Players That Impressed: Jefferson Cup 2016 Boys Showcase

The following players were submitted by coaches, club technical personnel or Soccer Wire staff so they could be recognized for impressive performances in the 2016 Jefferson Cup Boys Showcase Weekend.

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Benjamin Boucher – Midfielder
Calverton Cerritos U-14 Boys
Benjamin was a force in the midfield and in the attacking zone for Calverton Cerritos on the team’s run to the U-14 Championship Division title. He capped the weekend with a brace in the team’s thrilling 5-4 victory over Massachusetts side GPS in the Final.

Nehemias Rubio – Forward
Calverton Cerritos U-14 Boys
The speedy forward was tremendous working in space, routinely burning defenders in 1v1 situations and showing a good combination of power and touch on his shot. Nehemias’ finishing ability was on full display in Calverton’s comeback win in the U-14 Championship Division Final, as he scored two goals in the closing minutes, including the game-winner in the final seconds of the game.

+Read: Division titles decided on Sunday at Jefferson Cup Boys Showcase

John Leonard – Midfielder
Delaware Rush U-15 Boys
John was a catalyst for the Delaware Rush attack, helping lead the team to a perfect 4-0-0 record and the U-15 Championship Division title. The attacking midfielder controlled possession and started numerous runs leading to goals for Rush, providing several assists and getting in on the scoring himself as well.

Niklas Powell – Forward
Delaware Rush U-15 Boys
The tall and physical forward imposed his well in front of net throughout the event for Rush, scoring some critical goals including the opening score of the U-15 Championship Division title match, which Rush won 2-1 over OBGC Rangers Blue.

Matteo Spilimbergo – Forward
OBGC Rangers Blue U-15 Boys
Matteo’s superior soccer instincts and playmaking abilities were on display all weekend as he helped pace an OBGC attack which led the Championship Division in scoring, racking up 11 goals as a team in group play. He also netted OBGC’s only goal in the title match against Delaware Rush, finishing a close-range goal amid heavy traffic in the box without breaking stride.

Gonzalo Bartoli Pinero – Goalkeeper
OBGC Rangers Blue U-15 Boys
Gonzalo and the OBGC back line gave up only two goals on their way to a first place finish in Group A, earning a pair of clean sheets in the process.

Jacob Shaffelburg – Forward
Manhattan SC Villa U-16 Boys
Manhattan SC Villa Striker Jacob Shaffelburg showed why is he one of the top strikers in the Class of 2019. The forward from Nova Scotia’s goals gained victories over Patriot Red (EPA) and NC State Champion Carolina Rapids on route to a Jefferson Cup U16 top bracket title for the boys from New York City.

Bakary Bakayogo – Forward
Manhattan SC Villa U-16 Boys
Manhattan SC Villa Striker Bakary Bagayoko was a force up top at the Jefferson Cup 2016. Bakary scored two goals on route to a Jefferson Cup U16 top bracket title for the boys from New York City. His game winning goal in the 8th minute against CYSA Purple 99 sealed the title.

+Read: Youth Soccer Top 25 Twitter Rankings entering April 2016

Ryan Manning – Goalkeeper
GPS Massachusetts U-16 Boys
Despite his team ending up on the wrong end of a pair of 1-0 decisions, Ryan made several remarkable saves in his time competing in the top U-16 flight at the Jeff Cup. In a 1-0 loss to Arlington on Saturday, the class of 2018 keeper made highlight reel stops moving to both sides, showing his versatility and athleticism in net.

Cole Schmidt – Midfielder
Carolina Rapids Burgundy U-16 Boys
Representing the North Carolina reigning State Cup champions, Cole helped the Rapids get off to a fast start in the top U-16 bracket at the Jeff Cup, scoring the team’s first goal in a 2-0 win over Virginia side CYA to open the tournament. In addition to showing quickness and precision on the attack, he also put his powerful boot on display, nearly connecting on multiple long range shots.

Jeremy Basso – Defender
Andromeda FC U-16 Boys
Jeremy made his presence felt on both ends of the pitch, anchoring the back line at his center back position while also frequently making runs into the attacking side. He opened the event helping lead Andromeda to a 2-1 comeback win over New York East State Cup champion side Dix Hills Hurricanes, playing lockdown defense and scoring the equalizer for his team.

Trevor Martineau – Midfielder
Andromeda FC U-16 Boys
Trevor was a key playmaker for Andromeda FC in the midfield, setting up his teammates for goals and making deep runs into the attacking zone. He was also vital in the defensive area, forcing turnovers and winning 50-50 balls.

+Read: U.S. U-15 BNT heads to Argentina for International Festival

David Reuth – Goalkeeper
Ohio Galaxies FC Elite U-17 Boys
Opposing players simply could not get comfortable in front of net with David in goal, as he and the Galaxies back line gave up just one goal over the course of three games on their way to the Jefferson Cup U-17 Championship Division title. David was superb all weekend shutting down corner kicks and showing excellent range within the box, charging out to cut off opposing runs before they were able to get shots off. He also covered every corner of the goal, making several critical saves in the team’s 1-0 win over OBGC to clinch the division title on Sunday.

Daniel Amo – Defender
Everton FC Westchester Dreamers U-18 Boys
The UC Santa Barbara commit was dominant on both ends of the pitch all weekend as he helped lead Everton FC to a first place finish in the U-18 Championship Division. Not only did he shut down opposing runs with relative ease from his center back position, he showed tremendous passing abilities and rare speed with the ball at his feet for a defender.

Emmanuel Twumasi – Midfielder
Everton FC Westchester Dreamers U-18 Boys
The Wake Forest 2016 commit consistently showed why he has earned the opportunity to play for a major program at the next level, and certainly could find his soccer career extending beyond college as well. Emmanuel’s game-breaking speed an agility allows him to cover a ton of ground, particularly out wide as he set up several scoring chances for Everton at the Jeff Cup working on the left wing.