Texas Warm-Up Cup: Midfielders

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The official start of the club soccer season is closer than ever and teams from the state of Texas are currently finalizing their preparations, adjusting their games and lineups in scrimmages and friendly matches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This past weekend, teams from the Houston area and beyond were able to get on the field in the 31st edition of the Texas Warm-Up Cup, a traditional preseason tournament for boys and girls hosted by Challenge SC, which took place at Meyer Park and Burroughs Park.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong><a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2024/08/texas-warm-up-cup-day-1-photos/">Texas Warm-Up Cup: Day 1 Photos</a></strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Soccer Texas was at Meyer Park on Saturday, where we got to watch boys' matches during the day, and now it's time we give a shoutout to the prospects that made a strong impression so early in the season. This time we'll take a look into the midfielders who did a lot for their teams:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- 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":"Gabriel Salazar","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2029","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"102","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Dynamos SC","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c608510ce49"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Salazar was the main playmaker in his Dynamos SC USC TX RL B11 team and put his stamp on basically every offensive play created by them. He played centrally and used his ability to dribble the ball and change directions to beat defenders and push the ball near the penalty box. Salazar was very aggressive when in possession and always looked to progress on the field, avoiding lateral or back moves. He also displayed great vision to connect passes, at times dropping back to get on the ball and initiate the team's offense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["16769"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c608510ceb3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Carrion was the engine of his Challenge United East USC TX RL B08 team, covering a lot of ground in midfield and playing with tremendous intensity. He played a box-to-box role for them and had big defensive responsibilities, shielding the team's backline with his high-energy game. Carrion also saw the ball a lot in possession, distributing the game from his central position and helping the team break pressure with his intelligent passing. The midfielder also displayed an interesting ability to make runs off the ball and attack vulnerable spots in the opposing defense, especially when coming from the right.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:image {"id":213002,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/08/IMG_6406.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-213002" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Challenge United East USC TX RL B08 vs. Lonestar SC Red North 08B</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- 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":"Jackson Habermacher","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2025","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"102","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Tomball Memorial","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Challenge SC","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c608510cf42"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Habermarcher was a key piece for his Challenge United ECNL RL B06/07 team. Playing in front of the team's backline, he used his big frame to dominate the central area of the field and made numerous stops that disrupted offensive attempts from their opponents. He was the team's focal point when in possession, getting the ball in the middle and connecting with the wider players with great efficiency - at times he would get the ball from the goalkeeper to initiate plays. A lefty, Habermacher also did a good job operating in tight spaces, using his body to shield the ball and making quick moves to beat opponents.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:image {"id":213013,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/08/IMG_6435.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-213013" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Challenge United ECNL RL B06/07 vs. Challenge United East USC TX RL B06/07</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- 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":"Marcelo Raposo","_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":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"102","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Albion Hurricanes FC","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c608510cfc1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Raposo played the No. 10 role for AHFC Central USC TX RL B08. An extremely technical player, he lived and died by his passing, making a great effort to connect the team on the field. Raposo played on the left too, but was considerably more dangerous when deployed centrally, where his passing could make more of an impact on the game - he was successful with some through balls and passes over the top of opposing defenders. The midfielder was also prolific with set pieces, sending dangerous crosses into the penalty box out of free kicks and corner kicks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:image {"id":213034,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/08/IMG_6502.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-213034" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">AHFC Central USC TX RL B08 vs. Dynamos SC USC TX RL B08</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- 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":"Santiago Caldas","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2028","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"102","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Challenge SC","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c608510d05a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Caldas was one of the craftiest players in his Challenge United East USC TX RL B10 team. He spent some time as a central midfielder for them, but was at his best when he moved to the right, where he played as an inverted wide player. Caldas was very strong in 1v1 situations, showing the technical skills and the creativity to beat defenders off the dribble and create chances. He was dangerous bringing the ball inside to pass and finish with his preferred left foot, but also had great success taking it to the end line to make crosses.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:image {"id":213024,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/08/IMG_6482.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-213024" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Challenge United East USC TX RL B10 vs. Challenge United USC TX RL B09</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- 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":"Colin Glaze","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"102","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Tomball","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Challenge SC","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66c608510d0e0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Glaze was the main offensive player in his Challenge United ECNL RL B09 team. Playing the No. 10 role, he was extremely productive and efficient, displaying a very complete game to beat defenders and create chances. His left foot was probably among the most skilled in the entire event and he used his talent extremely well. Glaze was very smooth and resourceful with his dribbling and also seemed to see plays before everyone else as he often hit one-time passes that found teammates wide open. He also showed great finishing ability, scoring a beautiful goal with a one-time shot from just inside the penalty box.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:image {"id":213046,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/08/IMG_6545.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-213046" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Challenge United ECNL RL B09 vs. Challenge United East USC TX RL B09</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->