8 USYNT Players on the Rise Right Now
When you’re watching Megan Rapinoe drill the ball into the top corner or Julie Ertz shut down a bee-line run, it’s easy to forget they came from the same place as all Socceristas. Every professional soccer player started on their local community or club team. In addition, US Soccer has several youth teams and they are all bursting with talent. Here are a few of the USYNT names we’re sure will make it to the main stage one day.
U-15
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Olivia Geller was recently named to the upcoming U-15 camp and we know she’ll shine. A goalkeeper for Solar SC, the #1 U-15 team in the country, several members of her team will be joining her on this roster. It takes a lot to be a top-tier keeper, and Geller has what it takes. Named best keeper in Texas and seventh in the nation by Top Drawer Soccer she’s one to watch.
U-16
Nice 4-0 W today for the #U16WYNT vs. Norway at the UEFA Development Tournament in Sweden. Goals: Kennedy Roesch, Ines Derrien, Reese Klein
& Ava McDonald. pic.twitter.com/Ujq5chtMJQ— U.S. Soccer YNT (@USYNT) May 18, 2022
Eleanor Klinger has been generating a lot of scout buzz, and she’s still a U-16. A trustworthy teammate and confident in both feet, Klinger will be part of the U-16 Girls lineup in some upcoming international matches this month. Midfielder for Internationals ECNL Klinger regularly trains with older teams. Recently she was spotted with the U-17 Hounds Academy and Arsenal WFC U-21.
Kennedy Roesch is a young forward out of San Diego Surf but she’s been making waves for a while. ECNL Player of the Year, 2020-21 All-American player, and named to several US camps in the past Roesch will be joining Klinger on the international roster.
U-17
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The U-17 CONCACAF cup just finished up and we saw a ton of talent. Let’s start with Riley Jackson, team captain and voted Best Player of the tournament. Midfielder Jackson led the team to a spotless run in the tournament. Netting two goals herself, Jackson was always there to support on either side.
The keeper for the U-17, Victoria Safradin, only let one goal in the seven-game tournament. Of course, she won the Golden Gloves of the tournament. We love to see a keeper shine. It’s such an important and often unsung role. Safradin is already an incredible player, just imagine what a few more years will do for her.
U-20
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Before the U-17 players had their dazzling CONCACAF show, U-20 pulled in another win. It seems that wins just follow Talia DellaPeruta. The first USYNT player to win four CONAFCA youth titles, DellaPeruta scored in every single game. Five goals in five games, and every single one of them a win. This is the seventh time the U-20 team has won big at CONAFCA, which means DellaPeruta has been there for over half of them.
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If you thought DellaPeruta’s goal count was impressive, may I introduce Michelle Cooper? Winner of the CONCACAF Golden Ball, Best Player, and the Golden Boot, Cooper scored in all but one game. Despite that one dry match, Cooper scored seven points throughout the tournament, establishing herself as the top scorer.
U-23
The #U23WYNT drew 1-1 with @OLReign tonight to finish the Thorns Preseason Tournament in PDX. Croix Bethune scored for the USA in the 38th off an assist from Alexa Spaanstra. Jess Fishlock equalized in the 66th. pic.twitter.com/ANVqGUlfuN
— U.S. Soccer YNT (@USYNT) March 12, 2022
Croix Bethune, has made her way around the WYNT rosters for a few years and this year she really shined. In the U-23 series against the Thorns, Bethune led the team in goals and as a player. She was the first to score in their final game against the Thorns. Though the game ended in a draw and the series favored the Thorns, Bethune left her mark. She was also the one to score against the OL Reign, a game that ended in a draw.
Every Soccerista starts somewhere, so keep playing!
Featured image via @usynt on Instagram
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