Copa Rayados: High-Performing Outside Backs

One of the most traditional youth soccer tournaments annually held in Texas, the Copa Rayados took place over Thanksgiving weekend in the Houston area.   The 14th edition of the tournament organized by Mexican powerhouse Rayados de Monterrey reunited 358 teams from the U9 to the U19 age groups, representing Texas and other American states, such as Florida, California, Ohio, Colorado, Georgia, Washington, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Oklahoma, Louisiana and Maryland, and international sides coming from Mexico, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico for five days of matches from Wednesday to Sunday in the region of The Woodlands.   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li><a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2025/11/copa-rayados-day-1-photos/">Copa Rayados : Day 1 Photos</a></li> </ul>   Prep Soccer Texas was in attendance on Wednesday, when we got to follow the debut of several teams from the Lone Star State that played at Bear Branch Sports Park, and shortlisted a few players in each position that demonstrated great potential to develop into top players for their clubs.   We're taking the week to share our findings, and here are some of the most promising outside backs we got to watch:    Kaplun was with the [program_tooltip program_id='283612' first='Austin' last='FC'] team that left the race for the title in the U14 Supergroup division in the semifinals with a campaign of three wins, one loss and one tie. A left back, he contributes a lot to the team's offense with his ability to occupy the space in front of him and add an extra body into the attacking half. An efficient passer, he combines well with the winger in front of him, but also likes to come inside and connect directly with the striker and the midfield players. Despite not being very tall or physical, Kaplun is very tough to beat. He holds his own in 1v1 duels and also does a good job of identifying the right moments to come inside and support the center backs by doubling on opponents.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/11/2J4A0001_4e9fc0.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-342070" /></figure>    Reddy was with the HTX team that played in the U15 Supergroup final, finishing second and ending the tournament with three wins, one loss and two ties. He's very disciplined and energetic when playing defense, and manages to succeed with his actions even when playing against more physical players. A right-footed left back, he's very efficient when he gets on teh ball in the attacking half, connecting with his teammates and moving into open spots to get the ball back and make plays. Reddy consistently steps into the final third and he likes to get into the penalty box to finish chances when plays develop on the right side of his team's attack.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/11/2J4A0100_595a46.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-342093" /></figure>    Davila and his [program_tooltip program_id='283658' first='Houston' last='Rangers'] side were taken down in the silver semifinals of the U15 Supergroup division, concluding their campaign with one win, two losses and two ties. A two-way player, he's very consistent at the right back spot for them and brings some interesting stability with his solid game. Davila is technical and intelligent when on the ball and offers an interesting option for the team going forward. He can support his team's offense in a variety of ways, as he's capable of making good long passes out of the back and also of operating in the final third, aiming to get to the endline to cross the ball. He's very firm with his defensive actions and dominates his zone more often than not.     Alvarez was part of the [program_tooltip program_id='283657' first='Houston' last='Dynamo'] team that finished at the top of the U15 Supergroup division after getting five wins and a tie. An offensive-minded outside back, he typically plays as a left wingback for them, but is very versatile, being capable of helping in midfield, the right wing and even central defense. He's an interesting attacking outlet for the team, having excellent technical resources to beat opponents off the dribble and being very difficult to stop when he gets going. Alvarez is also an elite passer, who uses that skill to support the team's buildup when playing in the backline and to deliver accurate crosses when in the attacking half, some from well outside the penalty box.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2025/11/2J4A0209_c0aaae.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-342115" /></figure>    Stanisic and his HTX team were knocked out in the semifinals of the U16 Blue division, producing a campaign of four wins and a loss. The outside back was one of their most consistent players, getting the job done on the right side of the field with efficiency and intensity. Stanisic is capable of keeping a strong rhythm out wide, running the field up and down the entire time, and playing defense with good determination and firmness. He's very quick with his movement and gets into the final third in no time, also showing good quality to deliver accurate crosses.

One of the most traditional youth soccer tournaments annually held in Texas, the Copa Rayados took place over Thanksgiving weekend in the Houston area.