Players That Impressed: April 2016

The following players have been submitted by coaches, club technical personnel or SoccerWire.com staff so they could be recognized for impressive performances in competitive soccer games during the month of April.

Players will be added to the list each week throughout the month, and will be automatically nominated for the Soccer Wire Best-11 Players of the Month.

We post players in the order the submissions are received, so the sooner you post following impressive game performances, the higher up the list they will appear.

+ You can submit players each week here

Shelby Sullivan – Goalkeeper
Severna Park Lasers U-15 Girls
Baltimore Mania College Showcase
The Severna Park Lasers went 4-0 to claim the tournament championship, outscoring the opposition 9-1 and beating top teams from Delaware, Maryland and New Jersey. The Lasers’ goalkeeper Shelby Sullivan’s was almost perfect in regulation play in that she conceded only 1 goal in 4 games, however her performance in the championship game, which was decided by penalty kicks, was even more impressive. Shelby stopped 2 out of 3 penalty kicks by the New Jersey Rush which was enough for the Lasers to win the finals in penalty kicks 4-1. Throughout the tournament Shelby dominated and anchored the championship defense.

Samantha Cremmins – Midfielder
Severna Park Lasers U-15 Girls
Baltimore Mania College Showcase
Samantha Cremmins was a dominating force in the midfield during the Severna Park Lasers 4-0 run to the tournament Championship. Playing Defensive midfield she was key to controlling both the offense which scored 9 goals and the defense which conceded only 1 goal in the entire tournament. Samantha was key to the Lasers maintaining possession of the ball against its opponents and was an incredible playmaker. She capped off her tournament performance by calmly netting 1 of the Lasers 4 penalty kick goals in the championship final which was decided on penalty kicks, 4-1 in favor of the Lasers.

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Loren Sefcik – Forward
Internationals SC ECNL U-16 Girls
ECNL San Diego Showcase
U.S. Girls National Team roster pool player Loren Sefcik put her world class scoring abilities on full display in San Diego, scoring 10 goals in her team’s first two matches, as Internationals SC routed Oregon’s Crossfire United 6-0 and Utah Avalanche 5-1

Jordan Brewster – Midfielder
Internationals SC ECNL U-16 Girls
ECNL San Diego Showcase
Jordan played a key role in her team’s offensive explosion at the San Diego Showcase, providing assists on six of her team’s 11 goals. She set up three goals in each of the team’s wins to open the weekend against Crossfire United and Utah Avalanche.

Kamer Nuhiu – Forward
Oakwood SC U-15/16 Boys
U.S. Soccer Development Academy
Oakwood continued its hot start to the second half of the USSDA season, and did so in large part because of forward Kamer Nuhiu. In Oakwood’s third straight win, the last of which came Saturday night against playoff-bound BW Gottschee Academy, Kamer provided both goals in the 2-0 victory.

+Read: U.S. Soccer Development Academy East Conference Recap: Week 18

Colin Brezniak – Midfielder
D.C. United Academy U-15/16 Boys
U.S. Soccer Development Academy
Colin scored twice for D.C. United Academy in a 2-2 draw against crosstown rival Bethesda-Olney, giving him a tie for the team lead with 10 goals.

Nicholas Blacklock – Midfielder
Philadelphia Union Academy U-13/14 Boys
U.S. Soccer Development Academy
Nicholas scored twice for Philadelphia Union Academy in a 3-0 victory over in-state opponent PA Classics, netting his seventh and eighth goals of the season on Sunday, April 3.

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Jordan Canniff – Forward
Richmond United ECNL U-15 Girls
ECNL San Diego Showcase
U.S. U-17 Girls National Team forward Jordan Canniff racked up 2 goals and 5 assists at the ECNL San Diego Showcase, as Richmond United posted an unbeaten 2-0-1 record against some of the strongest competition in the nation at the U-15 level. Jordan showed once again that she is not only a world class scorer, but also a tremendous playmaker and distributor.

