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 over the past month or so and 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.

Bryan Gallego, New York Red Bulls Academy, U18, Defender: Bryan Gallego of the New York Red Bulls Academy was named to the U-17/18 Development Academy Starting XI for the 2010-2011 season. Gallego earns a spot on the top XI for the second year having been named to the U-15/16 All Academy team in 2009-10.

Alex Bono, Empire United Academy, U16, Goalkeeper: Alex Bono of the Empire United Academy was named to the U-15/U16 Development Academy Starting XI for the 2010-2011 season. Bono led the Empire United defense to the top place in the Northeast Division allowing less than one goal per game.

Evan Walsh, Empire United Buffalo, U15, Midfielder: Evan is a very explosive right winger who excels in 1v1 situations and through his attacking skill he develops many opportunities for the team. His pace and creativity throughout the New York West State Cup run provided the spark for the Empire United Buffalo attack.

Drew Braun, Empire United Buffalo, U15, 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 State Cup competition for the Empire United Buffalo U15 squad.

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

Paolino Curto, Alleycats SC, U14, Midfielder: Paolino Curto was recently selected to the US Youth Soccer ODP Region 1 Pool (1996). Paolino will enter 10th grade at Colonie High School in the fall. These selections were made after a weeklong evaluation at the ODP regional camps that were held in July.

Tim Hughes, Alleycats SC Pumas, U16, Forward: Tim Hughes was named “Player of the Tournament” at the Erie Admirals Flagship Cup. Tim and the Puma’s went undefeated and scoring 11 goals and only allowing 1 goal.

Mike D'Amico, Dynamo Elite Soccer Academy, U12, Defender: Mike put in a host of great performances for Dynamo Elite Soccer Academy this past season. The central defender was key in shutting down opponents to allow only one goal during State Cup play.

Justin Lafountain, Dynamo Elite Soccer Academy, U12, Midfielder: Justin’s great pace and tireless work ethic at wide midfield was exceptional this season. His outstanding play along the flanks resulted in many goal scoring opportunities during his team’s State Cup run.

Andres Perez, Dynamo Elite Soccer Academy, U12, Midfielder: Andres played a key leadership roll the Dynamo Elite Soccer Academy U12 boys this past season. He controlled the center of the field while also contributing great offensive output.


Following is the Girls List, in no particular order:

Caitlin Fryer, New York Rush Patriots 96 U14 (NY), Forward: South African U17 international and Eastern New York State 1996 ODP player Caitlin Fryer scored 2 goals in 3 games at the Region 1 ODP tournament on June 11-12, 2011 in New Jersey. Caitlin was also selected for the South African U-20 squad and will be playing in the All-African games in Mozambique in September.

Hope Quinonez, Farmingdale United, U14, Midfielder: Hope Quinonez was invited to the Prestigious and REAL National ID camp that will took place July 26th in Oregon. This National Camp is run by and sanctioned by the US National team. Hope is currently the captain of the Farmingdale United, who are 3 time Eastern New York State champions and ranked #1 in NY.

Niccola Venezia, Farmingdale United, U14, Midfielder: Niccola was picked to be part of the International Regional team which consists of the top 12 players of a pool of over 400 kids from the entire Northeast region. She will training in Costa Rica and playing international friendlies along with having recently attended the National ID Camp at the end of July.

Hannah Munro, Alleycats SC, U12, Midfielder: Hannah Munro, a rising U13 for the Alleycats SC, was recently selected to the US Youth Soccer ODP Region 1 Pool (1998). These selections were made after a weeklong evaluation at the ODP regional camps that were held in July.

Christine Breindel, Black Watch Premier Jags, U16, Defender: The Jags defense, organized by center back Christine Breindel, pushed through the US Club Regional Championship without conceding a single goal. Christine is best described as an excellent leader and a tactically astute and strong 1v1 defender.

Christina Fluman, Black Watch Premier Jags, U16, Defender: At right back, Christina Fluman has tremendous skill on the ball giving her the ability to dribble or pass out of the back with ease. A versatile athlete for the Jags to depend on, she is a powerful presence in the air in the back and during set pieces.

Kiley Ransbury, Black Watch Premier Jags, U16, Defender: Kiley, the athletic left back for the Jags, is an exceptional tackler and dangerous from distance with her laces. Kiley’s ability to frustrate the opposition’s best attackers helped her team this summer to concede only two goals in 8 games in the NYS Thruway League.

Caitlan Cosme, Albertson Fury 98, U13, Defender: Caitlan is a strong versatile athlete who can play defense or midfielder. She provided her team with consistent, high level defensive performances over their five Regional games and been a big part of the team to make it to the Regional Final.

Danitza Leon, Albertson Fury 98, U13, Central Midfielder: Danitza is a tremendous midfielder and very important to the Albertson 98 Fury as she provide balance to the team. She has excellent field vision and knowledge of the game. She was a very important player in her team’s success at Regional’s.

Kiera Metzger, Albertson Fury 98, U13, Forward: Kiera is the classic forward with great pace and strong 1v1 skill. She can strike from distance or short range and possesses great soccer intelligence. She added to her team’s offensive effort into the finals at Regional’s with five goals.

Melanie Navas, Albertson Fury 98, U13, Defender: Central defender for the Albertson Fury 98, Melanie provided her team with defensive leadership during their march to the Regional finals and the ability to read the opposition and the game with ease. She is extremely smart in her decisions on the ball and possesses great ball distribution ability passing out of the back to help start the attack.

 

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