Players That Impressed: Girls Academy Champions League 2022 Florida Event

The Girls Academy recently hosted the GA Champions League 2022 Florida Event at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. from March 10-15.

SoccerWire is currently seeking Players That Impressed nominations from the competition, across the U13-U19 age groups. Coaches, parents and athletes are invited to submit nominations for up to two (2) players per team, highlighting standout performances from the event.

[Submit Your ‘Players That Impressed’]

Continue reading for a listing of some of the top performances at the GA’s National Event.

U-15

U-16

Leah Varela | Defender
IMG Academy U-16 (FL)

Played all 400 minutes (including 20 minutes of a double OT match against NEFC) over 4 games for IMG 2006, and was a key part of IMG’s run to the U16 Champions League Final. Varela played lockdown defense and was also called upon to play midfield and wing due to her attacking ability. Her 40-yard free kick led to IMG’s lone goal in the championship game.

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Abigail Gemma | Defender
IMG Academy U-16 (FL)

Captain on the back line that helped lead the team to the finals, as they conceded only 3 total goals over 4 games. Played every minute of every game showing leadership and talent as solid center back.

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Taylor Allen | Forward
IMG Academy U-16 (FL)

Dynamic on the wing creating opportunities for herself and teammates the whole match against NEFC. Allen scored the winning goal in an exciting contest, a rematch from the GA National Championship last year. Allen was able to score with less than a minute left in the second overtime.

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Keira Billis | Midfielder
Nationals SC U-16 (MI)

Played a key role for Nationals SC during their impressive run to the GA Champions League Final. Billis got her team started on the right foot by scoring on a powerful free kick in her side’s 2-0 win over Houston Dash Academy.

First day of Champions League was a success! 2-0 vs Houston Dash @NationalsGA @GAcademyLeague #GAFL22

Next Game:
March 12
Field 2
8:30 vs Tophat Gold pic.twitter.com/IqKvMWV9Xp

— Keira Billis (@KeiraBillis) March 12, 2022

U-17

Bianca Dominguez | Goalkeeper
Lamorinda SC U-17 (CA)

Kept her team in the game despite being under constant fire, making several unbelievable saves right in her 6-yard box, while also providing great distribution out of the back.

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Taylor Howard | Goalkeeper
IMG Academy U-17 (FL)

Came through with the game-winning save during a penalty kick shootout on Friday, as IMG notched an impressive victory in a defensive battle against FC Bay Area Surf.

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Rebecca Winton | Goalkeeper
Colorado Rush U-17 (CO)

After two overtimes with zero goals against TopHat Gold, Colorado Rush 2005 went to PKs. Winton proved to be the hero in the shootout, making a pair of saves to send her team to victory.

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Julia Roberts | Goalkeeper
Cincinnati United Premier U-17 (OH)

Came up big with a critical late game leaping one-handed punch save on a direct kick that lead to her team’s victory over FC Bay Area. Roberts also had a fantastic save during her side’s PK shootout win over Colorado Rush. During the shootout, Roberts was called upon to attempt a PK as well, and she converted the attempt.

U-19

Taylor Rinzel | Forward
SC Wave U-19 (WI)

Sparked the offense in a pair of big wins for SC Wave, as she netted both goals in a 2-0 match against NEFC, before contributing a goal and two assists during her side’s 6-1 rout of Lamorinda SC.

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Trinitie Maloney | Goalkeeper
Cedar Stars Academy – Monmouth U-19 (NJ)

Impeccable read on the game, making numerous impressive saves to keep Cedar Stars ahead against
FC Bay Area Surf, and finishing with a clean sheet. Very agile keeper who remained calm under pressure.