Lares played a somewhat hybrid role on the left side of GFI Academy’s backline as the team switched from three to four in the back. He was matched up with the Rangers’ talented winger Kian Bishesari Kian Bishesari 5'9" | F State TX and had interesting duels with him, winning more than losing. Lares was very good at denying him the ball and preventing him from turning when he had it, while also making some stops 1v1 out wide. He moved to left midfielder during the second half and showed good attacking presence, even getting inside the box to finish chances.

Lares is a left back with GFI U16 in the MLS Next League Homegrown Division. He is now listed at 15th place among the defenders and 39th overall in the state in the Rankings. Few outside backs in this age group make as much as Lares on both sides of the ball. He’s a relentless defender who plays hard and puts a lot of effort into his work off the ball, making things difficult for wingers and midfielders who step into his zone. Lares is very gifted offensively, too, being capable of making plays out wide or using his passing to operate more centrally, while also appearing inside or on the edge of the penalty box to finish chances.

Lares made a big impact on the game from the left back spot, appearing very well on both sides of the ball. He was very solid defensively, being very firm in his actions to win duels and standing out for his positioning when intercepting long-pass attempts behind the backline. Lares had an interesting tactical role with the team, coming inside when GFI had the ball to operate as a central midfielder and thrived in it, facilitating many attacking plays with his intelligent passing and delivering the switch that set things up for the team’s first goal. He did very well in following up on the play that resulted in the team’s second goal and was excellent with his shot.

Lares captains the GFI U16 team that will play in the GA Cup Qualifier Playoffs, having Beadling SC as their first opponents. He operates very efficiently on the left side of the field, being capable of playing as an outside back or a midfielder and performing well on both sides of the game. When in possession, he likes to come inside and operate as an additional playmaker, finding teammates in good spots in the final third with his intelligent passing and helping his team move the ball. Lares also hits the ball very well and is typically very accurate with his long-distance shots and crosses. He works very hand on the defensive side of the game as well, and provides a lot of defensive strenght to his team with his ability to win duels and make stops.

Lares captained the GFI U15 team last season, but also played some matches with the club’s U16 squad. He can play as an outside back or a wide midfielder on the left and brings quality and consistency to the field in both spots. He’s a relentless and dedicated defender, who works very hard to win the ball back and doesn’t hesitate if he has to make a hard tackle to win possession. Lares has great quality on the ball, too and is excellent at making quick decisions to break pressure and find solutions to difficult situations. He hits the ball very well with his left foot, which makes of him a threat in set pieces and long-distance shots, while also contributing to his passing efficiency.

GFI’s captain Lares was having a solid shift until he had to leave the match due to an injury at around the 60-minute mark. Playing as a wide midfielder on the left, he contributed a lot to the team’s offense with his excellent vision and decision-making in the attacking half. Lares operated very smoothly around the penalty box and also fired some dangerous shots from distance, forcing Austin’s goalkeeper into some complicated saves. He also displayed tremendous commitment and energy on defense, playing hard and making several stops on the left side of the field for his team.