Several players shone throughout the competition, highlighted by Jack Panayotou, an 18-year-old Georgetown University commit who registered six goals in five games, including both tallies in the 2-1 semifinal win over FC Dallas and the lone goal in Sunday’s title decider over San Francisco. Malcolm Fry caught plenty of eyes with three goals and a penchant for beating defenders on the dribble, Isaie Louis showed an ability to both score and create, and Triton Beauvois was the architect of Panayotou’s winner on Sunday with a brilliant bit of skill down the left side. Goalkeeper Max Weinstein played all but 45 minutes in the tournament and kept a clean sheet in the championship match.
As a longtime center back now converted to outside back, DeLaGarza was focused on the backline, heaping praise on young center back Jack Burkhardt.
“I was watching the game before our game and just looking at the left center back, and just the way that he carries the ball into the midfield and passes and draws defenders, he’s so calm and collected and that’s something, as a center back, you love to see in our young kids growing up,” said DeLaGarza. “So, bright futures all around the field, especially our attacking corps, as well. Just a good sign for the future.”