Adidas ESP Girls

adidas ESP for Girls sees Brooks, Kean take top honors
by Andrea Canales 7/15/2007

 

(Above: Sophie Campise of Texas and Kelsey Kassab of Michigan battle for the ball during one of Sunday's contests at the adidas ESP event for elite Girls players in Pomona, CA - photo courtesy Andrea Canales)


Scroll down for Saturday Report


POMONA, CALIFORNIA - Better, good and very good seemed to be the consensus conclusion about the prospects at the adidas ESP here on the campus of Cal Poly-Pomona as it concluded. From personal observation, and reinforced by the views of people in the know, it’s clear that girls’ soccer has entered a new phase.

It’s deeper than ever, for one thing. One didn’t often see a horribly overmatched defender struggling against more highly skilled attacking players. No team blew through their matches easily. Throughout the camp, games were close and competitive, none more so than the All-Star match, which ended scoreless.

Players are better at a younger age now.

“I love watching these girls,” said soccer icon Joy Fawcett, who coached an ESP squad. “They’re putting it out there and they’re playing wonderful soccer at such a young age.”

Thori Bryan, another coach, agreed.

“These players are so much smarter at their age than we were about the game,” she said.

What is missing, though, is greatness – that superlative player who unlocks a new dimension to the game.

Even the coach of the champion team, Cindy Parlow, whose squad claimed the camp title on penalty kicks after going 1-1 in regulation, generally agreed with that assessment.

“There weren’t many players who were really, really special,” Parlow said. “Through the games, you usually see players who really stand out.”

In some ways, as so many players have improved, it’s harder to be distinct. As such, the star of the camp was the whole group, rather than particular individuals.

“It’s a great pool,” said Fawcett of the collective. “The level is high, but it’s very equal. There aren’t a lot of standouts.”

In the last day of games, Tony DiCicco’s squad defeated that of Carlos Juarez, 2-0.

“My team just kept getting better and better,” said DiCicco. “Today we played an incredible game.

As in the team’s previous match, Chelsea Cline was an engine in midfield with her energetic runs and service on corner kicks. Alisha Woodson was another dangerous player with the ball at her feet.

DiCicco believed the team had gelled especially well in the finals contest.

“I started to see better and better players. In the back Cloee Colohan was one of my best players and Stephanie Iantorno was excellent all tournament. In the midfield, Madlyn Evans - I had a talented midfield group, but I’d say she was my best midfielder. Up top, Vanessa Ibewuike was a very good player for us. I was very pleased with how they improved without a lot of training.”

Evans proved to be a two-way threat, breaking up opponent’s plays and powering a header in on goal for one of her team’s strikes.

DiCicco’s midfield was clicking so well that it took good work from sweeper Morgan Stith and goalkeeper Darien Vercillo to deny more chances.

In a match played concurrently, Fawcett’s players and Bryan’s squad tied for most of the match, until Fawcett’s team prevailed at the very end to win.

“We lost 3-1 in the last three minutes of the game,” said Bryan. “We were 1-1.”

The camp’s busy schedule took a toll, admitted one of the team standouts, Mariah Nogueira.

“Everyone was exhausted,” said the midfielder and central defender from Slammers and a variety of youth national teams. “We played four games in three days. It helped me push and give more even when I thought I couldn’t give more.”

Fawcett praised the ability of her players to adjust.

“Ahsha (Smith) – I thought she did great in the back. I just threw her in there and she did great. She was a right midfielder. Erin (Koballa) did well, too. I had a lot of great defenders on my team.”

Like Smith, Iantorno was a converted midfielder who impressed in a defensive position.


“She did very well,” said her coach, DiCicco. “It’s great to have an outside back who is comfortable attacking right down to the endline.”

Such a switch is nothing new in soccer.

“For most players, not all- it’s easier to go from an attacking position to perhaps an outside back position, if they can understand the defensive principles and have that bite to their game that’s necessary,” said DiCicco, who had an excellent example right at had. “Joy Fawcett is one of the great converted players. She was the all-time leading scorer for Cal-Berkley, so she was an attacking player. I also converted Brandi Chastain (to defense) when I was a national team coach.”

In the championship match of the ESP, Shannon MacMillan’s squad faced off against Parlow’s. MacMillan’s players had impressed observers throughout the camp so much that they were considered the favorites.

“Mac’s team does really well as far as playing together and being on the same page,” said Bryan. “They impressed me a lot with their ability to come together and play like they’ve been playing together for four years.”

