TX Preseason: Stuart gets three as Challenge SC U15 beat Rise SC

After a quick break in the summer, the 2026-2027 club soccer season is about to start, with most of the boys' and girls' leagues having start dates between the end of August and the first half of September.   Prep Soccer Texas will continue what it's done for the past few seasons and will offer extensive coverage in the MLS Next, the ECNL, and the Girls Academy Leagues, attending matches and tournaments in the Lone Star State so we can follow the progress of the prospects in the state and be introduced to new ones, providing them with the exposure they deserve.   Before league play begins, we're covering preseason games, and on Saturday, August 8, we were at South Campus in Houston when Rise SC in the Girls Academy League and [program_tooltip program_id='283282' first='Challenge' last='SC'] in the ECNL League met in the U15 age group.   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Rise SC U15 vs. [program_tooltip program_id='283282' first='Challenge' last='SC'] U15 - <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2026/08/tx-club-preseason-rise-sc-u15-vs-challenge-sc-u15-photos/">Photos</a></li> </ul>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.instagram.com/p/Db0nD4jDpTC/?img_index=1 </div></figure>   The match was played in three 25-minute periods, and Challenge benefited from a strong start to produce a comfortable victory. They scored in the second minute with forward Ryleigh Stuart and then again in the third minute with midfielder [player_tooltip player_id='384024' first='Lizzie' last='Mallon']. In the tenth minute, Rise defender Lexy Duarte tried to clear a cross and headed the ball into her own net.   The visitors got three more goals in the second period to cap off their 6-0 win. Forward Avery Carter scored with a left-footed shot in the 15th minute and assisted Stuart to get the fifth goal in the 23rd minute. Two minutes later, the forward completed her hat-trick by firing a well-placed low shot in a free kick.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Players of the Match</h2>    Stuart led the line for Challenge with a hat-trick and consistent production up top. Playing as a striker, she used her size well to work with her back to the goal, but also showed great movement to drift wide and make extremely well-timed runs behind the backline. Stuart used her technical skills to make plays in the final third and demonstrated calm and composure to finish chances in front of the goal. She dropped to play in midfield during the match and contributed to the team's playmaking with her vision.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/08/2J4A0068.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-384015" /></figure>    An attacking midfielder, Mallon was Challenge's main playmaker, getting involved in most of the team's offensive efforts. She had a great start to the match, finding some space to explore on the right side of Rise's backline, and made the most of it to create chances, scoring her goal with a well-placed shot. Mallon was very good at keeping possession, making it very hard for opponents to win the ball from her, and also stood out for her passing vision. The midfielder circulated all over the field and was always very aware and reliable in possession.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/08/2J4A0069.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-384016" /></figure>    Oldner added a lot to Challenge's game with her ability to play multiple positions at a high level - she spent most of her time at right back and center midfielder, but also played some left back. Her game was very smooth and clean, which allowed her to make an impact on both side of the ball while keeping a high intensity level. Oldner was very solid defensively, standing out for her positioning and her ability to shut opponents down. When in possession, she delivered accurate passes and was very efficient when making runs through the flanks and the middle, quickly gaining ground when on the ball.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/08/2J4A0046.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-384001" /></figure>    Brundage helped Challenge dominate the center of the field from the defensive midfielder spot and was another key player in their strong performance. She was very active at shielding the backline, using her long frame to intercept long passes in the air and win duels on the ground. Brundage also moved the ball well, not needing much time on it to find good options and get it upfield. In the few occasions she turned the ball over, she was very quick to recover and immediately press opponents to win it back.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/08/2J4A0003.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-383982" /></figure>    Weber helped Challenge secure a clean sheet and celebrate a strong all-around performance. Playing as a left-sided center back, she was often matched up with Rise's dangerous forward [player_tooltip player_id='384027' first='Kemy' last='Folly-Kossi'] and did a good job of containing her, showing great mobility to keep up with her pace and getting to block some of her shots and crosses. Weber also did well in possession, showing calm on the ball and good vision to execute passes out of the back. She also communicated very well and was very active at keeping the team's backline organized both in attacking and defending set pieces.     Folly-Kossi was easily Rise's best player in the match, constantly keeping Challenge's backline under pressure. Very dynamic and energetic, she spent time in all three positions in the attack and showes great confidence when she got on the ball, making strong runs on the wings. Folly-Kossi was a bit isolated up top at times, but still managed to make things happen on her own, beating defenders in space to create room for her to finish. Despite the loopsided scoreline, she kept working hard and pushing her teammates until the final whistle.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/08/2J4A0017.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-383987" /></figure>    Aguilar came off the bench during the match and improved Rise's ability to keep the ball and make plays in the attacking half. The left-footed midfielder was very good at shielding the ball and delivering good passes that helped her team be more dangerous. She moved all over the final third and also delivered good crosses from both wings. Aguilar was also accurate in set pieces, making of corner kicks more efficient weapons for her team.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/08/2J4A0066.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-384013" /></figure>

After a quick break in the summer, the 2026-2027 club soccer season is about to start, with most of the boys' and girls' leagues having start dates between the end of August and the first half of September.