Girls Academy Playoffs: 2010 Best XI

The Girls Academy playoffs in Southern California wrapped up last week. The 2010 age group provided all the thrills including late game-winners, big upsets, and heroics from penalty kick shootouts. Below is the Prep Soccer Best XI from the top teams at the event.    Fiore was unreal in the win over Tophat GA Gold in the Round of 16 game for her side. She made diving saves, one-handed blocks, and pretty much stood on her head in the second half to shut out the favorites in this age group and help her team claim a spot in Richmond. Giada Delre, Sora Taylor, Kylie Keating, Gabriella Wandling, and Alexa Cunha were also standouts for Cedar Stars Academy Monmouth.     Moore recorded three shutout victories from the four games in Norco. She helped her team claim a spot in Richmond. She made some terrific diving saves throughout the week. She also stood out from her game intelligence and knowing when to come off the line to cut off a chance. Aubree Chase was a star in the midfield for Spokane. Brooklyn Gallagher was outstanding at center back. Charlotte Dix was a constant threat in the attack.     Makenna O'Connor, Sporting Nebraska - The defender for Sporting Nebraska was a major reason why the team is moving onto Richmond. She had two games in particular that were noteworthy. In the opening shutout win against Tophat, it felt like she blocked over 10 attempts in that match. She was throwing herself in front of any chance. She had a similar outing in the Round of 16 outing against Syracuse. She has elite recovery speed and competitive spirit that makes her a fierce defender. Kenzi Perez was also excellent at center back for Sporting Nebraska.     Fielder was a bright spot of the [program_tooltip program_id='283697' first='Midwest' last='United'] squad in Norco. She was outstanding in every game. She made key plays all over the field. She had key passes and set up chances with her great service from dead ball situations. She had an assist off a free kick against SJEB. She also had assists off her corner kicks. Natalie Hutt, Ellie Wagamon, [player_tooltip player_id='273280' first='Hailey' last='Newcomb'], [player_tooltip player_id='273284' first='Kilee' last='Halladay'], and [player_tooltip player_id='273268' first='Claire' last='Pierczynski'] were also standouts for Midwest.     Simmons and Hailee Weisenbach were a terrific duo at center back for Indy Premier. They only let in one goal in four games. Simmons was very involved in the win over HTX in the Round of 16. She read the game well and provided the key interception when called upon. She also had some key passes going forward to create chances. Skylar Mueller and Karringtyn Wilder were also standouts for Indy Premier.     The Galaxy center back was outstanding throughout the competition. She was excellent on the ball and did well in progressing the ball up the field for her side - both on the dribble and pass. Her passing opened up a number of chances in the win over [program_tooltip program_id='287540' first='South' last='[program_tooltip program_id='283511' first='Valley' last='Surf']'].    Gabby Gjeldum made an outstanding save in the win over [program_tooltip program_id='287540' first='South' last='[program_tooltip program_id='283511' first='Valley' last='Surf']']. Quinn Fahey, Elizabeth Johnson, and Keira Stone were also standouts for Galaxy.      Nikkel was a standout of the [program_tooltip program_id='283295' first='City' last='SC'] defense in the shutout win over Fram in the Round of 16. The center back had impactful plays in shutting down the opposing attack. She also made a couple of great passes to start the attack for her side. [player_tooltip player_id='353958' first='Addilyn' last='Garman'], [player_tooltip player_id='376396' first='Stella' last='Esquivel'], [player_tooltip player_id='333488' first='Makenna' last='Mitchell'], [player_tooltip player_id='266740' first='Gracie' last='Lisak'], Milly Johnston, [player_tooltip player_id='284035' first='McKay' last='Gresik'], Savannah Anders, and Hihimanu Montgomery were standouts for [program_tooltip program_id='283295' first='City' last='SC'] throughout the week.     Garbarino scored a goal in every game in Norco including two goals with her head. The New Mexico SA attacker found a variety of ways to impact the game. She was excellent in the press too. She disrupted the opposition and created chances for her side.     Sporting Nebraska scored seven goals in Norco. McLaughlin scored six of those seven. The brilliant attacker scored in every game. Her goal against Syracuse Development Academy was one of the best of the competition. A jaw-dropping first touch that sat the defender down followed by a calm, commanding finish. McLaughlin showed her quality as one of the best players in the country.     Chappell stood out from the HTX games in Norco. She was seemingly involved in all the key movements for her side. Her quick burst, close control, and vision stood out from the midfield. She had a number of shots in every game as she found opportunities to be involved in the play with her effort. Rhea Steil was also a star for HTX. Charis Burdick and Alessandra Hernandez were also bright spots for HTX.     Tetlack had a fantastic event. She was a handful for the opposition from her attacking midfield spot. She had a great assist in the game against Sporting Nebraska in the Round of 16. She was also a finisher with a couple of goals of her own in the other games. Tetlack had wonderful service with her left foot from the corner kick as well. Gianna Melfi, Naomi Locke, Leah Bray, and Francesca Peplinski were also standouts for SDA.     Brownlee was a constant threat to beat the backline in every game for SJEB. She was probably the most fouled player at the event. I believe she drew three penalty kicks from the four games. Raelyn Smith converted from the spot every time. On top of being the play fouled the most, she also scored three goals. Katelyn D'Ottaviano, Caitlin Ramsi, Gianna Galego, Vienna Fries, and Smith were standouts for SJEB.

The Girls Academy playoffs in Southern California wrapped up last week. The 2010 age group provided all the thrills including late game-winners, big upsets, and heroics from penalty kick shootouts. Below is the Prep Soccer Best XI from the top teams at the event.