Josephine Lyons – Goalkeeper
Maryland United FC ECNL U-17 Girls
ECNL San Diego Showcase
Josephine was superb throughout the weekend on the West Coast, earning clean sheets in net against California side San Juan SC and Nevada’s Heat FC. She and the Marlyand United back line allowed only one goal in three matches at the ECNL San Diego Showcase, coming in a 3-1 win over Mustang SC.

+Read: ECNL Mid-Atlantic Conference Recap: San Diego Showcase

Marissa Vincent – Defender
Maryland United FC ECNL U-17 Girls
ECNL San Diego Showcase
Marissa was outstanding on the back line for Maryland United at the ECNL San Diego Showcase, helping hold the teams’ three opponents to a combined one goal. She was nominated as one of her team’s players of the match for her performance in United’s 3-1 win over Mustang SC on Saturday.

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Arianna Green – Defender
Maryland United FC ECNL U-17 Girls
ECNL San Diego Showcase
Marissa was outstanding on the back line for Maryland United at the ECNL San Diego Showcase, helping hold the teams’ three opponents to a combined one goal. She was nominated as one of the players of the match for her performance in United’s 0-0 draw against Nevada’s Heat FC on Sunday, one of two clean sheets for her team on the weekend.

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Erynn Johns – Forward
Vista Ridge HS Girls
Texas State Tournament
Vista Ridge HS advanced in the Texas State Tournament thanks in large part to the performance of 6-foot-1 West Point commit Erynn Johns, who scored  game-winning goals against Cedar Park and Vandegrift. Erynn scored on an early header against Cedar Park, then in an upset over Vandegrift, she scored an equalizing header followed by the game-winner in which she dribbled through multiple defenders and laced a shot off the back post and in. She went on to score two goals [Watch Goal 1 | Watch Goal 2] in a 5-5 match ending in a PK loss to Frisco Centennial in the semifinals.

Caitlin Cosme – Defender
Albertson Fury ECNL U-17 Girls
ECNL San Diego Showcase
Caitlin helped lead Albertson to a tie against Eclipse SC after a 3-0 defeat to the Chicago side 8 months ago. She was also a key contributor in Albertson’s victory over previously undefeated Jacksonville FC, and once again anchored the back line in a shutout against FC Portland on the third and final day of the ECNL San Diego Showcase.

Fatou Barry – Midfielder
Albertson Fury ECNL U-17 Girls
ECNL San Diego Showcase
Fatou scored seven goals in three games at the ECNL San Diego Showcase, including a stretch of two games with back-to-back hat tricks. Her team was down 2-1 at half in the second game against Arsenal before she scored three second half goals in the 4-2 comeback win.

Elmer Ochoa – Midfielder
SYC Strikers Red U-17 Boys
EDP League Play
A lightning bulb in the middle of the pitch, Elmer has made his presence felt against all opponents this season, winning balls and consistently beating multiple defenders and finding open space for his teammates. He scored on a thundering strike from over 30 yards out this weekend against Baltimore Bay Chelsea Academy that had virtually no chance of being saved.

Tanner Phipps – Midfielder
SYC Strikers Red U-17 Boys
EDP League Play
Tanner did tremendous work in the midfield for SYC, winning balls back for his teammates and launching counter attacks with consistency. His tactical positioning helped support the attack, and his seating between the center backs in the defensive midfield helped stopped the opponents’ vertical penetrations in the box. He was smart in buildup play and calm under pressure, showing maturity in running from box-to-box with tactical positioning.

Jenna Buto – Midfielder
A3 Ponies U-16 Girls
Region I Champions League
Jenna and her midfield partner Lindsay were instrumental in stopping a very strong SJA Azurri midfield. SJA Azurri, one of the top-ranked teams in the nation, came to the game fresh from a solid performance at the Jefferson Cup and were heavily favored. Jenna, playing a holding midfield role, was able to repeatedly stop Azurri’s attack and played with a relentless effort throughout the match. Her defensive prowess was instrumental in the 2-1 upset victory.

