POMONA, CALIF - As the week's events closed last Friday at the U.S.U14 Girls National Team ID Camp, players in three matches demonstrated talent and tenacity were not in shortage as these girls competed against one another.

Sprinting to every spot in the mid-day sunshine, and fighting for every ball like it was their last; one would have never thought that these young ladies were closing out a week of fierce yet tiresome play. Many of the girls displayed their talents out there, but a few really stood out amongst almost one hundred other future national team hopefuls.

Carly Rotatori definitely stood out, and managed to score twice doing it. This young forward presented her great skills on the ball and ankle breaking agility early on but struggled to score. As more opportunities came her way Rotatori was able to capitalize and put the ball in the back of the net twice on some beautiful one on one shots with the goalie, leading her team to a 3-0 victory. Meanwhile on the other field, Jessica Hale held down the back end of the team. She may have been last in the line of defense, but Hale was definitely not the least effective. Playing at the back right spot, Hale shut down virtually any offensive player that came into the attacking third of the pitch. With aggressive tackling, impressive speed, and an admirable persistence to get the baler and clear it up field to her teammates, Hale managed to shut down the other team's offense.

On the same field but the on other side of the ball, Lauren Bernard impressed. This young midfielder/forward would not give up. Every through ball that came to her feet was almost immediately being dribbled down the line and crossed into the box for an opportunity. Bernard displayed some nice ball-striking skills and decision making in the attacking third of the field. Her deadly crosses continued to give her team a chance to head or volley the ball into the goal although they did not manage to do so.

Later on in the day as the 4:30 PM game got under way, some fresh talent was in the midst. With parents intently watching behind the separating schoolyard-esque metal fence, a couple of girls rose to the challenge. Sophie Groff continuously kept the attack alive, beating the last defender a few times and eventually getting a goal. Her dribbling skills and lightning quick speed helped her accelerate past defenders all afternoon. On the other side, Morgan Ruhl was a brick wall in front of the net. She fearlessly defended the goal and had some very impressive diving and jumping saves which prevented the other team from running away with the game. Ruhl also continuously served as the leader for her team as she yelled out advice and instructions to her tiring and fighting teammates.

Even on this hot summer day, after a long week of scrimmages and showcases to show their talents, this group of young ladies showed up and played. With many promising players in every position from goalkeeper, to forward, the future seems bright for these ladies and the national team they one day hope to be a part of.

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