistent player on the offensive side. In one of the matches, she played a big part in the Spartans' 2-0 win over Santa Clara. Her constant pressure up top led to quality attacks on goal. Her strong runs up top and ability to make quick cutbacks and keep players off her hip kept the defense reeling. She is a strong finisher with 14 goals and 6 assists in her freshmen season. I am looking forward to seeing her and her team's progress next season, as they seem poised to make a run at the league title with many of their starters returning. Olivia plays ECNL club soccer for MVLA, usually one and sometimes two years up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Olivia's Highlights - Mountain View vs. Santa Clara</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/2010239110594867437?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/2010239110594867437?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I was fortunate to have [player_tooltip player_id='356082' first='Megan' last='Tran'] answer some general soccer questions as well as give us some insight on her future soccer plans.&nbsp; Here are the questions and her responses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Questions for Megan</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1. What are three of your strengths as a soccer player?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>My three strengths are speed, field awareness and free kicks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2. When did you and your parents decide that you would want to be a collegiate soccer player?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I decided I wanted to be a collegiate soccer player when I started high school and started playing ECNL RL.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>3. What are some of the things you are currently doing to prepare for your college soccer journey?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I am going to showcases and training on my own.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>4. What has been your most memorable soccer moment or moments at the state tournament or as a soccer player thus far?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>My most memorable moment in soccer has been playing at my first ECNL showcase last year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>5. Is there a club, collegiate, or professional soccer player who inspires you?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Naomi Girma because she's a center back that plays for the USWNT.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6. Where do you see yourself or hope to be in your soccer journey in 5–6 years?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I hope to be playing Division 1 soccer at a good school.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Player and Game Stats:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1. Which positions did you play the most for PHHS?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Center back and attacking mid (5,10,8)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2. Which club team do you play for? (ECNL, ECNL RL, or GA)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>SF Elite ECNL RL 09</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>3. Game stats: Any assists? Goals? How many games started?</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2 assists and started all high school soccer games</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->