Yet it was Parlow’s team, hitting full stride as the camp ended, who struck first.

Chelsea Peterson finished off a Nicole Reed pass for the opening goal.

“I got a nice assist from Nikki Reed and I just finished it backpost,” said the attacking midfielder, who thought her team improved with every test. “As the games progressed, we got better and we played very well in our last game.”

MacMillan’s squad struck back to tie the score up before the half. They also brought considerable pressure on the attack in the second half, especially on the right side, through the dynamic partnership between Domenica Hodak and Elizabeth Eddy, who wrecked continual havoc with penetrating runs up the flank.

At one point, observing players oohed in appreciation as Eddy nutmegged her defender, collected the pass on the other side, and slid a pass back for a teammate to shoot at goal.

Yet the teams finished regulation scoreless, and went straight to a three-apiece penalty shootout to decide the champion.

Zoe Jeffers, Brianne Rodriguez and Mary Grace Schmidt all made their kicks past MacMillan goalkeeper Julie Blaszczak. Hodak and Amber Brooks converted their kicks on Parlow’s Sara Keane. But Keane was able to come up with a lightning-quick kick save on Megan Jaskowiak’s attempt.

Besides crowning a squad winner, their exploits in the nerve-wracking penalty finale no doubt put Brooks and Keane over the top in the individual categories. Brooks won the camp MVP award, the Golden Ball, while Keane claimed the Golden Glove.

But all the participants came away with more than playing experiences.

“I hope they learned a lot about themselves,” said Fawcett. “Adidas did a great job bringing in speakers and talking about the mentality – the mental side of the game. They’re in the process now of trying to pick a school and hopefully they learned a little bit about that.”

Fawcett offered the benefit of her extended history balancing soccer and life.

“The biggest reason I wanted to be here was to share my experience and help them along, help them see what they’re going to face to help them accomplish their dreams, because I had a lot of help when I was growing up,” Fawcett said, pointing out that considerable challenges lie ahead for talented prospects.

“Now they’re playing so much soccer, with a lot of them going from event to event to event, that there’s questions about burnout. They ask how to stay focused and in the game mentally and physically, not get worn out. College – they’re making all these choices and there’s these coaches out here watching them. Coaches are pressuring them to make a decision, so they’re feeling that, too.”

Bryan thought today’s generation needed to pace themselves.

“They’re going to have to be more cagey with how they plan out their resources. They might have to think about turning some things down and which events are most important for them to do. We were looking for more places to play, and they have like too much now. Some kids can handle it and some kids need time off to be with their families or things like that. Everybody needs that rest and to renew their love for that game.”

Some players use other sports as a break from soccer and a busy travel schedule.

“When I’m home, I relax,” said Nogueira. “I play softball and volleyball as well. Playing those two sports helps me, so I don’t get sick of soccer.”

The players were also inspired at the camp by their celebrity coaches.

“Cindy (Parlow) was amazing,” said Peterson of her coach. “She was an inspiration and made us all work harder.”

All-Star Roster

Team White, coached by MacMillan and Fawcett

Domenica Hodak, Erin Koballa, Ahsha Smith, Elizabeth Eddy, Sophie Campise, Kathryn Bennett, Melanie Johnston, Victoria Bailey, Leah Fortune, Morgan Morrow, Jordan Mueller, Danielle Henry, Morgan Stith, Amber Brooks, Lindsay Dickerson, Gabrielle Pakhtigian

Team Navy, coached by Parlow and Bryan

Kelsey Kassab, Zakiya Bywathers, Madlyn Evans, Alexandria Hampton, Jayden Barrett, Nikisha Fernandez, Chelsea Peterson, Anick McBryar, Allie Vernon, Kristin Mewis, Nicole Lipp, Mariah Nogueira, Zoe Jeffers, Lindsi Lisonbee, Sara Keane, Darien Vercillo.