Lindsay Hegewisch – Midfielder
A3 Ponies U-16 Girls
Region I Champions League
Lindsay and her midfield partner Jenna were instrumental in stopping a very strong SJA Azurri midfield. SJA Azurri, one of the top-ranked teams in the nation, came to the game fresh from a solid performance at the Jefferson Cup and were heavily favored. Lindsay was able to control the game from the midfield by maintaining possession of the ball and creating opportunities for her teammates. Lindsay was able to open the scoring by striking a ball from outside the 18 and into the corner. She then provided the through-ball that led to the Ponies’ second goal. Throughout the match, she was able to help secure the 2-1 upset by keeping the ball and being creative.

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Matt Di Rosa – Forward
Bethesda-Olney Academy
U.S. Soccer Development Academy
Matt scored the game-winner for Bethesda-Olney against PA Classics and played very well overall throughout the weekend.

David Cruz – Forward
VSA Elite NPL U-13 Boys
Virginia NPL League Play
David had a terrific weekend overall, capping it off with a goal and assist in a 2-1 victory over PWSI. He was a constant threat throughout the match and his goal was a just reward for his efforts.

Jessie Cortez – Defender
VSA Elite NPL U-13 Boys
Virginia State Cup
Jessie had a terrific performance in State Cup action vs Herndon. In very windy conditions, Jessie marshaled the VSA back line throughout the match, helping shut down Herndon’s attack to preserve a 2-1 victory.

Maddie Bragaw – Midfielder
Arundel SA Azzurri U-17 Girls
Region I Champions League
Maddie’s creative goal scoring was on display as she scored a hat trick in Region I Champions League play. The three goals goals bring her total to six through her first six matches so far this spring.

Taylor Huff – Forward
OP Fire Red U-13 Girls
Midwest Regional League
Taylor scored the game-winner against St. Louis Scott Gallagher and both goals against Cincinnati Soccer Academy in the first weekend of Midwest Regional League play.

Reilly Vickerts – Defender
OP Fire Red U-13 Girls
Midwest Regional League
Reilly played a key role in helping the OP Fire back line hold Cincinnati SA and St. Louis Scott Gallagher to very few shots on goal, leading to shutouts in both games in the first week of Midwest Regional League top division play. She also kept a solid build for OP Fire on the back line with skill and poise.

Jayla Lee – Defender
Albertson Fury U-14 Girls
ECNL League Play
Jayla anchored her defense helping to lead her team to two shutout victories over the weekend. She consistently found herself in the right position to interrupt the attack of Connecticut side FSA FC and New York’s Farmingdale SC. Her timing on tackles in the box was flawless. She organized well and was instrumental in keeping possession of the ball as her team started their attack. Her poise and ability to read the game gave all her teammates a sense of calm in two very hard fought games.

Sierra “CC” Rosario – Midfielder
Albertson Fury U-14 Girls
ECNL League Play
Sierra was the unsung hero in both games for Albertson over the weekend. She found herself playing the No. 8 role to perfection, proving instrumental in winning the midfield battle. Her ability to not just win challenges but maintain possession of ball while doing so was instrumental in her team’s wins. In the attack she was able to link the defensive and attacking units as well as both flanks with pinpoint precision and unparalleled passing ability. She was also the catalyst for her team’s goal against CFC getting on the end of a corner. Although her header was saved, the rebound would not be.

Lily Becker – Midfielder
Albertson Fury U-13 Girls
NPL Pre-ECNL
Lily led her team to a 5-2 win over a very good FSA team. Losing 2-1 with less than 15 minutes to go, Lily scored a pair of goals in under a minute to give her team a 3-2 lead. Her ability, creativity, and relentless effort would provide the spark that would ultimately result in a 5-2 victory. In the second game of the weekend, Lily found herself in a 1v1 situation on the left flank. She pulled an incredible stop-and-go move to beat her defender on the end line and serve a perfect cross for Nyla Allen to score the game-winner.

Jason Ricca – Midfielder
Bloomfield SC Arsenal U-15 Boys
US Club Soccer New Jersey Cup
Jason played a key role in the center midfield, leading his team to a second half comeback win after trailing 1-0 at the half. Jason assisted the first goal and scored the game-winner with 8 minutes left, helping his team advance to the quarterfinals of the New Jersey Cup.

