Eight California Standouts Making Waves in Early Season Action

August brought plenty of opportunities for young players across California to make an early impression, and several prospects from the 2011 and 2012 age groups took full advantage. From dynamic attacking play to standout performances in the midfield and back line, these eight players consistently caught the eye during club action throughout the month. Here's a closer look at eight California standouts who made their presence felt in August.    Vazquez is a defensive midfielder on the [program_tooltip program_id='283476' first='Slammers' last='FC'] 2011/2012 ECNL team. She played on the Slammers 2011 team that qualified for the ECNL Champions League playoffs last season.   Vazquez will be counted on a leader for the newly formed squad, which looks to have the right pieces to contend for one of the top spots in the conference based on the preseason results. The No. 6 on Slammers has an excellent feel for the game. She does well with her spacing and positioning off the ball to help keep the balance of her squad. She wants the ball at her feet and does an excellent job controlling the pace of the game.   Vazquez is one to watch from this group as she has the skill and smarts to be a top midfielder in this class.     McLeod is a new addition to the [program_tooltip program_id='283476' first='Slammers' last='FC'] 2011/2012 squad. She previously played for [program_tooltip program_id='283389' first='LA' last='Breakers'] in the ECNL. McLeod has also emerged as an elite athlete in the flag football space. She's starring for her high school varsity team in that sport. Her athleticism certainly stands out from the pitch, field, or any other sporting adventure.   McLeod is a sure-handed shot-stopper with the ability to decide a game with her excellence in net. She's a player who elevates any team because she makes it difficult for the opposition to get one past her. McLeod has looked comfortable and confident in goal for Slammers from the start and should be in contention for top goalkeeper in the state from this class.     Holmgren is a center back on the Lamorinda GA 2012. She can play in the midfield as well. She is part of the [program_tooltip program_id='287623' first='Cal' last='North ODP'].   Holmgren has been a standout for Lamorinda for some time. She ends up on a lot of highlight reels for her ability on the ball. She has an elite ability on dead ball situations with her right foot. She scores regularly on free kicks thanks to her technique and quality on the ball. She's also a great passer from the run of play. She has the ability to ping the ball over the top of the defense and let the speedy LaMo attackers run into the space.   Holmgren is a tough defender who will get stuck into challenges and battle against the top forwards in the country. She has the mentality to be a top talent in the center back role for a long time.     Pinon was a standout from the Prep Soccer ID Camp in Northern California over the summer. She has continued that impressive level of play through the start of the Girls Academy season. She played on the left wing in the win over [program_tooltip program_id='283733' first='Sacramento' last='United'].   Pinon's first touch stands out from her peers. She keeps close control of the ball and knows exactly what to do next with the ball. Her assist on the opening goal was a great example of what she brings to her side. She has the ability to turn away from defenders and help her side break pressure. She has a perfect weight on her passes. She brings that bit of magic in the attack that can open up a stout defense.     Yoshikuni is a center back on the Lamorinda GA 2011 team. She is the captain of that squad while playing up a graduation year. Yoshikuni has been part of the National Talent ID in the Girls Academy previously.   There's a versatility to her game too. She has quality on the ball to play in the attack. She plays as left center back for her cub team. She is not a stereotypical center back in terms of her physical stature but she's undeniably great in that role. She's smart. She's always reading the game and getting to the right spots. She's quick to jump into the action and knows when to make that reaction. Yoshikuni handles the opposition and outsmarts them.     Mangali is a new name to the rankings. She is a defensive midfielder on the So Cal Reds U16 Girls Academy team. She was a bright spot for the squad during a recent tournament.   Mangali's strength is her quality on the ball. She's played in a more advanced role previously and that kind of decision-making while in possession shows up on game film when she operates as the No. 6 for her club team. She's good at using feints to open up passing lanes. She is comfortable on the ball and looks at ease stepping on it and spinning away from defenders.   Mangali is smart about her positioning and does well cutting out passes. She wins the ball and likes to retain possession for her side. She's one to watch this season as a key piece for the Reds squad.     Flores is a center forward on the Sporting CA USA 2011/2012 ECNL team. She is a tall target forward who can play as a the No. 9 or even out on the wing. She was recently the leading scorer for her squad during one of the summer tournaments.   Flores is a prime candidate for a breakout star this season. She's got the physical frame to withstand the rigors of the ECNL. She's got the skill to make an impact in front of goal against the best teams. She's also got the pace to get in behind the defense and create chances for her side.   Her quick reactions near the goal stood out from game film. She pounced on chances before anyone else could react. She did well creating chances for herself from those situations. Flores has elite qualities that make her a top forward in Southern California.     Sammy de la Cruz is a center back on the Sporting CA USA 2011/2012 team. She plays right center back for her club team. She is also listed as a forward on her player profile. The Mexico National Team has scouted her in the past and called her into Talent Identification events.   She is a dominant force on the field and easy to see why scouts view her with the potential to impact the game at the international level. She's physically imposing, tough in the tackle, and uber-competitive. She's extremely difficult to get past.   She's good on the ball and can ping a pass with accuracy over distance. De La Cruz has the talent to be a key player at the ECNL level this season.

August brought plenty of opportunities for young players across California to make an early impression, and several prospects from the 2011 and 2012 age groups took full advantage. From dynamic attacking play to standout performances in the midfield and back line, these eight players consistently caught the eye during club action throughout the month. Here's a closer look at eight California standouts who made their presence felt in August.