Super Y Feature
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
TAMPA, Fla. – The Brooklyn Knights U-12 Girls’ team has started off well this season. The season opened with a hard-fought draw against NJ Stallion Academy, and this was followed up by a convincing win against Parsippany SC. But after a tough 3-2 loss to Rage SC this past Sunday, the young Knights are looking forward to their next match on Sunday, June 22 against Long Island Rough Riders at Metropolitan Oval in Queens, NYC.
For such a young team, the U12 Brooklyn Knights girls exhibit great possession of the ball. The Knights are able to play out of the back with short passes in order to build the play and combine further up the field to involve their attacking players. This is particularly impressive taking the age of the players into account.
Top players from the U12 Brooklyn Knights include Layla Devlin, Kate McNamara, and Angela Aguero.
Kate McNamara
Kate McNamara is one of the youngest players on the team. Despite her age, she recognizes her role as a target striker. She sets up her teammates by utilizing her awareness of space, often checking the ball off for layoff passes. Her field understanding and passing skill helped to dish out three assists against Parsippany. She also scored in the first three minutes to provide an early boost for her side.
“Kate is fun to watch. She is a dedicated player that just wants to learn and work hard,” Head Coach Christian Galvan said of his player.
“She may not be our tallest player but when she is on the field, she fights for every ball.”
Layla Devlin
Devlin is described as a dangerous winger. She is able to dribble and cut with the ball with great skill. A one-on-one player on the wing, she looks to beat defenders before sending in her crosses or moving in for a shot on goal. Additionally, she is very composed in the 18-yard box and makes sure to place her shots away from the goalkeeper. Layla scored a hat trick in the match against Parsippany SC.
“Layla reminds me of Alex Morgan when she dribbles the ball.” Galvan said when asked about Devlin
“Her long ponytail swings when she cuts or changes speed. It looks identical.”
Angela Aguero
Angela Aguero is gifted as a wonderful dribbler. She has been able to create goal scoring chances for her teammates with great foot skills and game awareness. Aguero consistently creates dangerous opportunities and can beat multiple defenders off the dribble. Angela also scored two goals and assisted another the side’s victory against Parsippany.
“It’s always special to see Angela play,” said Galvan. “The way she moves with the ball – beating one, two players – it’s amazing.
“You can only smile when you see her play.”
The Brooklyn Knights currently stand second in the North Atlantic Division, trailing Rage SC by two points while holding a game at hand. The teams will meet in the last game of the season, August 4th in Queens. The Knights currently have eight games remaining in the season.