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Looking Back: The Best Players from Academy Cup 2021

By USL-Academy.com Staff, 03/22/22, 3:29PM EDT

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With the 2022 Academy Cup set to kick off on March 31, we take a look back at those that left their mark on the fields last year. Since their electrifying performances, they've committed to colleges, continued their production, and even played professionally. Below are five players that took the 2021 Academy Cup by storm - the list includes champions, goal scorers and stalwart defenders. All of them provide something for this year's players to strive for.

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Francis Jacobs
Midfielder
Orange County SC U17B
Francis Jacobs was one of the most anticipated players of the 2021 Academy Cup, and with good reason. He had already signed a professional contract when he arrived at the tournament and was a leader in the midfield for Orange County SC’s U-17 squad. Jacobs still plays for Orange County SC, hoping to continue to grow in the USL Championship squad.
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Asher Jones
Forward
Tampa Bay United U17B
Asher Jones was only 15 when he played with the Tampa Bay United U-17 squad in the inaugural Academy Cup last year. Jones won the Golden Ball award, scoring key goals for his team en route to an undefeated Academy Cup run. He followed that up by being one of the youngest players in USL League Two, notching two appearances for Tampa Bay United in the 2021 season.
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Kobi Henry
Defender
Orange County SC U17B
Being a star has become a familiar experience for center-back Kobi Henry, even before taking the field for OCSC’s USL Academy squad last year. Henry had already inked his professional deal with Orange County and hasn’t slowed down since appearing in last year’s Academy Cup. Now 17 years old, Henry has started in the first two games for Orange County’s Championship side this season.
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Grace Thao
Midfielder
Orange County SC U17G
Grace Thao just couldn’t stop scoring during last year’s Academy Cup. In four matches, all wins, Thao scored 5 goals and added an assist. Two of those goals and the assist came in a dominating 9-0 win over Real Central NJ. Thao is committed to play for the University of Colorado’s soccer team – she won’t even be 17 until this fall.
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Christian Cook
Forward
Charlotte Independence U17B
Cook's speed and power as a striker were on display as he netted two goals in the Charlotte Independence Academy Cup run. The forward showed ability in the air, on the ball and chasing passes as he repeatedly found himself in scoring positions against opposing keepers. Those physical tools are carrying him to play for Coastal Carolina next year as he looks to keep expanding his game.

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