Nick Kovach – Defender
Bloomfield SC Arsenal U-15 Boys
US Club Soccer New Jersey Cup
Nick controlled the defense, stayed calm even after Bloomfield went down 1-0 at the half. His leadership and control kept the opponent away from the goal and his team finished with a 2-1 win to reach the quarterfinals of the New Jersey Cup.

Micaela Blumenstein – Midfielder
Calvert Elite SC 02 U-14 Girls
EDP League Play
Micaela had three goals and two assists in the top U-14 division of EDP league play over the weekend. She was instrumental in linking the play from the backs to the forwards and consistently created opportunities for both herself and others leading her team to two victories.

London Lewis – Forward
Calvert Elite SC 02 U-14 Girls
EDP League Play
London was dynamic throughout the 4-0 win in Division 1 EDP league play. She had a hand in all four goals scoring once, assisting once, and drawing two penalties. Her pace and 1v1 ability was fantastic throughout the game and she proved dangerous nearly every time she touched the ball.

Miranda Timberlake – Midfielder
SAC Premier Blue U-17 Girls
Region I and EDP League Play
On Saturday, April 16 in a Region I game, Miranda recorded a hat trick helping lift the team to a 6-1 win. On Sunday, April 17th, Miranda scored one and assisted two, helping the team to a 3-0 win.

Nina Marchione – Forward
Herndon Hurricanes Black U-13 Girls
Region 1 Champions League and Virginia State Cup
Nina has been a force in the attack throughout the month of April. She netted 2 goals in a 3-2 win over SYA and found the net against Loudoun in Region 1 Champions League play. She also scored the second goal in a 3-0 State Cup win this week to bring her total to four goals in three games between Champions League and State Cup competition.

Brianna Jablonowski – Forward
Albertson Fury ECNL U-14 Girls
ECNL League Play
With her team down 1-0, Brianna stepped up with a great individual effort to level the game at 1-1. After going to down 2-1, yet again it was Jablonowski that would step up. This time she beat three players into the box before using the outside of her foot to slot a pass by the FC Stars of Mass goalie to set up an easy tap-in goal for a streaking Emily Scarda. Going down once again, Brianna was able to connect a nice combination before switching the ball to Julz Kelton, who tied the game at 3-3.

Claire Gatz – Midfielder
Albertson Fury ECNL U-14 Girls
ECNL League Play
Claire started the game playing outside mid-field. Her work rate, positioning, and poise in front of goal allowed her to convert on two chances in the first half. In the second half, Claire was moved to outside back but continued her relentless attack up the flank. She would come out of the back to find Brianna Jablonowski who served a perfect ball which was finished by Ashley Ladner on a beautiful one touch from the penalty spot. Claire contributed to all three goals in her team’s 3-0 win.

Sarah Nguyen – Defender
McLean 99 Green U-16 Girls
Region 1 Champions League
After moving from full back to center back, Sarah helped the McLean 99 girls hold opponents to two goals against in the run of play in Region 1 action April 23-24. Playing every minute of three games over a single weekend, Sarah’s composure and adaptability to a new position were crucial in securing important points on a tough weekend.

Laura Mueller – Midfielder
McLean 99 Green U-16 Girls
Region 1 Champions League
Laura starred in the midfield for McLean 99 Green in Region 1 action over the weekend of April 23-24. Her work rate and passing ability showed with McLean achieving midfield control over three games, accumulating 59 percent possession and nearly 1,200 total passes.

Anna Lydey – Midfielder
OP Fire Black U-13 Girls
Shoot For The Cure
Anna controlled the midfield all weekend, providing three assists and two goals at the event. She started every game and was a calming influence in the midfield.

MacKenzie Morrison – Midfielder
OP Fire Black U-13 Girls
Shoot For The Cure
Mackenzie bossed the midfield winning countless tackles throughout the tournament. She was calm on the ball, providing an assist while excelling in her defensive duties.