U-16G Annandale Express player profiles
U-16G ABGC EXPRESS
BACK-TO-BACK-TO-BACK-TO-BACK
LEAGUE CHAMPIONS
#19 Carol Balshaw
Height: 5′8
Position: Forward/Midfield/Back
High School: Yorktown
Graduation: 2011
GPA: 3.7
PSAT:
Favorite School Subject: Math
Favorite Food: Peaches
Favorite Movie: Garden State
The Balshaw File: Carol is a versatile player whose ability to read the game is second to none. Her ability to fulfill the responsibilities of any position on the field makes her a tremendous asset to the Annandale Express. She combines her “game smarts” with above average technical ability and excellent speed. She has scored numerous goals off of direct kicks from a variety of distances and angles in big games, establishing herself as very clearly one of the most dangerous free kick takers in the U-16G age group in the state of Virginia.
#12 Claire Bruno
Height: 5′6
Position: Outside Midfield
High School: Holy Child
Graduation: 2011
GPA:
PSAT:
Favorite School Subject: Algebra
Favorite Food: Quesadillas
Favorite Movie: She’s the Man
The Bruno File: Claire has been one of the two team captains throughout the Express’ incredible run of league championships. A true team leader, she is often the player who brings the team together in both training environments and game environments. Her play at both outside midfield positions has been highlighted by numerous league and tournament goals, including goals to clinch tournament and league championships. Claire is the proverbial “big game player”, who seems to raise her level of play when challenges are set forth.
#4 Katja Butts
Height: 5′9
Position: Central Midfield/Central Back/Outside Back
High School: George Mason
Graduation: 2011
GPA: 3.7
Favorite School Subject: Photography or Spanish
Favorite Food: Steak and mashed potatoes
Favorite Movie: Dodgeball
The Butts File: Katja is another very versatile player, who is capable of playing any position. She is very strong in the air, which allowed her to score the championship-clinching goal on a beautiful header in U-15G WAGS Division 5 in the Fall of 2007. She is also technically sound, being able to play the ball with both feet. She almost always has success in one-on-one defensive situations and has a wonderful attitude about preparing to improve her game. In addition to her success with the Annandale Express, Katja was also a significant contributor to her George Mason High School team which won a VHSL State Championship in her freshman season of Spring 2008.
#5 Carrie Dawkins
Height: 5′1
Position: Central Midfield/Outside Back
High School: Yorktown
Graduation: 2011
GPA: 3.7
Favorite School Subject: English
Favorite Food: Pasta
Favorite Movie: Ironman
The Dawkins File: Carrie has been one of the steadying forces on the team since the beginning. A ferocious yet very intelligent one v. one defender, it is often difficult for the opponent that Carrie is marking to gain control of the ball without facing a stiff challenge. A top-notch work ethic and great overall preparation has allowed her to make the transition from right outside back to central midfield. Carrie has also proven that she can provide support in the attack, scoring the team’s lone goal in the 2007 Dulles National Soccer Tournament championship game on a 30-yard blast.
#20 Vasthy Delgado
Height: 5′7
Position: Central Defense
High School: Washington & Lee
Graduation: 2012
GPA:
Favorite School Subject: Math
Favorite Food: Pasta
Favorite Movie: Memo and Ice Age
The Delgado File: Vasthy has clearly established herself as one of the top young female defenders in the state of Virginia. Since joining the Express in Spring 2007, the team has posted 22 shutouts in 35 league games while giving up only 16 goals during the course of those 35 league games in 2007-2008. Her individual accomplishments’ include being named a three-time MVP for her middle school team along with being named the Most Valuable Player for the Virginia Youth Soccer Association (VYSA) 1994 State ODP team during the team’s trip to Costa Rica in the summer of 2008. While in Costa Rica, Vasthy competed against older national team players and was voted MVP by her opponents. She possesses the complete package of desire, speed, smarts, technical ability, coachability, and a competitive drive that is top-notch which allows her to be a dominant player even though she is playing an age-group up.
#22 Alex Ender
Height: 5′4
Position: Forward
High School: Yorktown
Graduation: 2012
GPA:
Favorite School Subject: English
Favorite Food: platanos
Favorite Movie: John Tucker must die
The Ender File: Alex, in her first season with the team, scored numerous goals as a starting forward in league and tournament play, earning the nickname “Big Game” Ender. She also scored goals in the first round of State Cup and in the Round of 16. She also scored four out of the team’s fifteen league goals in Fall 2008, tying her for the team lead in goals scored during league play in Fall 2008. A rapidly improving player who is constantly working on her game, Alex’s individual accomplishments standout more when taking into consideration that she is playing a year up in the U-16G age group.
