4 Rising U16/U15 Forwards from CA and PA You Should Get To Know

The class of 2029 is picking up steam as some of the best players are starting to make a name for themselves at the national and international levels of competition.   USE THE PROMO CODE almasin30 for a discount on your first subscription   In this feature, I will be highlighting some really good to possibly future top-level scorers.  If anything, we will have to see how these 4 players pan out, but I'm sure one or more of them will get to the elite level.  With the recent change to the age change, some players have been reassigned to different teams and thus just made or missed an age cut-off.   One of the best ways to identify talent is to see them perform live.  With that, I can honestly say that with this group of players the future looks bright, and I am grateful to share part of their soccer journey.   Most have played at the highest levels of girls' soccer, with 3 of the 4 also playing in competition at the international level.  Although they may not necessarily have played on the USYNT during those competitions, playing against top-level, elite-club teams from Europe and the Middle East checks that box.   The great part of this bunch is that they also represent some of the best teams in their league/division, such as ECNL, where both [player_tooltip player_id='270093' first='Caroline' last='Mortimore'] and [player_tooltip player_id='295799' first='Kaylani' last='Ahn'] play for MVLA U16 ECNL.  The team is ranked #3 in the nation out of 130 teams.  [player_tooltip player_id='282754' first='Kimiko' last='Smuckler'] of [program_tooltip program_id='283620' first='Beadling' last='SC'], the oldest continuously operating soccer club in the U.S. from Bridgeville, PA, is also having a good season with her squad.  Lastly, Alana Ramirez plays for [program_tooltip program_id='283257' first='Bay' last='Area Surf'] ECNL-RL.  Her team is currently 4-1-3, with only one defeat on the season.   It is my intention to cover a wide range of soccer leagues, and I am also planning to work with teams from other leagues outside of these three.  Please reach out if you are a competitive team looking for exposure for your league or team.   Featured Players:   [player_tooltip player_id='282754' first='Kimiko' last='Smuckler'] - Forward - 2029 - [program_tooltip program_id='278622' first='Beadling' last='GA'] - High School: Winchester Thurston School, PA   [player_tooltip player_id='270093' first='Caroline' last='Mortimore'] - Forward - 2029 - MVLA U16 ECNL - High School: Saint Francis, CA   [player_tooltip player_id='295799' first='Kaylani' last='Ahn'] - Midfielder/Forward - 2029 - MVLA U16 ECNL - High School: Leland, CA   Alana Ramirez - Forward - 2029 - [program_tooltip program_id='283257' first='Bay' last='Area Surf'] U15 ECNL-RL - High School: Hollister, CA   Player Evaluations:    She is becoming a top-level player in an attacking-mid/forward position.  I've previously seen Kimi play at the GA summer showcase in Norco, CA, in June, and she's come a long way as far as her ability to contribute on the attack.  While scoring 20 goals and providing 9 assists in 10 matches of this year's high school season, she is on pace for leading the league and possibly the section in overall points.  Her clean runs into the attacking lanes provided high percentage angles of attack, as well as placing her in 1v1s with the goalkeeper.  Calm and collected focusing skills when running at full stride are a very great skill to have as a striker, and she is checking off on boxes with scoring from different spots on the pitch.  The Winchester Thurston School sophomore standout is making waves on both the high school and GA club scene. Playing for the Beadling Soccer Club is where Kimi wants to be, as she had multiple opportunities to play elsewhere.  She has recently returned from international competition at the 22nd Macciah Games in Israel.  Scouts will be looking closely at this rising star in the making.    Kimi's Highlights: CAM Aug 2026, WTHS- 6 goals, 4 assists (out of 11 goals scored in 4 games)   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpiG8GTqKug </div></figure>    She is a player who can split multiple defenders with smooth, decisive, and clean cut-backs.  She had one of the best goals I've seen since the GA summer tournament.  While receiving the ball just past the midfield, she angled in from the left touchline and made a one-two pass. She then received the ball in stride, pushed it to her strong side, and buried a left-footed banger.  The chemistry from this elite-level MVLA squad ranked #3 in the nation is simply captivating.  Caroline had a really strong showing back at the ECNL playoffs in Seattle.  She scored the first goals in the first two key games, with their team winning 2-3.  With international playing experience with the 2025 ID2 National Selection Girls Team, she traveled to France and scored a goal against Paris FC and delivered a critical assist in their match against FBBP.  The California class of 2029 player is ranked #14 in CA and #4 in position.    Caroline's Highlights: Goal against [program_tooltip program_id='283467' first='Santa' last='Rosa United'] - One of the best goals I've seen since the GA summer showcase.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/2103999273323098432?s=20 </div></figure>    She is an up-and-coming standout forward/midfielder who can find the back of the net.  In the match against Santa Rosa, Kaylani had 2 goals, and each showed a bit of her technical skills in finding open shooting lanes.  Her first goal came off of a corner kick. While the ball was deflected, she did a one-touch push to her strong side and sent the ball home through traffic.  Great poise and finishing technique.  On the second, she slipped through the defense and ripped a shot past the oncoming goalkeeper.  Excellent movement into open pockets and a smooth, controlled placement shot to the right corner netting.  I really liked her ability to find the attacking lanes and her angles of attack.  I'm definitely looking forward to covering some of her high school matches this season, as I have her Leland Chargers ranked in my Top 20 CIF NorCal preseason list.  Kaylani also scored 6 goals last season for the Chargers as a freshman for the co-leading scorer and provided 4 assists.    