Super-20 League top performers
With a large slate of games this past week, the Super-20 League top performers had to stand out above the rest to make it onto this week’s list. Three-goal scorers were an easy choice, and three managed to achieve the feat in the competitive league.
Jessica Van Dyke
DC United Women Reserves S20 Women
Van Dyke recorded a hat trick for DC United Women in a 5-0 win against host Ocean City FC on Saturday.
Ocean City was on the front foot in the game with an early chance in the first minute, only for goalkeeper Erin Cummings to make an important save for United. DC then controlled the tempo of the game, showing great ability on the ball, but struggled to find the breakthrough. Ocean City looked dangerous on the counter but also could not find the opener.
DC United scored just before the half and showed more dominance in the second half with superb passing and clinical finishing. Van Dyke scored all three of her goals in the second half playing on the left wing. She managed to take advantage of quality service from the midfield on two of the goals and finished her third from inside 12 yards after a nice feed from her strike partner, Alex Meyers.
“Our squad is starting to come together and build momentum in an important part of the season,” assistant coach JP Sousa said. “Jessica has been a key part of our early success by finishing her chances when it matters. We are excited to see more quality performances over the next few weeks.”
Emmanuel Wilson
Knoxville Soccer Academy S20 Men
Wilson (pictured) recorded a hat trick in Knoxville’s 4-0 win against FASA, its third victory of the season, putting it atop the South Atlantic Division after four games.
Coming off a 4-1 win against FASA the previous week, Knoxville Soccer Academy kicked off against its opponents on a cool day with light rain, making for a surface conducive to good soccer. Knoxville head coach John Scott was confident that his team could get another win and be successful if it stuck to its game style and concentrated on individual roles.
“We were delighted with a well-deserved 4-0 win and we left the field knowing we had shown improvements from the previous games,” he said.
Wilson’s first goal was a simple finish after some great individual play from the right wing. His second goal was just reward for his own individual ability as he showed impressive athleticism and quality composure in front of goal. He then scored from the penalty spot to finish off his hat trick.
“Emmanuel is a talented young man with a bright future in soccer ahead of him,” Scott said. “His athletic ability and how he applies it to the game is impressive for a young player of his age. On top of that, one of Emmanuel’s great strengths is his ability to be clinical in front of goal while under pressure.
“I am excited to see his development over the next few years as his potential is second-to-none. It’s a pleasure to have him on the team as he is not only a talented soccer player but a very well-mannered individual.”
Mitchal Rosendal
Alliance Academy S20 Men
Rosendal helped Alliance shoot to a 3-0 lead on a hot day in Grand Rapids, Michigan with a hat trick. Alliance went on to win the Midwest Division clash with Kings Soccer Academy 4-1.
Scoring from the midfield in the 25th, 34th, and 52nd minutes, Rosendal was helped by Esteban Russell with a goal and Travis Vegter with two assists.
“Mitchell gave a tremendous effort and made well-timed runs throughout the game,” Coach Abrahm Shearer said.
“I was glad to see he was rewarded with the hat trick.”