#2 Alejandra Espinoza
Height: 5′4
Position: Central Midfield/Forward
High School: Yorktown
Graduation: 2011
GPA: 3.8
Favorite School Subject: Math
Favorite Food: Pasta
Favorite Movie: The Notebook
The Espinoza File: Alejandra is one of the most technically gifted players on the team. Her ability to control the ball and beat defenders one-on-one has resulted in numerous assists during her three years with the Annandale Express. In Fall 2008, she also finished second in league goals with three out of the team’s fifteen. Her ability to transition from offense to defense, and from defense to offense makes her the ideal central midfield player. Alejandra constantly pushes herself on the practice field to reach new levels in her game.
#15 Courtney Herbolsheimer
Height: 5′5
Position: Outside Midfield/Forward
High School: George C. Marshall
Graduation: 2011
GPA: 4.0
Favorite School Subject: Math and Chemistry
Favorite Food: Blueberries
Favorite Movie: The Holiday
The Herbolsheimer File: Courtney is one of the team leaders in minutes-played and has transitioned during the past two years from being mostly a forward, to now being predominantly and outside midfielder on the right side. A player with top-notch work ethic, Courtney scored numerous big goals and had many assists during the Express’ recent string of four consecutive league championships. She consistently upholds her defensive responsibilities from any midfield position. Her ability to shoot and cross makes her a difficult cover for opposing players, and her fitness level is absolutely tremendous, which allowed her to accomplish some special things in cross-country during her first two years at George C. Marshall High School.
GK Alika Johnston
Height: 5′4
Position: Goalkeeper
High School: Washington & Lee High School (HB-Woodlawn program)
Graduation: 2011
GPA: 3.8
Favorite School Subject: Music Theory
Favorite Food: Sushi
Favorite Movie: Spaceballs
The Johnston File: Alika has clearly established herself as one of the top female goalkeepers in Virginia based on her performances in games over a very long period of time. In addition to the 22 shutouts she has posted in her past 35 league games, she has also posted numerous shutouts in tournament play which allowed the Annandale Express to make five consecutive tournament finals appearances during 2007-2008. She has participated on the VYSA State ODP team and is also technically sound with her feet which is essential for success at the collegiate level. Alika is a very coachable player who works tremendously hard to improve at practice and is never satisfied with yesterday’s performance.
#1 Amy Kochert
Height: 5′5
Position: Center Midfield/Outside Midfield
High School: McLean
Graduation: 2011
GPA: 3.8
Favorite School Subject: Science
Favorite Food: Raspberries
Favorite Movie: A Knight’s Tale
The Kochert File: Amy recently completed her first season with the Annandale Express and scored one of the team’s fifteen goals in WAGS league play. She is technically very sound with the ball, and deceptively fast. Her ability to read the game is also very good, as she rarely gets caught out of position. Her ability to shoot from distance makes her a serious threat to score if she is given time and space to get a shot off. Her ability to defend well makes her versatile in that she can play in the midfield as well as up front in the attack.
#14 Sarah Little
Height: 5′4
Position: Forward
High School: Yorktown
Graduation: 2011
GPA: 3.7
Favorite School Subject: History
Favorite Food: Spaghetti and Meatballs
Favorite Movie: 300
The Little File: Sarah, in her first season with the team, contributed one goal during tournament play and provided valuable help as an attacking player during the team’s league championship run. Sarah is technically sound with the ball and is capable of delivering dangerous crosses and shots, especially from the right side. Her ability to read and understand the game should make for an easier transition into the college game.
#6 Donya Mossadeghi
Height: 5′8
Position: Midfield/Forward
High School: Langley
Graduation: 2011
GPA: 3.63
Favorite School Subject: English
Favorite Food: Strawberries and French Fries
Favorite Movie: Atonement
The Mossadeghi File: Donya, in her first season with the team, contributed one goal during tournament play when she finished a cross with a beautiful header. Donya provided significant play at the attacking central midfield position during the team’s Fall 2008 Division championship season. Donya’s ability to handle the ball and deliver quality passes to help keep possession is very good. She is also capable of delivering long balls with accuracy. Her approach to improving daily is an intangible quality that is necessary on all collegiate level teams which should allow Donya to make a smooth transition to the collegiate level.
#16 Veronica O’Rourke
Height: 5′6
Position: Forward
High School: George Mason
Graduation: 2011
GPA:
Favorite School Subject:
Favorite Food:
Favorite Movie:
The O’Rourke File: Veronica, in her first season with the team, provided crucial help during the team’s league championship run in Fall 2008. She is very technically sound as a target player in the front line of the attack, and can certainly help a team that is struggling in keeping possession in the attacking third of the field. When presented with opportunities in front of the goal, Veronica is also capable of shooting the ball with power and accuracy with both feet.
#10 Molly Ramey
Height: 5′9
Position: Left Defense/Left Midfield
High School: Washington & Lee
Graduation: 2011
GPA: 3.7
Favorite School Subject: Theatre
Favorite Food: Pasta
Favorite Movie: The Count of Monte Cristo
The Ramey File: Molly has established herself as one of the key members of the incredible Express defense, which has recorded 22 shutouts in its 35 league games over the course of the past two years. A physical player with speed and smarts to go with it, Molly is capable of shutting down the best attackers on opposing teams. She has also developed a key role in supporting the attack from the left back position. Her two assists were the difference makers in a 2-1 victory near the end of the Fall 2008 that secured the team’s divisional promotion in league play from Division 3 to Division 2.
