Article Provided by: Top Draw Soccer
Article Written by: Sheldon Shealer
The fall season includes the following states: California (fall), Connecticut, D.C., Idaho, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia (private), Washington, West Virginia.
1 Maria Carrillo High School Santa Rosa, CAWhat was supposed to be a rebuilding year in 2013 turned into a second straight national championship season, and now the Pumas are aiming for an unprecedented third straight FAB 50 national title -- which has never been accomplished by any team in any season in the 16-year rankings history. Maria Carrillo 16 of 22 players from last year's squad, led by Santa Clara junior commit Madison Gonzalez and Oregon senior commit Brianne Parsons. Senior midfielder Miranda Gonzalez is close to making a college decision, as well, according to coach Deb LaPrath. Maria Carrillo is riding a 49-match undefeated streak, and its stellar scheduled includes matches against FAB 50-ranked Issaquah (Wash.), Montgomery, Bishop O'Connell (Va.) and Good Counsel (Md.).
2 Avon Avon, INIt might be hard to resist an "Avon Ladies" quip, but this team proved it was no joke in 2013 by winning the Indiana Class AA state title. With nine returning starters and 17 of 25 players coming back, Avon is poised for another run at a state crown, and this time a FAB 50 national title might be within reach. Kelsey Dossey (Missouri) and Cassidy Blacha (Indiana) highlight the returning players, and both are graduating in December in order to join their future college programs in time for spring training. Avon's national standing will be tested early with matches against No. 9 Carmel and No. 21 Sacred Heart Academy (Ky.) in the first weekend of September at the Zionsville Lady Eagle Invitational.
3 Northern Highlands Allendale, NJNorthern Highlands might offer the most talented lineup of any FAB 50 team, but questions remain if these players will ever be on the field at the same time. Virginia commit Hana Kerner may have her high school season interrupted by US Youth National Team commits. Kerner recently represented the U.S. Under-18s at an event in Mexico City. Boston College commit Carly Leipzig plans a return to high school soccer this fall, but is currently sidelined with an ACL injury, according to coach Tara Madigan. The team should be able to count on Georgetown commit Casey Richards, along with three other ECNL players. Northern Highlands enters the 2014 season with a national best 72-match undefeated streak.
4 Walsh Jesuit Cuyahoga Falls, OHWalsh Jesuit claimed the Ohio Division I state title last season with an almost completely underclass starting lineup. In addition, the Warriors ran through the seven-match postseason event without allowing a goal, making it a clear favorite to repeat in 2014. Walsh Jesuit is riding a 41-match undefeated streak entering the 2014 season.
5 Lenape High School Medford Township, NJLenape back up short in its bid for a sixth state title in seven years, but there's no reason to believe this team will fade in the New Jersey scene. Lenape won five straight titles from 2007-2011 and have back-to-back runner-up finishes the past two years. The 2014 team will be led by a trio of NCAA Division I commits in Lizzie Kinkler (Wake Forest), Marissa Topolski (Rice) and Kenie Wright (Rutgers).
To see the rest of the list for the Fab 50 click
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