Kaylani's Highlights: Two goals scored against [program_tooltip program_id='283467' first='Santa' last='Rosa United']   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/2104760350478582199?s=20 </div></figure>    She is a certified goal scorer with 6 goals and 5 games in the fall season of ECNL-RL matches.  I covered one of her matches a few weeks ago and saw her speed and ability to get past defenders as clear strengths.  In that match Alana showed the ability to make clean cut-backs and slice through multiple defenders with great vision and touch.  She's definitely a candidate ready to make the leap once a position opens up.  While competing in the late summer international for her Surf squad in London/Manchester City, she missed a few of the league matches.  Her experience brought her to play against Wolverhampton U16, Manchester United U16, AC Flyde U16, Bolton U16, and Aberdeen Scotland U17. That experience has brought her back home as a super focused player.  Alana said that the games were very physical and highly competitive, yet played with passion.  I'm looking forward to seeing her team play another match this season, as they are currently at 4-1-3 with only one loss to [program_tooltip program_id='278036' first='San' last='Juan SC'].    Alana's Highlights: 4 goals in first 2 games back   <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DdDdIk_v8I5/?hl=en">https://www.instagram.com/p/DdDdIk_v8I5/?hl=en</a>   I was fortunate to have been able to ask a few question on recruiting and here are the responses from Kimiko "Kimi" and Alana. Hope this helps players see the commitment and dedication these players make to get to the next levels. I am beyond grateful to be part of their soccer journey. Here are the questions and their responses.   Kimi's Questions and Responses   What was the highlight of your soccer trip?   "The highlight of my trip was to be able to play with so many players from around the country. It was so amazing to meet different girls, to compete with them and then to travel with them. Winning the bronze medal was great too!"   What was a non soccer highlight?   "The non soccer highlight was the fact that I was able to tour the country and see so many ancient historical sights, and I got to ride a camel!"   Which team gave you the most competition and how did they play?   "Our toughest competition was playing the Israel U17 National team. They were playing on home turf, played quick possession based soccer and had clear chemistry between teammates."   What are a few things you did well?   "I was able to contribute 4 goals for my team, and they were 4 different type of goals which I think shows my versatility in finishing with both left and right feet (one a Trivela, one from distance outside box, one was a one touch right foot, one left footed after corner). As a midfielder, I was strong on both sides of the ball, winning defensive tackles and creating turnovers."   "I also create many chances for my teammates with my passing and vision."   What are some things you will improve on?   "I think about ways to improve all of the time. One of the things that is hard is playing with girls I didn't know. I think learning who they are both soccer-wise and not would have increased our chemistry (although by the end of the trip we are all amazing friends!). And for me personally, I think I am always working on the balance between when to take chances myself and when to distribute the ball."   Was there anyone you connected with during your trip? Soccer related.   "I don't think there was anyone I connected with (there were two scouts from local professional clubs who contacted me after but not sure if you mean that)."   Alana's Questions and Responses   <ol class="wp-block-list"> <li>What are three of your strengths as a soccer player?</li> </ol>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Shooting power/range with both feet</li>   <li>Physical/dynamic player</li>   <li>Good vision/awareness to find teammates</li> </ul>   <ol start="2" class="wp-block-list"> <li>When did you and your parents decide that you would want to be a college soccer player</li> </ol>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>I decided it was a dream of mine to play college soccer as early as fifth grade</li> </ul>   <ol start="3" class="wp-block-list"> <li>What are some of the things you are currently doing to prepare for your college journey?</li> </ol>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>I train 5-6 days/week</li>   <li>watch film on the past game(s) weekly</li>   <li>Maintain the highest possible gpa</li> </ul>   <ol start="4" class="wp-block-list"> <li>What have been your most memorable soccer moments as a soccer player thus far?</li> </ol>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Some of my most memorable moments as a soccer player are winning 2 tournaments in San Diego with 2 different teams, playing/training in England with professional trainers (Arsenal, Tottenham) and really good competition. (Manchester United, Aberdeen Scotland, Arsenal, Wolverhampton)</li>   <li>being awarded player of the tournament at the Davis legacy super cup</li>   <li>overall, progressing in the game that I love & Meeting new people</li> </ul>   <ol start="5" class="wp-block-list"> <li>Is there a club, college or pro soccer player who inspires you?</li> </ol>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Liverpool inspired me a lot just by experiencing the culture at Anfield stadium in person.</li>   <li>Several ex-pro soccer players and great trainers inspire me such as Coach TJ from CCFA, Walmer Martinez, & Jesus (Chuy) Enriquez. Chuy Enriquez has done a lot for me as a player by always guiding me. He motivates & pushes me to keep progressing, never settle, & explained the importance of being mentally resilient/tough and taking care of my mental/physical health as a player.</li> </ul>   <ol start="6" class="wp-block-list"> <li>Where do you see yourself or hope to be in your soccer journey in 5-6 years?</li> </ol>   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>I pray I'll be playing College soccer or higher, representing a national team. I am of Vietnamese, African-American, & Mexican descents and would be very proud to play at the national and or professional level.</li> </ul>

The class of 2029 is picking up steam as some of the best players are starting to make a name for themselves at the national and international levels of competition.