Here is the Players To Watch Team of the Month in July for the New York region.

Remember, this feature is to honor top performers in their region across the span of age groups. There will be a boys' list and a girls' list, and a new region will be covered every weekday, Tuesday through Friday of each month. You can submit nominations at teamofthemonth@topdrawersoccer.com .

Following is the Boys List, in no particular order.

Evan Walsh, Empire United - Buffalo U15 (NY), Midfield, Right Winger: Evan Walsh is an explosive player who has the 1v1 ability to develop many opportunities for the team. His pace and creativity throughout the state cup run provided the spark to EUSC – Buffalo U15’s attack.

Drew Braun, Empire United - Buffalo U15 (NY), Defender: Drew is an intelligent center back who is very strong in tackles. His aerial ability and tackling contributed towards 4 clean sheets through 5 games in the State Cup competition.

Sam Wasson, Empire United - Buffalo U15 (NY), Center Midfield: Sam is an extremely technical player who has provided the vision and passing ability to develop EUSC’s attack. His work ethic in the 5 game state cup run showed his importance as the engine of the team.

Nick Cestaro, Massapequa Arsenal U15 (NY), Forward: Nick is not only the leading scorer but he is a team leader on the field for the Massapequa Arsenal U15 boys. Nick is a prolific goal scorer with a great touch, exceptional speed and field vision and excels in 1v1 situations.

Brendan Gallivan, Massapequa Arsenal U15 (NY), Midfield: Glendon is the ‘playmaker’ for the Massapequa Arsenal U15’s. He displays great control of the midfield and field vision to set up the offensive attack. Glendon is an all around player who accounts for most of the Arsenal’s assists as a result of his creative passing, ability to pick out the open man, and selfless play.

Chris McGrath, Massapequa Arsenal U15 (NY), Defender: Chris is the anchor of the back line for the Massapequa Arsenal U15 boys squad. Playing Central Defender and Sweeper for the team, his tenacious defense, knowledge of when to contain and when to step in to dispossess offensive players, and his ability to win 1v1 situations contributed to the Arsenal only giving up two goals during their entire State Championship campaign.

Jimmy Fazio, Empire United - Syracuse U17 (NY), Forward/Midfield: During the U17 state cup championships Jimmy was an extremely dangerous attacking option and leading his team in scoring with three goals and four assists. In recent league play Jimmy has continued his scoring streak by adding another two goals against the FC Dutchman (NY-E) to his tally for this season. His technical ability, pace and awareness on the pitch allow him to be a constant threat to opposing defenses.

Anthony Scaravillo, Empire United - Syracuse U17 (NY), Midfield: As a starting central mid, Anthony’s ability to influence a game has been key to the U17B’s success. His field vision, pin point passing, composure and technical ability on the ball make him a threat to opposing teams. He led his team to an undefeated New York State West State Cup performance and has been influential contributing goals in league play and the clinching goal in a 3-1 victory over FC Dutchmen (NY-E).
Logan Roberts, Empire United - Syracuse U17 (NY), Midfield: Versatility, consistency, skill and hard work define the role of this player on the Empire United – Syracuse U17B squad. Logan’s ability to play wide in the midfield, centrally, or even as an outside back, allow him to be a first team regular. Logan is an excellent defender, fantastic crosser of the ball, and has a work ethic and fitness level that every player should strive for. As a team captain, he exemplifies how the game should be played and leads by example every time he steps on the pitch.
 
Michael Zazzara, Empire United - Syracuse U17 (NY), Left Back/Defense: In a position that does not get much glory, Michael has been an absolute standout. His tackling ability is of the highest order and his positioning on the field is perhaps the best of the defense. He and the defensive unity allowed just two goals in three games during state cup. While defending is his primary responsibility, Michael’s ability to play the ball out of the back is outstanding shown during the state cup run where he provided a key assist.

Owen Elliott (Captain), Manhattan Ajax U16 (NY), Striker: In the Region 1 playoffs in Kirkwood, DE, Owen assisted the first goal and scored the second in both the semifinal and final games, leading Ajax to the Championship with wins over SAC (3-1) and FC Frederick (3-0). By winning the Region 1 Premier League Championship, Ajax qualified for the Region 1 Championships. Owen is the leading scorer for the season with 18 goals.

Krit McClean, Manhattan Ajax U16 (NY), Striker: In the Region 1 playoffs, Krit scored the final goal against SAC in the semifinal 3-1 win. He also scored two decisive goals for Ajax in the Potomac Memorial Day tournament (where Ajax won the championship). Krit has scored 12 goals for Ajax this season.
 
Gabe Davis, Manhattan Ajax U16 (NY), Goalkeeper: Gabe has shared goalkeeping duties this season, usually splitting games with another Ajax’s keeper. Gabe recently put in several standout performances most recently in the Potomac Memorial Day tournament. During the tournament weekend, Ajax conceded just two goals and Gabe successfully tended goal during PKs in both the semifinal and final games, the latter a shutout over #1-ranked Lake Grove United.

Evan Mendez, Black Watch Midlothians U17 (NY), Goalkeeper: Evan is a D1 prospect who did an outstanding job during the Midlothian’s run to the New York – East State Cup final. He is technical, strong, composed and exceptional at organizing the defense and reading the offense. Evan made a host of outstanding saves in the Midlothian’s third trip to the state finals in four years to take the New York State – East Championship 3-2 in O.T.

Zachary Rockmore, Black Watch Midlothians U17 (NY), Defender: Playing Center Back for the Midlothian’s, Zachary is also the defensive captain and a Boston College recruit. He is a great motivator and leader with high expectations of himself and his teammates. Although he is a tenacious defender, he provides offense for the Midlothians. His excellence in the air accounts for many key goals off of headers.

Morgan Smith, Black Watch Midlothians U17 (NY), Midfield: Morgan Smith, a Syracuse recruit, is a creative and explosive Center Attacking Midfielder who provides the Midlothian’s with great pace and athleticism. He is an extremely versatile player able to go forward to attack and score, possesses great field vision and passing ability, but also use his speed to track back and support the defense.

Noah Rhynhart, Black Watch Midlothians U17 (NY), Forward: Syracuse recruit Noah Rhynhart possesses the ability to change pace and direction at great speed beating defenders in 1v1 situations with ease. Recently coming back from injury, Noah is in great form heading into the Region I Championship where defenses will have to contend with his versatility to play back to de-possess opponents and begin the attack from midfield as well as his ability to score from anywhere on the field.

Adnan Bakalovic, Empire United - Syracuse U13 (NY), Forward: EUSA – Syracuse’s key scoring threat just back from Region 1 Camp, Adnan, provided two spectacular goals off of free kicks – one from 35 yards out, one game winner from 25 yards out with less than two minutes left – and three assists during Empire’s State Championship run. This young “gentleman” is a dynamic and versatile player with who loves to pass as much as he loves to score and displays composure and maturity in his game well beyond his years.

Ismail Kucevic, Empire United - Syracuse U13 (NY), Defender: Ismail s a fearless and versatile athlete who can play anywhere in the back half of the field including in goal where Ismail found himself 10 minutes into a game during the EUSA Syracuse boys State Cup run. Ismail’s athletic ability, size and strength translated into exceptional saves – and ultimately wins – while he served as keeper for the squad.

Drew Mulcahy, Empire United - Syracuse U13 (NY), Defender: Drew stepped up in the Defensive Center Mid role while teammate and Center Back, Ismail covered goalkeeping duties during EUSA U13 boys State Cup run. Drew is a tireless athlete who covers an incredible amount of ground during each game. He possesses great technical ability, a beautiful touch and trap and can switch field with pin point accuracy driving the offensive attack from the defensive position.

Evan Ingersoll, Empire United - Syracuse U13 (NY), Defender: Evan also found himself at the top of his game during the State Cup run for the EUSA-Syracuse U13’s. Evan kept the back line focused on covering the opposition and maintaining shape while their Center Back was in goal. He provided great leadership for the defensive effort, organized the team on set pieces, and provided key marking on the opposition’s forwards and attacking mids to shut them down.


Following is the Girls list, in no particular order.

Ashley Hunt, Empire United SA Rochester U18 Blue (NY), Center Midfield: Ashley is a dynamic player who excels at executing and controlling the possession game for her team. The University of Rochester recruit possesses great game intelligence, foot speed, vision, and great heart and passion for the game and her club recently returning from surgery.

