Players That Impressed: Girls Academy Winter Texas Event 2021

The Girls Academy completed the first leg of its 2021 Texas Winter Event over President’s Day Weekend in Round Rock, TX.

Teams from all over the nation battled through some bitter winter weather to play in the showcase which drew a total of 330 college coaches who registered to watch games online. Opening weekend featured teams in the U17-U19 age groups, while the U15-U16 divisions will compete this coming weekend.

Continue reading for a listing of some of the top performances at the GA’s opening event of 2021. SoccerWire is currently accepting nominations for additional Players That Impressed, which will be added to the list below on a rolling basis. Coaches, parents and athletes are invited to submit nominations for up to two (2) players per team.

[Submit Your ‘Players That Impressed’]

Danielle Jacobson | Goalkeeper
Colorado Rush U-17 (CO)

Had an outstanding half in goal against Nationals during a 1-1 draw, and posted a shutout for her half in goal against Sporting St. Louis, highlighted by a tough stop on a 1-on-1 breakaway in Rush’s 5-1 win.

Laney Gonzales | Defender
Houston Dash Academy U-17 (TX)

Contributed to a shutout win for Houston against Cincinnati United, showing off her steady and accurate passing from the back line.

Madi Valenti‏ | Goalkeeper
Lou Fusz SC U-17 (WI)

Earned a clean sheet between the posts as Lou Fusz came out on top of a 1-0 match against EW Surf.

Lily O’Grady | Midfielder
City SC U-17 (CA)

Provided the game-winning goal against Tophat in a challenging 1-0 result at the GA Texas Event.

Caitlin Pfaffle | Defender
SC Wave U-17 (WI)

Turned in a strong performance on the back line in SC Wave’s clean sheet effort against Tophat.

Savannah Sabo | Goalkeeper
IMG Academy U-17 (FL)

Recorded a clean sheet for IMG in their 1-0 victory over Albion SC San Diego during Girls Academy tournament play.

Josie Bieda | Forward
Sockers FC U-17 (IL)

Sparked the Sockers FC offense by scoring both goals in a 2-0 win over Tophat Navy.

Isabelle Scott | Defender
Lonestar SC U-17 (TX)

Helped Lonestar hold their opponents to a single goal on the weekend, while also adding to the scoring on the offensive side.

Amrey Wenneker | Midfielder
Lonestar SC U-17 (TX)

Provided the game-winner against Weston FC in Girls Academy showcase play, during a perfect weekend for Lonestar.

Amalia Villareal | Midfielder
Michigan Jaguars U-17 (MI)

Received recognition from the league for her standout performance in the midfield, while playing up two levels for Michigan Jaguars. Villareal is a 2006 player who took the field with the 2004 squad.

Bella Field | Forward
Sporting Blue Valley U-17 (MO)

Was one of two players to record a brace for Sporting Blue Valley in the team’s dominant 5-0 win over SC Wave.

Kaya Lee | Mid / Def
Sporting Blue Valley U-17 (MO)

Matched her teammate Bella Field’s brace with two goals of her own during an explosive showing for the Sporting BV attack.

Lenah Scicluna | Midfielder
Nationals U-17 (MI)

The holding midfielder was dominant in controlling the game in both fixtures this week, never leaving the field. Her ability to break up the opponents play both on the ground and in the air as well as launch the teams attacks from the base of midfield was a treat to watch.

Frankie Mudd | Forward
Nationals U-17 (MI)

The crafty forward played in multiple positions across the front line, scoring three goals in two games, including a SportsCenter worthy strike vs Clovis Crossfire (#1 Ranked GotSoccer team in the country) and creating multiple other chances.

Grace Thao | Midfielder
West Coast FC U-17 (CA)

Dominated the matchup with Tophat on both sides of the ball, scoring a beautiful goal and assisting two others.

Avery Bennett | Defender
Cincinnati United U-17 (OH)

Played a tough left side under extreme weather conditions and a strong opponent. Delivered opportunities for her teammates to succeed in the attack.

Francesca Ipsen | Goalkeeper
Cincinnati United U-17 (OH)

Posted a shutout in the 2nd half against IMG Academy, preserving a 1-0 win with several quality saves, strong passing out of the back and strong match management.

Morgan Vinson | Forward
RISE SC U-17 (TX)

Scored the game-winning goal with 10 minutes to go for RISE to beat Frontier Conference opponent Lou Fusz SC.

Taryn Rietsma | Goalkeeper
Salvo SC U-19 (MN)

Future University of Minnesota goalkeeper Taryn Rietsma tallied a shutout for Salvo SC’s GA side in a narrow 1-0 win against Baltimore Armour.

Tatum Scanlon | Defender
Cincinnati United U-19 (OH)

Scored the game-winning goal for Cincinnati to complete a 3-2 dramatic comeback victory over LA Surf.

Katherine Rader | Forward
Weston FC U-19 (FL)

Notched a hat trick at the GA Texas Winter Event, as Weston overpowered SC del Sol 4-0.

Riley Thompson | Forward
IMG Academy U-19 (FL)

A future Florida Gator, Thompson netted a brace during IMG’s 3-2 victory against Houston Dash Academy in Girls Academy action.

Michelle Cooper | Forward
IMG Academy U-19 (FL)

The USYNT player and Duke commit provided an assist an added a goal of her own in a tough 3-2 win win over Houston Dash Academy.

Sydney Malaga | Defender
Sockers FC U-19 (IL)

Anchored the Sockers FC back line during the Girls Academy Texas Winter Event, where the team earned a pair of clean sheets.

Maria Pavelgio | Forward
Nationals U-18/19 (MI)

The Providence commit was a nightmare for the opponents this week with her play on the wing as she was a constant threat providing lots of opportunities for goal scoring chances for her team mates.

Jordan John | Midfielder
Nationals U-18/19 (MI)

The talented attacking central midfielder was a creative force this week in Texas, finding space between the opponents line and scoring a great goal vs Lonestar.