ECNL Girls TX: Albion Hurricanes 08 vs. Sting Austin 08

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The ECNL Girls League has entered its final stretch in the Texas Conference after the return of play in the Lone Star State for the spring season as teams battle for spots in the Playoffs in June and the Finals in July.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Soccer Texas continues to cover matches in this critical moment of the season, bringing photos and analysis for each of them.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On Saturday, May 11, I was at the Campbell Road Sports Park, in Houston, where Albion Hurricanes FC G08 and Sting Austin G08 battled.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2024/05/ecnl-girls-tx-albion-hurricanes-08-vs-sting-austin-08-photos/">ECNL Girls TX: Albion Hurricanes FC 08 vs. Sting Austin 08 - Photos</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Albion Hurricanes 1 - 1 Sting Austin</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Playing on the road, Sting were aggressive in the first half and went into the halftime break with a 1-0 lead thanks to a goal scored by midfielder [player_tooltip player_id='26983' first='Libby' last='Benson']. The visitors engaged in a quick combination play through the middle and midfielder [player_tooltip player_id='26995' first='Lily' last='Ruff'] fed her the ball into the penalty box - Benson sent it home with a low finish that went underneath Albion's goalkeeper [player_tooltip player_id='89609' first='Alexandra' last='Allen'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://x.com/stingatx_2008/status/1789417945099018535","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://x.com/stingatx_2008/status/1789417945099018535 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Albion made some lineup changes in the second half and secured the equalizer with forward Isela Rodriguez. The play initiated with midfielder [player_tooltip player_id='88962' first='Makena' last='Zukeran'], who beat her defender on the left and sent a low cross into the six-yard box. A Sting defender attempted to pick up the rebound, but Rodriguez came strong to send the ball into the back of the net.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top Performers</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["87942"],"_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":"Playing in the center of Albion's back three, Hodgson did a very good leading the team's defensive efforts. She worked well with the team's two other center backs and used her physical tools extremely well to control the penalty box. Hodgson had to defend Sting's pacey forward [player_tooltip player_id='147179' first='Sarah' last='Mills'] for a long period of the match and did well in containing her, even when dragged higher up in the field or when she had to defend in transition. She kept most of her passing simple and effective, but also had success with some long ball attempts.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-664270c827009"} /--> <!-- wp:image {"id":173278,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/05/IMG_4910.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-173278" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Albion Hurricanes FC G08 vs. Sting Austin G08</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["112734"],"_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":"Used as a right wingback, Goodwin was very active on both sides of the ball for Albion. She made great use of the freedom the team's playing system allowed her to consistently push forward and help create chances. Goodwin had an excellent individual play down the right in the final minutes in which she forced Sting's goalkeeper [player_tooltip player_id='26985' first='Liesel' last='Tetmeyer'] to make a big save. The outside back also had a consistent game defensively, dealing well with the opposing wingers.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-664270c827081"} /--> <!-- wp:image {"id":173268,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/05/IMG_4885.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-173268" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Albion Hurricanes FC G08 vs. Sting Austin G08</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["88962"],"_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":"Zukeran was Albion's most creative player during the match, consistently making good decisions with her distribution and connecting good passes. She wasn't involved in many goalscoring opportunities in the first half, when Abion struggled to create, but her production improved in the second half. Zukeran started occupying the left side of the field and from there she initiated the play that resulted in the team's equalizer with a nice individual play. The midfielder was very active during the entire match and displayed good consistency in her game.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-664270c8270dd"} /--> <!-- wp:image {"id":173257,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/05/IMG_4850.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-173257" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Albion Hurricanes FC G08 vs. Sting Austin G08</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["26414"],"_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":"Ledbetter wasn't always the most effective with her offensive actions, but she never stopped trying to make things happen during the match. The forward called for the ball and moved into positions to make plays the entire time, serving as the focal point of Albion's offense. She used her body well to control thrown-ins and to get to the end of long passes when Albion struggled with their buildup, offering another alternative to the team's attack. The forward also tried drifting to wider positions to get on the ball and make runs.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-664270c827137"} /--> <!-- wp:image {"id":173276,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/05/IMG_4905.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-173276" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Albion Hurricanes FC G08 vs. Sting Austin G08</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["26491"],"_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":"In the absence of fellow center back Mia Wiele, Perez led Sting Austin's backline with authority and efficiency. Her positioning was impeccable and allowed her to make interceptions, block shots and clear crosses from the penalty box very efficiently. Perez also did well in 1v1 situations, having great success when she had to defend in space. She was very solid in possession, connecting good passes out of the back, and also sent some dangerous crosses into the penalty box in set pieces.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-664270c827192"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://x.com/grtorres/status/1789372210831880214","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://x.com/grtorres/status/1789372210831880214 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Adelina Nelson","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'6u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"101","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Westlake","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Sting Austin","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Tasked with covering the right side of Sting's backline, Nelson did a very nice job of keeping things under control. She played with great intensity and used her strength to win most of the duels she was involved with. Nelson was a bit unlucky in the play of Albion's equalizer as she got a touch on the ball attempting to dispossess Zukeran, but saw it ricochet in her legs and go towards the penalty box. The outside back, who didn't push forward very often but did a solid job with her passing, was moved to the center of the backline near the end of the match and kept the high level there as well.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-664270c82724e"} /--> <!-- wp:image {"id":173256,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/05/IMG_4848.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-173256" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Albion Hurricanes FC G08 vs. Sting Austin G08</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["26983"],"_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":"Very active in the final third, Benson was one of Sting's main offensive weapons against Albion. She started playing on the right and her movement off the ball and her ability to combine with her teammates made of her a constant threat. In one of those plays, she connected with [player_tooltip player_id='26995' first='Lily' last='Ruff'] and scored the team's goal, displaying calm and composure in front of the goal. She spent some time playing left back and did a good job there as well.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-664270c8272ab"} /--> <!-- wp:image {"id":173263,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/05/IMG_4869.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-173263" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Albion Hurricanes FC G08 vs. Sting Austin G08</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["112722"],"_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":"Loudamy started the match as Sting's most advanced player and had good moments up there. She was a little bit isolated up top at the start, but still had some success in her attempts to create chances, even when defended by multiple opponents. Using her body well, Loudamy was also efficient at getting on the end of long balls and holding them until a teammate approached. She was moved to the right during the second half and showed great energy and commitment to run the field up and down as she attempted to create chances while also helping on defense.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-664270c827306"} /--> <!-- wp:image {"id":173261,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/05/IMG_4861.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-173261" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Albion Hurricanes FC G08 vs. Sting Austin G08</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->