Helfrich remains the top player in the state for this class. The ECNL standout was recently profiled as a top performer from the National Selection Game at ECNL NJ. There is a versatility to her game as she could be considered a forward or a midfielder. I believe she is an attacking midfielder in the future, but the possibility of a false 9 in the right system is perhaps just as a enticing. She has the cleanest technique among the players in this class. She rarely loses possession of the ball due to a bad touch – she can be knocked off the ball when she tries to do too much but her technique rarely lets her down. She is a smart player and a clever playmaker. She punishes defenses through a variety of ways – sharp passing, lethal finishes, and dazzling dribbling displays. She is an impactful player at the club level and has the high ceiling to reach the top level of the game.

Helfrich did not get much service in the first half but she made the most of her chances. She battled against the center backs and endured fouls (and some missed calls). It seemed like she moved back to a more attacking midfield role in the second half. Her contribution will be marked by the spectacular goal early in the half, but the latter half also showed how influential she can be as a playmaker through the center rather than the point of the attack.

Helfrich had another dominant season for Stone Ridge in the Independent School League, pushing the side to a 6-1 record and the AA Division Regular Season Title. Helfrich is an expert passer who can find targets in space and in between defenders with relative ease. She is also incredibly fast and can use her pace to help create counter-attacks. What has been interesting to see over the last year or so is that she has really stepped her defensive work, and can track back when needed to slow down attackers or make decisive clears. She is a member of the USYNT U16 National Team and is part of a Virginia Union side that is one of the top teams in the ECNL Mid Atlantic Conference.