Here is the Players To Watch Team of the Month in August for the Northern California/Hawaii 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 Girls List, in no particular order.

Selena DaSilva, Manteca FC Dynasty, U17, Midfielder: Defensive central midfielder Selena is an extremely competitive, tireless athlete with high expectations for herself. She covers a lot of ground breaking up counter-attacks and distributing the ball with speed and precision to initiate the offensive attack from the back. In addition to her defensive presence, she can score from distance with extraordinary power. During the recent Davis Cup, Selena scored off a rocket from 30 yards out into the upper 90.

Breanne Hatfield, Manteca FC Dynasty, U17, Defender/Midfielder: Breanne is the ‘total’ player. She possesses a great soccer IQ, exceptional field vision and ability to see the pass opportunities ahead of the opposition. She is fantastic on break-aways and provides her team with many options as this versatile, smart (4.2 GPA) and talented athlete can excel anywhere on the field.

Ashley Sohal, Manteca FC Dynasty, U17, Defender: Ashley is the “rock” of the Manteca FC Dynasty back line. She is leader, organizer and ‘coach’ for the Dynasty’s defensive tactical plan. Individually, she is technical with her feet, calm passing the ball out of the back, strong in 50/50 challenges and dominant in her air for her size. Opposing teams are often shocked and frustrated by the well orchestrated ‘wall of defense’ Ashley leads for the Dynasty.

Jessica Hopkins, West Coast SC, U16, Forward: Jessica’s pace and ability to make runs to score goals She is a versatile player who can not only attack players 1 v 1 to score goals but also one of the strikers that defends well. During the summer, Jessica, a ’95, led her team to with goals and assist to the US Club National Championships.

Brielle Preece, Pleasanton Rage, U16, Goalkeeper: Brielle, a ’95, is a physically dominant in goal and has all the capabilities of being an outstanding keeper. She has quick feet and can strike a ball with both feet. Her ability to cover the goal and the air with sure hands makes supports her team. During the summer she led her team to Nor Cal State Cup and Cal North runner up to past National Champions MVAL Lightning. She is one of the most sought after goalkeepers in the Bay Area.

Jessica Mahabali, Livermore Fusion SC, U13, Midfielder: Jessica, a ’98, is a crafty player with the versatility and athleticism to cover any position on the pitch. She has been recognized by many northern California coaches as a player that plays the right way by showing balance of technical and visual soccer to create opportunities for her team. She is good in 1v1 situations and shows great leadership on the field.

Mikelle Foster, De Anza Force 94 ECNL, U17, Center Midfielder: Miki is a versatile player who has a nice combination of skillful intelligence and feisty determination. She is comfortable with the ball on either foot, heads the ball well, has a good final pass but also frequently shows her goal scoring potential.

Claire Nastari, De Anza Force 94 ECNL, U17, Defender: Claire, an explosive, tough and determined defender, can play at any position along the back line. Claire not only provides strength and consistency in for the De Anza 94’s defense she is a vocal leader and motivator for her team. This physical defender can contain as well as initiate the attack from the back.

Madison Black, De Anza Force 94 ECNL, U17, Midfielder: Although Madison is a new addition to the De Anza Force 94 squad she has already demonstrated a level of sophistication and an extremely coachable disposition. Madison is a determined holding midfielder who reads the game very well. Tough on the tackle, she is excellent in the air and composed with the ball at her feet.

Erica DaSilva, Manteca FC United, U18, Defender: Erica is a versatile defender covering both the center back and defensive midfield positions for the Manteca FC United. She takes all the corner kicks for her team and shows great power and accuracy on dead ball re-starts. Erica is a vocal leader for the back line, possesses a strong soccer IQ and is always assessing herself and working hard to improve skills and her overall game.

Kellie Piazza, Manteca FC United, U18, Central Midfielder: As an attacking central midfielder, Kellie is often underestimated by the competition. She is a calm presence in the midfield and is gifted with exceptional field vision and ability to ‘see’ the game and plays before they happen. In addition controlling the midfield, she possesses a powerful and accurate shot from distance.

