Another U18 starter for the Oakland Soul in their home opener against Marin FC . The Soul dominated this one putting 6 past Marin FC . Nelson’s versatility is her biggest strength you can play her anywhere and know you are going to get a top performance.

No stranger to the spotlight, Abby Nelson Abby Nelson 5'6" | D/F Los Gatos | 2027 State #42 Nation CA , the Cal commit, put on a scoring clinic in Los Gatos vs. Sacred Heart Prep in a non-league matchup featuring two top-level A-teams. Her hat trick was more than needed as the Wildcats of Los Gatos ran away with a 5-0 score. I’ve covered Abby in multiple matches after this match, and at every game, she always delivered. Consistency is one of her trademarks as well as scoring in bunches. The #42 ranked player in the nation, #9 in CA, and #1 in position also helped her team to a Division 1 NorCal Section title. Her awesome 41 goals and 14 assists in 23 games are an awesome feat. If there’s any player who should have a shot at a USYNT team invite, it definitely is Abby.

The Cal commit had a few close shots that just missed by inches. Her ability to score is definitely not up for debate. During this 2025-2026 season she has scored 39 goals in 21 matches and has multiple hat-tricks, including one to reach the playoffs. I previously mentioned that she could be the league-leading scorer at the end of the season, and by the looks of it, she definitely is by far. Her constant pressure up top and long-range shooting ability were the focus of the Lancers’ defense. She is a very strong runner who can play at her back against the defense as well as make strong runs into the 18. Abby is ranked #9 in CA and #1 in position.

Playing for the highest ranked team on this list (41st in CA, 114th Nationally) Nelson has been productive in her 7 Games Played this season. Scoring 8 Goals and adding 4 assists. Los Gatos are 5-1-2 and they play one of if not the hardest schedule in California every year. The Cal commit now has 36 goals and 18 assists in 39 games played in her High School career. I’ve always felt Nelson deserves more national team looks.

Abby played primarily up top as a striker. She put on a scoring clinic with a hat trick performance. At times she seemed nearly unstoppable as she weaved through the defense and made clean passes to players in the attacking third. I’ve evaluated her in club competition and also seen her have multiple goal games. If she continues to dominate against A-Division teams, she’s probably not only going to be the team’s leading scorer but possibly the league’s leading scorer as well. Her commitment to increasing her fitness is paying off, and the Cal commit looks to repeat as league champs and make a run at the CCS (Central Coast Section) playoffs. Abby plays club soccer for De Anza Force .

Playing at the 9 Nelson scored two goals against Sporting Blue Valley to help her De Anza side to victory. She might be the most versatile player in the country. You can play her at all 10 outfield positions and she would do an excellent job. Shows what kind of mentality and athlete she is. The Cal Bears have an amazing young talent coming into the fold in 2027.

he played primarily as a Forward during the high school matches I observed.  During the 2024-25 season, her team had an overall record of 12-3-6 and came in 1st place in league play.  The Wildcats were ranked #70 in CA and #220 in the nation.  Abby can play as a striker or DB, but if you ask me, she is one of the best finishers I’ve seen at the high school and ECNL level.  It will be great to see the Cal commit lead her team to another run at the league title and possibly a section title.

Nelson stays close to home with her commitment to America’s Team the University of California Golden Bears. I love this move on all fronts. Legendary Head Coach Neil Mcguire is quietly putting together one of the best recruiting classes for 2026 and 2027. Nelson who captains the De Anza Force 08 team who has had a ton of success and is an extremely versatile All-American type talent whom will contribute on day 1 of stepping on campus.

Scout Grade: A+

I heard a parent on the sideline joke “I wonder if coach will put her in goal next?” She plays everywhere and doesn’t miss a beat. Put a couple of lovely crosses in on the overlap playing either outside back or right wing or both who knows. Scored the best penalty I saw all day where she smacked the ball right into the top right corner to ice the game 2-0 for her De Anza Force side. She’s an absolute dawg! Big fan.

Captaining this De Anza Force team Nelson is looking to lead her team a couple steps further this season. They got to the Semi-Finals in Virginia last season and lost to the eventual champions Penn Fusion. Nelson can play anywhere on the field and seems to figure out solutions to any problem she is faced with offensively and defensively. Incredible talent who will be able to compete for playing time at any Power 4 school in the country as a freshmen come 2027.