Camp Teams

Team 1 Coach Tony DiCicco

Lauren Arnold. Haley Kopmeyer, Nicole Aiello, Chelsea Cline, Cloee Colohan, Danielle Dakin, Madlyn Evans, Gibba Remi, Stephanie Iantorno, Vannessa Ibewuike, Kelsey Johnson, Nicole Lipp, Nikisha Fernandes, Taylor Rovito, Nora Skelton, Alisha Woodson

Team 2 Coach Shannon MacMillan

Julie Blaszczak, McKinzie Olsen, Kathryn Bennett, Amber Brooks, Sophie Campise, Kayla Eckman, Elizabeth Eddy, Erin Egolf, Alexandria Hall, Domenica Hodak, Megan Jaskowiak, Samantha Johnson, Lauren Miller, Allison Phillips, Carrie Talbert, Morgan Morrow

Team 3 Coach Joy Fawcett

Lindsay Kickeron, Garielle Pakhtigian, Lauren Battung, Susannah Dennis, Victoria DiMartino, Bianca Doller, Leah Fortune, Courtney Geis, Megan Gibbons, Danielle Henry, Erin Koballa, Jordan Mueller, NaTasha Prentice, Ahsha Smith, Nina Watkins, Kirstyn Magyar

Team 4 Coach Thori Bryan

Yiana Dimmitt, Madeline Fox, Jayden Barrett, Cortlyn Bristol, Zakiya Bywaters, Sierra Cook, Alexandria Hampton, Lauren Hyden, Caroline Kreuz, Dianna Marinaro, Kristen Mewis, Mariah Nogueira, Ellen Parker, Becka Rivera, Megan Siegert, Allie Vernon,

Team 5, Coach Carlos Juarez

Alexa Gaul, Darrien Vercillo, Victoria Bailey, Bianca Burright, Tani Costa, Emilie Huser, Melanie Johnston, Lindsi Lisonbee, Meagan Proper, Ashely Racette, Allie Riemer, Olivia Stander, Morgan Stith, Carleigh Salassi, Alyssa Newcomer, Kristina Amelia

Team 6 Coach Cindy Parlow

Sara Keane, Ashely Walsh, Molly Bruh, Stephanie Carpenter, Jessica Rachel Clark, Calli Cooper, Chelse Hunter, Zoe Jeffers, Kelsey Kassab, Annick McBryar, Chelsea Peterson, Nicole Read, Brianne Rodriguez, Mary Grace Schmidt, Maddie Wiener, Tania Domingos


Saturday Report
The girls’ Adidas ESP camp entered its second day with all the players hoping to impress the numerous college coaches in attendance.

The first match pitted Cindy Parlow’s squad versus her old mentor, former U.S. women’s national team coach Tony DiCicco, with Parlow’s players prevailing in a 1-0 win.

DiCicco’s squad had the better of the early run of play, but Parlow’s players struck first with a goal.

It was Kelsey Kassab who sent in an excellent cross to the goal area. The ball dropped down, with both defenders and offensive players scrambling for it, before Zoe Jeffers one-timed it into the back of the net.

Paltrow was pleased by her team’s execution.

“The cross was great, and also the first touch finish by the forward was a great play as well,” said Paltrow.

Maddie Weiner, a young midfielder on Parlow’s team, was enjoying her first ESP experience.

“I like the level of play, because in Oregon, there’s not that same level of competition,” Weiner said.

The demanding levels displayed on the fields taught players quickly what they needed to improve upon.

“It was hard for me to adapt, because my team plays differently than the way I played on this team,” Weiner said. “I should be able to adapt more. That was my main problem.”

Parlow didn’t try to burden her players with too many directions.

“Just to go out and have fun, and to play hard,” Parlow said. “That’s pretty much all you can do. You try to organize a little bit on set pieces, but other than that, there’s not much time for organization. Hopefully, they, by now, have the talent and skill to adjust on the fly. That’s what they have to do out there.”

Players were also able to learn which of their skills they could rely on.

“I can still hit good crosses and diagonal balls,” Wiener said.

DiCicco pointed out that all the participants had special talents.

“These kids are here for a reason,” said DiCicco. “They’re here because they have that little extra that another player doesn’t have. That other player may have almost everything they have, but these players have that little extra fight, that little extra technique, that little extra mentality, or that little extra physical quality like speed or strength or whatever it might be.”

Though the loss to Parlow’s team stung DiCicco, he was nevertheless pleased with his team’s performance. Led by the aggressive play of Chelsea Cline, a small-sized attacker with good ball control, his squad pressured the opponent’s goal constantly.

“My team did everything that I asked them to do,” DiCicco said. “I think we were the better team in the game, but sometimes the better team doesn’t win. [Parlow’s team] played a good second half, but they scored in the first half and I thought that we had the more dominant first half. It was pretty even in the second half. But we possessed the ball, we created opportunities. I thought we created two penalty kicks and didn’t get either. It was a difficult situation for the girls, but I have no argument with the way that they played. They were awesome.”

DiCicco was impressed at how Parlow’s squad stayed organized on defense, grinding out a tough result.