Samantha Morris, Manteca FC United, U18, Forward: Samantha is the prototypical striker – great sense of space, extremely dangerous with back to goal, and able to finish with both feet. She also connects well with her team mates perfectly timing her runs at goal. Samantha is very composed with the ball in front of goal and brings great personality to the game and her team.

 

Following is the Boys List, in no particular order.

Tommy Thompson, Blues 96, U16, Forward: The Blues 96 took the 2011 Davis Legacy Boys College Showcase Championship U16 Premier Division this July. Two time “Team of the Month” nominee Tommy Thompson scored twice in the Championship final win over Cal North’s #1 ranked Diablo FC 95.

Roberto Ortiz, Davis Legacy AC Milan, U13, Goalkeeper: Roberto’s spectacular goalkeeping skills were on display during the Davis Legacy College Showcase U13 Premier division this July. He and his Davis Legacy AC Milan defense allowed only one goal against and four shutouts in five games – including a 3-0 championship final win against the Juventus SC Aztecs Premier.

Ronny Hernandez, Walnut Creek SC Menace, U14, Goalkeeper: Ronny impressed at July’s Davis Legacy College Showcase in the U14 Premier division with two shutouts including a 3-0 win in the Championship final to defeat the Mustang SC Premier Barcelona and end the weekend with only three goals allowed in five games.

Chase Goulart, Placer United Elite 96, U15, Midfielder: Chase has done a tremendous job this season for the Placer United Elite 96. His ball winning tackles and simple passing has enabled the team to excel against some top ten teams. He has also chipped in with some important goals due to showing great energy and stamina in supporting the strikers from a deep position on the field.

Sean Anderson, Placer United Elite 96, U15, Midfield/Defender: Sean is a strong team captain who leads by example. Whether he plays center back or center midfield he gives 100%, his physical size, athletic ability, high work rate and tidy foot skills make him stand out on the field, he has been a thorn in side for many team’s this year.

Jonathan Trejo, Placer United 96, U15, Midfield: Jonny joined the team this season and has been a significant contributor. His 1v1 skills and the fact that he doesn't shy away from running at defenses has changed the look of the team's offense, which in turn has lead to a ton of chances for the boys and himself.

Jake Foscolina, Livermore Fusion 96 Maroon, U15, Forward: Jake, a ’97, is an explosive forward with tremendous space that can stretch defenses. His ability to find balls in the air is complimented by his power and placement of balls in the attacking third. Transitioning from midfield to forward he has averaged 1.33 goals per game in summer tournament play. He is constantly drawing double teams and still manages to find the back of the net. Jake is a 2011 Cal North Selection.

Matthew Dremalas, Livermore Fusion 96B Maroon, U15, Defender: Matthew, a ’97, is a strong and athletic back who likes to get forward. He converted from outside back to central defender but has the qualities of a holding midfielder. Matt is technically good with feet, powerful in the air, finds penetrating passes and is the leading goal scorer amongst the backs. His ability to ping balls to teammates on the far side of the field separate him from the rest of the backs his age. Matthew is a 2011 Cal North Selection.

Erik Salgado, Livermore Fusion 96B Maroon, U15, Defender: Erik, a ’96, is a strong outside back whose pace and allows him to get up the pitch. His ability to service balls accurately allows scoring changes. He is strong in the air and technically able to possess the ball out of the back. During summer play, his side of the field his team has given up no goals. Erik is a 2011 Cal North Selection.

Marcus Rojas, Santa Cruz Breakers Academy, U18, Goalkeeper: Marcus’ technical ability has caught the attention of coaches at the Dallas Academy Showcase. His ability to command the defense, fearlessness in the box, and accurate distribution enables his team to succeed. Marcus, a ‘94’, has incredibly fast feet and can cover the goal with diving as well.

Anthony Ruiz, San Jose Earthquakes Academy, U16, Defender: Anthony, a ’95, is a natural left footer who can use both feet. He is a technical defender who likes to get up the pitch to get involved in the attack. His ability to switch balls across the width of the field separates himself form players his age. He is good in the air and very good at 1v1 defending.

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