Katie Schindler, Empire United SA Rochester U18 Blue (NY), Center Defender: Katie is the leader of the Empire United – Rochester U18’s defensive game plan. Her dedication to defensive excellence was evident during their State Cup run where her defense gave up only one goal. During recent league play, the U18’s posted seven wins and one loss where again, Katie and the rock solid Rochester defense suffocated opposing offenses giving up only four goals with 25 scored.

Meredith Martin, Empire United SA Rochester U18 Blue (NY), Midfield: Meredith is a two time, first team All-Greater Rochester honoree and St. Anselm College (NH) recruit. Meredith possesses a tireless work ethic, athleticism and versatility. Whether it’s center mid or outside mid – or taking a defensive position shutting down the best offensive players in league and tournament play - Meredith will take up or volunteer for any assignment and do it successfully with great personality and team pride.

Cari Roccaro, Albertson SC Fury 93 U17 (NY), Midfield: Roccaro has been the catalyst for Fury 93 in their run to Regionals posting several important goals and assists in the New York East State Cup semi final versus Smithtown and the State cup final against East Meadow. She is a tremendous player with a great engine, competitive spirit and has the ability to change a game in an instant.

Jillian Mulholland, Albertson SC Fury 93 U17 (NY), Midfield: The engine room of the Fury 93 with a great capacity to come up with the big goals. She is tough, tenacious and a true competitor in every sense of the word. Jillian scored the all important goal in State Cup final vs East Meadow. Her leadership and physical edge to her game make her a truly valuable asset to Fury 93 midfield.

Margo McGinty, Albertson SC Fury 93 U17 (NY), Defender: Margo is a top class defender with very good 1v1 qualities. She and the Fury 93 defense recorded two clean sheets in the State Cup semi-final and final. She is the defensive stalwart and thrives on keeping the opposition off the scoreboard. She reads the game very well and her sense of position makes her a very tough opponent.

Sofia Griff, New York Rush Patriots 97 U14 (NY), Center Midfield: Eastern New York State 1997 ODP and Region I pool player Sofia Griff scored 7 goals at the Region I ODP tournament on June 11-12, 2011 in New Jersey. Sofia also posted the game-winning goal last month in the Region I Northeast League U14 Championship Game.

Vanessa L’Abbate, Empire United - Rochester U13 (NY), Goalkeeper: This past month Vanessa was instrumental in helping her team advance to the Region 1 tournament by posting five shut-outs in five State Cup games, including the U13 girls play down game. In the tie breaker for the championship, Vanessa stopped 3 of 4 shots to lead the Empire United – Rochester U13 girls to the State championship.
 
Giuliana Vasile, Empire United – Rochester U13 (NY), Midfield: During her team’s State Cup run, Giuliana proved to be a force on the pitch. She exhibited both athleticism and versatility by playing in the midfield as well as forward, scoring key goals, then moving back to help protect a clean slate for the team. Giuliana gives 110% for her team and club, never complaining and proving to be the consummate “team” player.

Adrianna Vancryck, Empire United – Rochester U13 (NY), Midfield: In recent State Cup play, Adrianna Vancryck was one of Empire – Rochester U13G’s two center midfielders that controlled the middle third of the field. Excellent with set plays, Adrianna scored several key goals and set the pace of the game. She is a ‘complete’ player combining a spectacular touch and technique with and great game intelligence.
 
Adrianna Russell, Empire United – Rochester U13 (NY), Midfield: One of two Center Midfielders for the Empire United – Rochester U13 girls, Adrianna Russell controlled the middle third of the field. She is fearless, never backs down and possesses a distinct attacking style which provided her team with several key goals supporting this talented U13 girls squad’s successful State Cup Championship run.

 

PLAYERS TO WATCH RANKINGS:

Boys Top 100: 2012 | 2013

Girls Top 100: 2012 | 2013

Regional Top 20: Boys | Girls

You can also track our 192 regional and 12 national standings for TeamRank, our one of a kind seasonal rankings competition.

TEAMRANK RANKINGS: Boys | Girls