All-Kokoy XI 2014

The All-Kokoy XI 2014

This blog entry is dedicated to the seniors of the 2014 season, whom this blogger has had the honor and pleasure of observing for three straight years, truly a gifted generation. Natalie, Quinny, Lindsay, Jenny, Amy - thank you for the years of exciting play and the championships you brought to the city of Houston. It is my hope that this blog can contribute in its own small way to preserving the history you have made with your generation.

GK - Amy Czyz, Rice

LD - Lindsay Matlock, HBU

CD - Chelsea York, UST

CD - Kristi O'Brien, HBU

RD - Jenny Fichera, Rice

RM - Lexa Green, UH

CM - Quinny Truong, Rice

CM - Zuri Prince, SFA

LM - Lauren Hughes, Rice

LF - Marlyn Campa, TSU

RF - Natalie Hager, HBU

Whenever I build a team, I always start at the back.

Goalkeeper - Amy Czyz, Rice University. This is a no-brainer - the Conference USA-winning goalkeeper.

Left back - Lindsay Matlock, Houston Baptist University. Combines intelligence with speed and quickness, rarely beaten at the back, well-timed explosive forward runs and passes with lethal accuracy.

Center back - Chelsea York, University of St. Thomas. Extensive coverage, great in the air, devastating transition game.

Center back - Kristi O'Brien, Houston Baptist University. Anchor of the HBU defense, aggressive, destructive at the back, smart, great in transition, with the sensibility and vision of a center-mid, a real difference-maker when pushed forward, even scores goals.

Right back - Jenny Fichera, Rice University. A solid presence, overlaps into the forward third to deliver magnificent crosses from deep in opposing territory.

Right midfield - Lexa Green, University of Houston. Her hustle in all thirds of the pitch produced some brilliant moments.

Center midfield - Zuri Prince, Stephen F. Austin University. Both a phenomenal distributor and a scoring threat. Partnered with Quinny in the middle, this would be one of the most productive center-midfields in the country.

Center midfield - Quinny Truong, Rice University. The midfield general, the hardest working player on the field, fantastic distribution through some of the most creative and intelligent possession.

Left midfield - Lauren Hughes, Rice University. Dominates the left side with impeccable ball-control and moves that leave defenders in the dust, not only a goal-scorer, but also a creator. 

Forward - Marlyn Campa, Texas Southern University. One of this blog's most favorite players since her freshwoman season, saw most of her action in a midfield role, but I still think her most effective play has been in the forward third, where her creative temperament can cut loose inside the box.

Forward - Natalie Hager, Houston Baptist University. One of the most prolific goal-scorers inside the Sam Houston Beltway, always in the right place at the right time, devastating moves with a lightning quick touch.