Standout Players ECNL PHX: Best from 08 age group

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The ECNL National Event in Phoenix wrapped up on Sunday. The spring showcase for Arizona featured some of the best club soccer teams in the country in the 2012 through 2007 age groups. Below are the best individual performances in the 2008 age group from the event. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["25526"],"_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_0_evaluation":"Kubiaczyk was a standout in the midfield for Thorns Academy. Her creativity as an attacking midfielder shined in the win over Pleasanton RAGE. She had an early assist on a passing angle that not many players would see from the field. She followed that up with a goal in the second half. Kubiaczyk's instincts and vision in the final third are elite for an attacking midfielder.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["25533"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Francis was a standout in the second half for Thorns Academy in the win over Pleasanton RAGE. She did everything her team needed from her as a center back. She seemed to always be in the right spots and make the right play. Her partnership with Calista Everson in the defense was a highlight of the weekend.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["28227"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Long shined in Thorns' win over Orlando City. The center midfielder had an excellent two-way game. She was in the right spots to make tackles and interceptions to break up the play from Orlando. In possession, she made some incisive passes that split lines and created chances for her side. She contributed a number of key passes in the victory.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["112282"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"Benavidez was a standout for Legends in the win over Kings Hammer on Sunday. She scored the opening goal in the first half on a header off a corner kick. She was also a catalyst for keeping possession for her side as she made good decisions on the ball in possession and moved well off the ball to create options for her teammates. Benavidez is a talented playmaker in the midfield.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["112285"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"Heldreth was excellent at center back for Legends. She showed her quality as one of the best center backs in the 08 age group. She reads the game well and knows where to be for her team. She didn't put a foot wrong during the first half against Kings Hammer - and a main reason why her team left Phoenix with only two goals conceded from the three games.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["82570"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"August was excellent with her distribution in the first half in the win over Kings Hammer. The Legends goalkeeper was not called on often to use her hands, but she was used quite a bit with her feet and she did exceptionally well in getting passes out to her teammates, especially on fields conditions that were not ideal.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["112383"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"Herndon scored a great goal on a free kick in Beach's win over La Roca on Saturday. The midfielder was part of a dominant midfield trio that controlled where the game was played during much of the first half. After the goal (scored with her right foot), she had a sublime pass (with her left foot) to set in a Beach FC forward on goal. She dominated the first half of the game. The opposition's only response to stop her was fouling her. Herndon is a skillful midfielder with great vision and a high-level understanding of the game.","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["112382"],"_player_evaluations_7_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"Flanagan is one of the captain's of the Beach side. She stood out for her leadership as well as her play. She lined up as the defensive midfielder in the win over La Roca. She was part of the dominant midfield trio with [player_tooltip player_id='112401' first='Avery' last='Oh'] and [player_tooltip player_id='112383' first='Kaya' last='Herndon']. Flanagan's quick decision making and skill on the ball impressed me. She kept the opposition chasing the ball as she got it off her feet quickly and moved to create another option for the next pass. She treated the midfield like it was a game of rondo and kept the opposition frustrated. She has the soccer smarts to be a star at the next level, and clearly looks ready to play at a faster pace.","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_player":["112404"],"_player_evaluations_8_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"Ostboe and the Beach defense all deserve a special shoutout for their play at the event. They recorded two shutouts and three victories. With only one goal conceded from three games, they were among the best team (statistically) defensively from any age group. Ostboe deserves a spotlight for her play against La Roca. She was excellent in the first half. She impressed me with her positioning. She dropped off when the center back stepped and kept the defense organized. She won the aerial duels in the key moments. She was good in possession. She didn't try to do too much, and made the right pass to keep possession for her team. [player_tooltip player_id='112379' first='Brianna' last='Bogar'], [player_tooltip player_id='20160' first='Savannah' last='Galvan'], and [player_tooltip player_id='112390' first='Abigail' last='Nuez'] were the other standouts from the starting back line. [player_tooltip player_id='112486' first='Hailey' last='Gallegos'] and [player_tooltip player_id='112381' first='Alexa' last='Farmer'] were solid in goal for Beach.","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_9_player":["49601"],"_player_evaluations_9_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"I was impressed with Jordan's play on Sunday at center back, but she spent more of the weekend in an attacking position. At center back, she did well using her body and winning physical duels with her strength. She showed those same qualities at forward to hold players off the ball and keep possession (and create chances) for her side. Jordan's versatility and willingness to play multiple positions makes her a valuable player and helped her team to a