FRISCO, Texas – The second group day can often be the most pivotal, and that sort of desperate fervor was plainly evident on the second day of battle at the US Youth Soccer National Championships here under hot skies.

After a scintillating first day of group action, the second provided some legitimately towering individual displays of skill and ability. This tournament is often underrated in what it can provide in entertainment, but there are few national showcases that acquit themselves better in the watchability department. Which makes today’s list of top performers all the more intriguing.

MORE: The full US Youth Soccer preview | Day 1 standouts | Become premier

Here’s a look under the hood at a collection of the top performances TopDrawerSoccer.com took in on the day.