ECNL Boys National Finals: 08 Semifinal Standouts

NVA B08 3 - 0 Florida Premier FC - What started out as a tight affair saw NVA slowly turn the screw, wearing down their Florida opponents with a stifling defense and offensive precision in the key moments of the match.    Marenco continued to pop up in all the right places from early on in the match, slamming home the opener from a rebound save on his teammates' shot. He continued his noticeable play, turning Florida over in the midfield and pushing the attack forward nearly every chance he got on the ball. A definitive playmaker for NVA and he will be a crucial cog in the final.     Saccoh had probably the most important moment of the match fall into his lap late in the first half, with his team conceding an ill advised penalty. Despite the frustrating circumstance, Saccoh stepped up and dove strong to his left, smothering the shot and preserving his teams' two goal lead, ensuring Florida did not have a lifeline going into the break. Beyond that save, he had a strong game, making several other quality saves when called upon and demonstrating more of his quality distribution.     Carter was the engine for this team offensively for the entire ninety minutes, putting the squad on his back and providing key chances seemingly every trip into the attacking third. He played in several crosses that floated through the danger zone, forcing the goalkeeper and defenders to react, and then finished off the match with a goal of his own.     Stavrou led a sensational performance by the NVA backline, and his individual efforts provided pressure from an extra source that helped put their opposition on the backfoot. He was a nuisance on corners and free kick crosses, regularly rising high and on time for those services and he got his head to a number of them. He also showed a strong sensibility in the back, organizing the defense and finding outlets from the back with ease, providing the necessary stronghold for their offense to operate.    LAFC So Cal 3 - 2 NCFC Academy - This game continued to zig when everyone expected it to zag, with LAFC losing a two goal lead after NCFC had one of their best players sent off for a second yellow early in the second half, only to see themselves secure the winning goal late and hang on to make it to the National Final.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/07/IMG_0902-crop-4212x2766-1721238815.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-195521" /></figure>    Hernandez provided the first two goals for So Cal, one on either side of the break, leading the frontline with his efforts and terrorizing Carolina's outside backs. He was strong and confident on the ball, utilizing that strength to create space and then bursting down the wing, playing in to his forwards and then looking for a pass back, or getting into a dangerous area in front of goal as on his second score and taking advantage of a goalmouth scramble.     Mark found the game winner late into the match, a back and forth combo with Ghajar on a breakaway that saw him slot home the return pass first time past the goalkeeper. It was a solid stamp on his efforts during the match, leading his squad to the victory from his midfield position. He regularly found his targets to get his team forward on the attack, and was menacing on defense to win back possession for his side.     Ghajar got his name on the score sheet with his assist on the game winner, but his efforts on the day go far beyond that moment. He was crucial for LAFC's attack, regularly stretching the center backs and defensive mids to create space for the other forwards. He found outlets to spread play to the wings, and dropped into the mid to provide another combination option with ease, causing the defense to react to his movements and fall out of shape.

NVA B08 3 - 0 Florida Premier FC - What started out as a tight affair saw NVA slowly turn the screw, wearing down their Florida opponents with a stifling defense and offensive precision in the key moments of the match.