Super Y League Feature

Saturday, December 12, 2015

BRADENTON, Fla. – The days when a center back would not only be able to shut down an opposing attack, but also have the ability to spring forward and spark the attack are becoming more distant, but in Anne Major, Chill SBC Soccer Club has somewhat of a throwback in its ranks.

“I think now, I think you’re missing a lot of center backs that can do that,” said Chill Coach Martin Clegg. “She’s got good feet, good speed, and the ability to drive up the field to start an attack. It’s exactly what we’re looking for, and unfortunately there aren’t many of them in the game nowadays, but I think it’s a great trait to have as a center back.”

Major’s strong two-way game was in evidence again on Saturday at the SYL North American Finals, as the Chill took a dramatic 2-1 victory against Washington Spirit Academy VA Red through a late goal by Olivia Trombley, her third goal in two games. While Trombley took the congratulations from her teammates, Major was effective as the Chill’s defense performed well against a side that had also claimed victory in its opening contest.

“I think we communicated well, and I really felt we moved the ball and connected, and of course the last goal was really good,” Major said of Saturday’s win.

A standout during the Regional Scouting Series this summer, Major said the development of her game had been aided by getting the chance to play in multiple positions as she came through the ranks. While center back is the position that she has now gravitated toward, she has maintained a strong attacking ethic to go with it.

“I’ve always just had the tenacity to go and win the ball,” Major said. “I think I’ve done that since I was young, because I’ve played so many different positions. I do have a defensive mentality, and an attacking mentality as well.”

Major’s ability to not only win possession and make life difficult for opposing attackers, but then distribute well has made her an important figure for the Chill.

“She’s a great center back, very composed on the ball, she looks to open up and build out of the back,” Clegg said. “For me, she’s rock solid there. She doesn’t let many players get by her, she’s very aggressive, physical and I think in this day and age, that’s what you need in a center back.”

Now, with two wins out of two to start the tournament, the Chill are in a strong position to achieve their goal of making it to the knockout stage on Monday with a positive result in their final group game.

“I think it’s really what we came here for,” said Major. “We worked really hard to get here, and I think we’re just going to keep working hard to achieve our goal.”

SYL North American Finals Top Performers
Sedona Bisek, FCSC United, U18 Girls – Bisek scored twice to lead a 3-2 comeback victory for United that put it in contention to advance to the final in the Girls U18 Division.

Amy Babon, Force Football Club, U16 Girls – Babon had assists on both of her team’s goals as Force moved top of Group B with a victory against Atlanta Fire United.

Sofia Oliveira, CYA Soccer Premier, U16 Girls – Oliveira had three assists as CYA rebounded from defeat in its opening game to remain in contention for a semifinal berth.

Kristina Toms & Taylor Nairn, Northern Virginia Majestics, U16 Girls – Toms and Nairn had two goals apiece as the Majestics jumped past the Toronto Lynx Jrs. into first place in Group C.

Rylee Michaels, Midwest United FC, U14 Girls – Michaels had a hat trick, while teammates Avery Lockwood and Khloe Hayes both scored twice, as United advanced to the semifinals on Monday.

Shelley Kehoe, Annandale United Majestics, U14 Girls – Kehoe came off the bench to score twice for the Majestics as they clinched a place in the semifinals with a second consecutive victory.

Ashley Ladner, Long Island Rough Riders, U13 Girls – Ladner had a pair of goals as the Rough Riders remained in contention for the semifinals with a victory against the Northern Virginia Majestics.

Nailah Harpring, DDYSC Wolves, U13 Girls – Harpring had a five-goal game, while Emma Rose had two goals and two assists, to move the Wolves ahead of the Rough Riders on goal differential at the top of Group C.