Players That Impressed: March 7-13, 2016

The following players were submitted by coaches or club technical personnel so they could be recognized for impressive performances in competitive soccer games during the week of Monday, March 7 through the end of Sunday, March 13, 2016.

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 for that week.

+ You can submit players each week here

Isabelle Oliver – Forward
Arlington Forza White U-17 Girls
Virginia Rush Champions Cup
Isabelle Oliver dominated the tournament offensively scoring six goals in four games to lead her Arlington Forza White team to the championship of the Virginia Rush Champions Cup. Four of her goals were game-winners.

Amber Harris – Midfielder
Calvert Elite SC U-13 Girls
FC Europa Turf Cup
Amber scored five goals and had several assists in leading the group to the championship in Pennsylvania at the FC Europa Cup. She combined extremely well with teammates and was able to consistently beat players off the dribble to create for both herself and her teammates.

Natalie Jimenez – Forward
Calvert Elite SC U-13 Girls
FC Europa Turf Cup
Natalie scored a couple goals on the weekend while setting up numerous others. She played on the wing and was dominant in her ability to beat players in 1v1 situations, creating opportunities for herself and others.

+Read: Twenty-six girls teams earn FC Europa Turf Cup division titles

Micaela Blumenstein – Midfielder
Calvert Elite SC U-13 Girls
EDP League
Micaela played in both an attacking and deep holder role in the center of the midfield. When playing as the holder she was able to consistently link the lines and keep the ball for the team. When she moved up the field as an attacker, she was a constant threat and easily could have been rewarded with a couple of goals or assists, but settled for the game-tying assist.

Shawna Ganley – Midfielder
Calvert Elite SC U-13 Girls
EDP League
Shawna played as both a center back and center midfielder in Calvert’s EDP League match against Alexandria. She ended up with the tying goal after beating multiple defenders off the dribble and firing from 25 yards. She was great both on the tackle defensively and when in possession of the ball.

Julia Yuhase – Forward
Calvert Elite SC U-14 Girls
EDP League
Julia was a dynamic presence throughout out the game and gave the other team fits with her slashing 1v1 play. She scored a goal and helped contribute to another. Her movement both with and without the ball was fantastic.

Flor Katz-Starr – Midfielder
Calvert Elite SC U-14 Girls
EDP League
Playing in a deep midfield role, Flor was able to pull the strings and connect the backs to the forwards and midfielders. She consistently broke up the other team’s midfield passes and threats, immediately transitioning the team into keeping the ball and getting into the attack.

Jacob Shaffelburg – Forward
Manhattan SC U-16 Boys
Jefferson Cup
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 led Villa to victories over Pennsylvania side Patriot FC Red (EPA) and NC State champion Carolina Rapids on route to a Jefferson Cup U-16 top bracket title for the boys from New York City.

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

Bakary Bakayogo – Forward
Manhattan SC U-16 Boys
Jefferson Cup
Manhattan SC Villa striker Bakary Bagayoko was a force up top at the Jefferson Cup. Bakary scored two goals en route to a Jefferson Cup U-16 top bracket title. His game-winning goal in the 8th minute against CYSA Purple 99 sealed the division championship for Villa.

Sarah Jordan – Midfielder
Albertson Fury ECNL U-16 Girls
ECNL League Play
Sarah controlled the tempo of the game for Albertson in the team’s 2-0 win over FC Stars of Mass on Saturday, serving as a primary playmaker on the attacking side.

Isabella Patino – Midfielder
Albertson Fury ECNL U-16 Girls
ECNL League Play
Isabella provided leadership throughout Albertson’s 2-0 win over FC Stars of Mass on Saturday, showing great composure and working with her teammates in the midfield to win possession and create scoring chances.

Reaghan Duval – Goalkeeper
Albertson Fury ECNL U-16 Girls
ECNL League Play
After Saturday’s game with Albertson only playing with 13 players, Reaghan stepped up for her shorthanded team on Sunday against FC Boston Bolts, making numerous saves to preserve her team’s lead. Albertson won the match 2-1.

Brianna Slider – Midfielder
Albertson Fury ECNL U-16 Girls
ECNL League Play
Following a match on Saturday in which Albertson’s roster was depleted due to injury, Brianna had to be shifted to the back line to help bolster the lineup. Playing out of her primary position, she played a key role in the team’s strong defensive effort against FC Boston Bolts on Sunday, a 2-1 victory for Albertson.