#18 Clare Terpstra
Height: 5′7
Position: Forward/Defense
High School: Washington & Lee
Graduation: 2011
GPA: 4.0
Favorite School Subject: World History
Favorite Food: Pasta
Favorite Movie: The Dark Knight
The Terpstra File: Clare has been an integral part of the team’s success over the past four years. She most recently led the team in league goals with four and has scored numerous other spectacular goals during the team’s run of five league championships and three tournament championships. A dynamic player who can attack a defense in every possible way: with the pass, with the dribble, back to the goal, dribbling left, dribbling right, turning right, turning left, shooting from distance with either foot, and finishing with her head. She is also one of the hardest working players on the team. Clare recently scored the game winning goal in a 1-0 victory to clinch the Express’ fifth league title. Clare has also been selected to the Virginia ODP program.
#7 Lindsey Treweek
Height: 5′9
Position: Central Defense/Right midfield
High School: Washington & Lee
Graduation: 2011
GPA:
Favorite School Subject:
Favorite Food:
Favorite Movie:
The Treweek File: Lindsey is one of two captains on the Express and has been a stabilizing force in the center of the team’s defense throughout the course of five league titles. In 2007-2008 alone, she has been a key member of a defense that has won four consecutive league championships and had a run of five consecutive tournament finals appearances during that same span. Her ability to read the game, her positioning, and her communication are intangible qualities that often cannot be taught. Her ability to step up into midfield and contribute to the attack makes Lindsey a multi-dimensional player. She has been a leader of a team defense that has allowed only 37 goals over the course 67 league games over the course of four years (eight seasons) with a 44-12-11 record in league play during that eight-season span.
#8 Hannah Walker
Height: 5′6
Position: Right Defense/Forward
High School: George Mason
Graduation: 2011
GPA:
Favorite School Subject: History
Favorite Food: Tacos
Favorite Movie: Ratatouille
The Walker File: Hannah, in her first season with the team, started all league games at the right back position and was an integral part of a defense that posted six shutouts in nine games. A tenacious player that shows no fear combined with the desire to continuously improve makes Hannah a special player. As an attacking player, she was able to score numerous goals at George Mason High School as a freshman and contribute to the 2008 State Championship team. Hannah’s speed, technical ability, and superior approach to making improvements during practice will likely allow her to be an impact player at the collegiate level as well.
Annandale Express History
The U-16G Annandale Express represents Annandale Boys and Girls Club (ABGC) in Annandale, VA. The team has been coached by Shomit Mukherjee since the start of 2005 and the assistant coach is Mike Walsh. The team originated in Arlington Travel Soccer Club, prior to transferring to Annandale Boys and Girls Club. The team has most recently won four consecutive league titles in 2007-2008 while accumulating an overall league record of 27-2-6 during that span. Both losses were by one goal.
During the same time period between 2007-2008, the team put together a string of five consecutive tournament finals appearances, winning two of those championships. Please see the break down of team highlights, beginning with the most recent, and going back to the start of 2007 when the team was Under-14.
Fall 2008:
- U-16G VYSA State Cup Round of 16. Lost 2-1 in overtime to perennial final four participant VA Rush Nike while playing without three players, two starters.
- U-16G WAGS Division 3 champion. 7-1-1 record.
- Overall outdoor record in league and tournament play 11-4-3.
- Team wins fourth consecutive league title, fifth all-time.
- Overall outdoor record in league and tournament play for 2007-2008 is 46-13-10.
Spring 2008:
- U-15G WAGS Division 4 champion. 6-1-2 record.
- Team wins third consecutive league title, fourth all-time
- Team finishes runner-up at Arlington Spring Invitational, their fifth consecutive tournament finals appearance.
Fall 2007:
- U-15G WAGS Divison 5 champion. 7-0-2 record.
- Team wins second consecutive league championship, third all-time.
- Team finishes runner-up at both the Dulles National Soccer Tournament and FPYC Patriot Cup, losing both finals in overtime and penalty kicks respectively.
- Overall outdoor record in league and tournament play in 2007 finishes at 25-5-5.
Spring 2007:
- U-14G ODSL Division 1 champion: 7-0-1 record.
- Team wins first of four consecutive league titles, second league title all-time.
- Team also wins two tournament titles, Arlington Spring Invitational and Mid-Atlantic Cup at MarylandSoccerPlex, beginning a streak of five consecutive tournament finals appearances.
Prior to 2007:
- The team had advanced to ODSL Division 1 by winning U-13G ODSL Division 2 in the Spring of 2006, their first of five league championships.
- The team had advanced to ODSL Division 2 by being runners-up of U-12G ODSL Division 3 in the Spring of 2005, their first league promotion.
- The team were champions of the U-13G MCSA Fall Classic in November 2005, their first tournament title.
Pictures:
