EDP Soccer has announced the Best XI from last weekend’s USYS National League Regional Showcase Virginia 2024 Boys. The selections were made based on the performance of the players during the tournament. Congratulations to the following players who were selected.
The Best XI from the USYS National League Regional Showcase Virginia 2024 Boys are:
# 13 Alex Garrison - Northern Virginia United Academy '05/06B (VA)
Alex is a forward that continues to be a nightmare for defenders, showcasing his exceptional ability to maneuver past opponents in one-on-one situations. This past weekend, he demonstrated his goal-scoring prowess by netting three impressive goals and providing crucial assists for two more. His outstanding performances have not gone unnoticed, as he is now drawing attention from top college programs.
# 75 Marcel Tovar - Weston FC 2005 Boys Black (FL)
Marcel is our center back and played every minute of the Showcase. His exceptional play in the back enabled the team to play the event without any defeats. Hats off to this young man for his exceptional work this weekend and all season long.
# 91 Ben Svoboda - Columbia SC 2006 Sparta Black NL (MD)
Ben was the cornerstone of our defense this weekend, allowing just one goal in all three showcase games. He was always an aerial threat in set pieces, vital in key defensive tackles, and always gave 110% on the field. He's a natural leader and always communicates and encourages. He scored a banger off his left foot (weak foot) to boot!
# 15 Ayden St. Martin - IFA West 2007 Boys EDS (MA)
Ayden, the team’s center back, was instrumental in providing three clean sheets in three games while organizing play forward out of the back. His calming and positive demeanor keeps IFA West in control both defensively and in attack.
# 22 Ethan Beede - YMS 2007 Boys Premier Blackout NL EDP (PAE)
As our center back, Ethan is an integral part of the team's defensive unit, leading by example both on and off of the field, and this weekend was no different. Not only did Ethan contribute defensively by being part of a strong back line, but he also showed great poise and composure in possession when the team was building out of the back. He also played a part in creating attacks with his skillful distribution.
# 24 Charles Reid - White Plains YS WP Academy National 2007 (NYE)
Charles played a pivotal role in a back line that consistently controlled opponents front lines, counter attacks, and set pieces. With his tenacity, leadership and desire to win, he spearheaded a back line that conceded one goal and was constantly able to get forward in moments. In the final game of a tough three game weekend, his determination started a build-up in the team's defensive third which led into the attacking third. Charles found himself making a 70-yard off the ball run after distributing the ball to his midfielders, where he found himself at the penalty mark meeting a cross. Staying composed, Charles slotted home a game-winning goal to take White Plains Academy 07 home undefeated.
# 42 Stanley Zdziebko - St. Mary's Soccer SMS 2008 Boys Premier (MD)
Stanley stepped in and played outstanding all weekend in a position he normally doesn’t play. He helped the team maintain two clean sheets and concede only two goals all weekend. He excelled defensively in the air and broke lines with fantastic passes.
# 9 Brady Fitzgerald - AC Connecticut B08 USYS National (CT)
Brady turned in a great performance this weekend. His ability to hold the ball, set up teammates, and find the net was a major contributor to our success. Brady finished with three goals and one assist which included the game-winner in the last game with five minutes to go.
# 10 Zach Sheffield - FC Frederick 08B (MD)
Zach is the team’s center defensive midfielder and played a crucial role in a side with only one goal conceded throughout the weekend. In addition to breaking up opposition attacks, he organized and communicated well to those in front of them. In possession he played with great composure and started attacks from deep. Zach played every minute and showed his versatility by filling into the back line as well.
# 5 Zayden Bediako - Northern Virginia United Academy 09B (VA)
Zayden had an exceptional weekend, showcasing his skills primarily in the midfield position. He effectively utilized his energy, strength, and skill, along with his contagious enthusiasm, to motivate and propel the team forward. Notably, when the team needed to secure a lead, Zayden demonstrated his versatility by dropping back into defense, contributing to the team's effort in closing out the game.
# 18 Gavin Quirk - Cheshire Soccer Academy 2009 Boys NL (NJ)
Gavin has been an integral part of the CSA team for many years now. Originally, Gavin played in the 6 and 8 roles but recently we have transitioned him into a center back because of his ability to play out from the back, his calm nature on the ball, and his advanced soccer IQ. I am happy for Gavin to have been picked for the team as this was his first weekend playing center back and he was brilliant!
