An absolutely crazy game between VDA and Select that ended in a 6-5 loss for Morell’s side. She scored the first goal of the game with a lovely volley into the bottom right corner. She is a dynamic playmaker with an incredible engine. Her technique is top drawer whether that be passing, controlling, dribbling or striking the ball. She can do it all out there.

Morrell capped an already accomplished season by earning Gatorade Player of the Year honors in Virginia. Notably, she represents the USYNT and helped the U-17 team qualify for the U-17 World Cup. During the Continental Showcase game in North Carolina, she stood out for her composure and skill. Throughout the year, Morrell consistently displayed her talent, technical skill, and tactical awareness. She closed her high school season with 16 goals, 8 assists, and five multi-goal games for Paul VI High.

No surprise Morrell earned Player of the Match. The midfielder controlled possession in multiple phases. Keeping the West steady in their own half. Becoming a key piece in every goal created once they entered the attacking third. Throughout the match she dictated tempo, shifting gears quickly and effectively to break pressure or accelerate play.

When the game tightened, her clean footwork and constant scanning allowed her to find solutions even when closed down. As the match closed, she stood out for her command of tempo and her visionary feel for the game. Cementing her role as a central influence throughout the performance.

Taylor is an attacking midfielder who can also play anywhere in attack and is remarkably effective in the final third. Her movements both on and off the ball are great, allowing her to create and/or exploit spaces in or near the box. On the ball, she has quick feet to move the ball away from her markers with ease. She’s also incredibly agile, getting players off her without touching the ball. Her ball control also allows her to change direction devastatingly when she’s running through on goal. Off the ball, she runs into spaces constantly. Wherever the defense is most vulnerable, she’ll look to attack that space. Coming from a deeper area than the attackers do, she can also crash the box unnoticed.

Morell is a top player. I wasn’t even planning to go watch her game but there was a big crowd there so I figured I’d check it out. Morrell stood out the minute I started watching. The way she moves is different. She’s really deceptive and super light on her feet in tight spaces. Fantastic small space dribbler. She has an amazing feel for the game. Super impressive performance from her.

Morrell’s arrival to the ECNL playoffs lived up to the hype. The former TSJ FC Virginia star was electric for VDA. She scored, assisted, and impacted the game all over the pitch. Morrell and VDA came up just short of advancing to the quarterfinals, but they are clearly a group that will be one to watch next season. Leah Fernald and Kyah Smith were also standouts for VDA.