“They’ve learned from the best – not necessarily me, but Anson Dorrance and other coaches they’ve had,” said DiCicco of his former players. “I’m proud to see Cindy and Thori (Bryan) and Shannon (MacMillan) and Joy (Fawcett) out there coaching and giving back to the game. What a thrill for all these players to have these legends coaching them and getting to know them on a personal basis. To be honest, I hate losing to them, but I’d rather lose to them than someone else.”

The second match of the day was a high scoring affair, also settled by a one-goal margin as MacMillan coached her squad to a 3-2 victory over Bryan’s team.

Right midfielder Zakiya Bywaters helped her team get on the board with a slashing run from midfield that took her to the doorstep of the goal before she dished off a perfect assist to a forward making a supporting run.

“I like attacking and beating players down the line and getting in for the cross or getting the ball and dribbling in the middle,” the Las Vegas forward said. “Our coach, Thori, just let us play our game. She wasn’t a stickler on giving us instructions, she just said to play our style.”

Individual skill, though, could be challenged by non-stop effort, and MacMillan’s squad featured a fighting spirit. Elizabeth Eddy won balls in the midfield constantly and also provided pin-point service on set plays. Domenica Hodak was a standout two-way defender.

“I love that my team is playing as a team, even though some of them didn’t know each other before Thursday,” said MacMillan. “They’ve really come together.”

Communication was vital, MacMillan pointed out. “They’re talking to each other, they’re picking each other up and battling for each other.”

She had seen the players realize early in camp what it would take for even an impromptu squad to succeed. “

“In that game (yesterday), they were still getting a feel for each other in the first half and we met at halftime and said, ‘Let’s get out there and battle’. They brought that intensity this morning and played hard the whole game and didn’t give up even when it was 2-2.”

DiCicco, who was watching the other matches to help decide who should make the camp’s AllStar team, was impressed by one play in particular, a goal scored off a rebounded shot by forward Lauren Miller.

“That’s a heady play,” DiCicco said. “Shot was taken, but she didn’t become a spectator. She ran in, the ball was spilled by the keeper and she was there to finish it. I always like when I see that from a player.”

The final match of the day featured Joy Fawcett’s squad taking on the players of coach Carlos Juarez. It was the only game of the day to end in a draw, with both sides managing a goal.

Other scoring opportunities were stifled by Fawcett’s goalkeeper Lindsay Dickerson, who was quick off her line on several occasions to snatch the ball out of danger. Yet the most impressive save came from her replacement, Gabrielle Pakhtigian, who saved a close-range header.

In the midfield, Victoria DiMartino displayed a wide range of tricky moves, while NaTasha Prentice played strong defense in denying any chances on the left side of the field.

Not to be outdone, both of Juarez’ goalkeepers, Alexa Gaul and Darien Vercillo, pulled off difficult saves in the match as well.

Tani Costa’s long-distance goal was a beauty, perhaps the best outside shot struck on the day. The forward had seen chances get snuffed out closer to goal and instead of allowing more defenders to scramble back to interfere, she hit a screamer from at least twenty yards out.

Though top preferences would be revealed in the All-Star picks, the coaches at the camp were evasive about who they considered the most standout players of the camp.

DiCicco didn’t doubt that the next generation was in good hands, however.

“There’s no question that there’s some players out here that will be wearing a USA jersey and competing in an Olympics or a World Cup. There’s no doubt in my mind at all. There’s a lot of good talent out here. It’s a difficult journey to get to that point, where you’re one of twenty players, basically, representing the United States, but there will be some players here doing that.”

The college coaches on hand were seeing the best of the best, MacMillan pointed out.

“I think this is a great opportunity for all these players to play with these high caliber players from all the other regions in the country. It’s exciting for me to watch them. Look at all these college coaches. It’s a great opportunity for the players to come in and have fun and show why they are one of the top one hundred players.”

Though Bywaters admitted that having such important observers made her nervous, she said the pressure also spurred her on.

“I try not to think about it too much – but it makes me want to play better,” Bywaters said.

The environment helped the players hone their game strategies.

“I work on just being mentally prepared all the time,” said Bywaters. “When you’re tired or fatigued, that’s when you really have to be on the top of your game.”

Even with the first half of the event not quite finished, Parlow considered the camp a great success.

“This is a great event that Adidas puts on in ESP,” said Parlow. It’s an honor to be out here and work with these talented players and great staff that Adidas has put together.”