Program Deep Dive: Charlotte Soccer Academy ECNL G07/06

Charlotte Soccer Academy has been a strong team in the ECNL Girls Mid-Atlantic Conference this season, currently sitting in second place with 22 points and a 7-2-1 record. This team is filled with talented players that will likely be playing large roles in college soccer and beyond in the near future.    Seifert is comfortable distributing the ball along the backline and will take the opportunity to break lines into the midfield or play longer balls up the pitch. The soon-to-be Richmond goalkeeper has the length and agility to manage both highly-struck balls and low efforts on goal.     Carlson has quick reflexes and is comfortable with the ball at her feet to distribute and provide an outlet for her outfield players while in possession. Carlson does well coming off her line to close down attackers, using a combination of proper timing and angles to turn high-percentage chances into saves or low-quality shots.     Team captain and adventuring left back, Clyburn provides leadership in the team and is extremely comfortable on the dribble while playing accurate crosses into the box at pace. Clyburn uses a combination of both her athleticism and game knowledge to anticipate attackers, lock down the wing, and kickstart her team's counterattack. Clyburn provides a goal threat from deep with a powerful and accurate show at her disposal.     Another ACC recruit, the attack-minded Peterson, will join Clemson in 2026 and look to continue developing her skills on the ball, which already create opportunities for herself and her teammates. Peterson looks comfortable playing in multiple positions and areas of the pitch with skills that easily translate to any position with smart movement, strength on the ball, and a willingness to fight and run for her team. Comfortable passing and scoring with both feet, Peterson looks ready to take on the next level soon.     McMahon is a strong player on the wing, whether asked to play defense or in attack. McMahon has a knowledge of the game beyond her years and uses that to her advantage to make quick passes and run into space, much like her teammate Clyburn. McMahon is comfortable in tight spaces on the touchline but will also dribble into the middle of the pitch to create when the opportunity presents itself.     The 2026 attacker often fulfills the center-forward role for CSA, but her excellent technical skills and confidence make her a danger when dropping deeper into midfield and as an option out wide. Brown is excellent in hold-up play and is a persistent threat to defenders, even when receiving the ball with her back to goal. Brown's aforementioned technical skills play a large part in this, as she can turn quickly and dribble through and around unsuspecting defenders.     Coming off a tibial stress fracture, McElroy isn't continuing exactly where she left off as a vital piece in her team; she's even better. Capable of playing the provider or the finisher, McElroy gives versatility through the middle of the pitch and will be a valuable player at NC State this fall. A big part of her versatility comes through her danger on every blade of grass on the pitch. She's comfortable finishing with either foot from any distance, requiring defenders and coaches to have her on their minds constantly. McElroy can create her own chances with deceptive dribbling, fantastic strength and balance, and using the ball's momentum in her favor.     Headed to Memphis in the Fall, Frazier has proven herself as a quality player capable of filling multiple roles in the team. Taking up roles in the attack and throughout the midfield, Frazier provides a tidy and composed presence on the ball but still has the flair to take on players and score goals. I think Frazier's attributes project more as a deeper-lying midfield player getting involved in duals to win the ball back and playing a progressor role capable of breaking lines with her crisp passing or her dribbling skills.     Like her sister Blane, Devin is another force through the middle of the pitch. While the sisters play slightly different roles for the team, key traits shared between them provide so much value for CSA. Her comfort on the ball and silky first touch are a massive part of her game as a connector for her team, but McElroy is also capable of being the final provider and a quality finisher. The 2026 midfielder is a player who often finds herself in advantageous positions on the pitch. While that may seem random to some, it's largely due to her game knowledge, picking spaces, and always being aware of her surroundings regardless of the moment.     The 2026 left-footed winger is very comfortable playing physically to hold up the ball, which plays a big part in allowing Clyburn to overlap and cause problems for defenders. Santos puts in the work for her team defensively and off the ball, but she also shines in the attack with her technical ability on the ball. Santos thrives in 1v1 opportunities to create chances for her team on the left wing.     Mississippi State-bound Deveraux will head to join one of the best teams in the 2024 college soccer landscape in the Fall. Deveraux is a high-energy central defender who is also comfortable pushing up the pitch while in possession. Deveraux is excellent at defending with the ball in front of her and knows when to challenge attackers physically with the ball approaching or when to wait and time her challenge.     Often the right back for her team, Mattson is a defender who enjoys getting forward and connecting the team along the right flank and through the midfield. The 2025 defender will be attending Furman University, where she will look to continue to improve on her already impressive game sense and timing as a fullback. Mattson can easily transition between the defensive and offensive often beginning the counterattack, but ending the sequence up crashing the box and providing herself as an option running in behind defenders.

Charlotte Soccer Academy has been a strong team in the ECNL Girls Mid-Atlantic Conference this season, currently sitting in second place with 22 points and a 7-2-1 record. This team is filled with talented players that will likely be playing large roles in college soccer and beyond in the near future.