This past weekend, EDP Soccer hosted the first part of its EDP Cup Fall Showcase, annually ranked one of the top showcases in the nation by GotSoccer. The weekend featured 15U-19U Girls teams from USYS National League, Girls Academy League, ECNL and EDP League, creating a best vs. best experience. All games were played at Tuckahoe Turf Farms in Hammonton, NJ.
College coaches from Division II and III schools were in attendance to watch some of the top players in the classes of 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. In addition to college coaches on site, all 17U-19U games were recorded so that Division I coaches (NCAA mandated dead period extended to 4/15/21), and coaches who were not able to make the event due to budget and travel restrictions, are able to evaluate players through video after the event through EDP Soccer’s partnership with ScoutingZone and Next Level Video.
EDP followed strict health and safety protocols throughout the weekend. The schedule format had teams play one 80 minute game each day that provided for important social distancing protocols and the ability for tournament operations staff to properly sanitize as needed between groups leaving and entering the facility. EDP Soccer also continued the use of its new field layout for the weekend, which created extra space between fields to ensure teams and spectators have the ability to distance themselves. To limit commingling of participants, all home teams and their supporters were positioned on one side of the field and away teams and their supporters on the other side. In addition, home teams stay on the same field for both of their games as this technique reduces the need for team movement across the facility.
“Great weekend as our teams played solid competition in great facilities as we all focus on finding a way to keep our players both active and sharp. During these challenging times we are always thankful to the diligence and effort put forth by EDP to create a safe and competitive environment.” — Roberto Aguas, FC Copa Academy Executive Director of Coaching
“It was great to be back in a showcase environment with our teams. The event was very well organized, and it was great to have such a high level showcase without having to travel out of state. Having a chance for our team to play in front of college coaches, and also have the games recorded for college coach who were not able to attend is great exposure for our player as they look to play at the next level.” — Becki Tweed, STA Zone 2 Girls Director
The EDP Cup Fall Showcase continues next weekend at Tuckahoe Turf Farms with the 15U-19U boys.
Highlights From This Past Weekend
2019-2020 USYS National League participant New Jersey Rush 02 Grey NL had a strong showing over the weekend with a 1-0 win over SUSA 03 ECNL Composite and a 0-0 draw against PSA National '03. Uncommitted standout Kelly Beal from New Jersey Rush had a strong performance all weekend, giving defenders problems with her dribbling ability. In the Ruby division, FC Copa Academy 02/03 NL front line led by Binghamton University commit Peyton Gilmore was too much for opponents to deal with as the side won both of their match ups.
Anchored by LaSalle University commit Olivia Vricella, SJEB Rush 03G NL EDP enjoyed a successful weekend with a tie against Cedar Stars Academy Bergen GA on Saturday, and a 4-1 win over NJ Premier FC 2003 on Sunday. In the Ruby division, PDA South ECNL-RL 2004 defeated Farmingdale/EMSC ECRL 03 on Saturday, and then defeated World Class FC/SCP MSC 2003 USYS 2-0 in a closely contested game on Sunday.
Led by Villanova University commit Dani Davis, Old Dominion commit Maddy Micheletti and highly touted recruit Gianna Paul, SUSA ECNL 04 had big wins over PSA SDFC Elite 2004 and SJEB Rush GA 04. Long Island SC GA also had two wins with a 2-0 over SJEB Rush GA and a close 1-0 win over PSA SDFC Elite 2004.
In one of the closest brackets of the weekend, the Diamond bracket saw 3 ties in 4 games. On Saturday, Cedar Stars Academy Bergen GA drew 0-0 against SJEB Rush GA, and STA 2005 NL drew 1-1 with Long Island SC GA. On Sunday, Long Island SC drew 0-0 with SJEB Rush GA, while STA-NL got the best of Cedar Stars Academy Bergen GA 3-0.
Two of the region's best teams battled on Sunday morning, with the 2019 USYS Eastern Regional Champions Real Jersey FC 06G taking on SUSA ECNL 06, one of the best ECNL sides in the region. The game was very tightly contested, and Real Jersey FC took the lead in the first half when they found the back of the net off a free kick from about 28 yards out. Real Jersey FC was unable to hold onto the lead as SUSA continued to attack, and was able to find the equalizer. Neither team was able to find the late winner, and the game ended in a 1-1 tie. Real Jersey FC keeper Jada Branford had an excellent game making some fantastic saves against a strong SUSA attack.