perfect record at the event.","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_10_player":["169152"],"_player_evaluations_10_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"Bryant looked like one of the top left backs from the event. She scored a great goal (with her left foot) in the opening-day win over Heat FC. She was a shutdown back with her pace and effort throughout the weekend. She was a top performance for Sting Dallas Royal, which went 3-0 at the event with three shutouts.","_player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_11_player":["26453"],"_player_evaluations_11_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_11_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_11_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_11_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_11_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_11_evaluation":"Mininger had an outstanding event at defensive midfield for Sting Dallas Royal. She was especially good in the win on Saturday against LA Breakers. She controlled the game with her play - she was in the right spots to stop the opposition and made some great passes to create chances for her side.","_player_evaluations_11_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_12_player":["112427"],"_player_evaluations_12_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_12_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_12_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_12_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_12_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_12_evaluation":"Herzog was outstanding in the midfield for Utah Royals, which went 3-0 during the event in their backyard. Herzog impressed me with her ball-winning qualities in the center of the field. The defensive midfielder protected the backline and intercepted as many passes as she could between the lines. Her ability to win aerial duels from the position was among the best from any player in that role. [player_tooltip player_id='112435' first='Gracie' last='Somerville'] and [player_tooltip player_id='112423' first='Dylan' last='Beede'] were also standouts in the midfield for Utah Royals AZ.","_player_evaluations_12_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_13_player":["112438"],"_player_evaluations_13_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_13_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_13_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_13_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_13_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_13_evaluation":"Williams' elite abilities as a center forward were on full display in the win over Seattle United. She played with a center back on her back through much of the first half and she spun off the defender with a variety of moves. She created chances for herself and her teammates. It's easy to spot her game-changing ability in the final third. She can get a shot or cross off with either foot, which made her an extremely difficult player to mark for defenders. She was among the best center forwards at the event.","_player_evaluations_13_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_14_player":["112431"],"_player_evaluations_14_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_14_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_14_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_14_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_14_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_14_evaluation":"Nickle played on the wing for Utah Royals AZ. She was a highly effective player in that role. She likes to spread the field as much as possible, she plays on the touch line for the most part. With her close control of the ball and pace, she was a tough player to mark for outside backs. Her positioning also opened up the field for the center forward and attacking midfielders on her team as she forced the defense to shade her way. Nickle's dynamic quality on the ball made a difference in the attack for Utah Royals AZ.","_player_evaluations_14_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_15_player":["112420"],"_player_evaluations_15_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_15_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_15_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_15_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_15_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_15_evaluation":"Albright delivered a perfect service from the corner kick on [player_tooltip player_id='112438' first='Sophie' last='Williams']' goal against Pleasanton RAGE. The right back did well on every service as she proved to be a valuable weapon for her side with her set piece skill.","_player_evaluations_15_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_16_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_16_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_16_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_16_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_16_player_details_player_name":"Nadege Robinson","_player_evaluations_16_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_16_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_16_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_16_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_16_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_16_player_details_position":"101","_player_evaluations_16_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_16_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_16_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_16_player_details_club_team":"Arizona Arsenal","_player_evaluations_16_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_16_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_16_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_16_evaluation":"Robinson had an outstanding game against Marin FC. She played as the left center back of the back four for Arizona Arsenal. Her speed was on display as she closed ground on every attacker in the blink of an eye. She won every challenge early and set the tone for her side. [player_tooltip player_id='18792' first='Londyn' last='Garvin'] also had a strong outing at left back.","_player_evaluations_16_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":17,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6615a812b6709"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->