Technical problems in New Zealand prevented Neuqua Valley senior Alexa Gaul from transmitting her first blog entry for The Heat Index. But that's the least of the concerns for Gaul, the goalie for the U-17 U.S. women's national team competing in the inaugural FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup.
We're a little slow on the draw here, but ESPN RISE released its national girls soccer player rankings last week. Included on the list are two area seniors: Alexa Gaul of Neuqua Valley and Bri Rodriguez of Waubonsie Valley.
Gaul, a goalkeeper recently named to the U.S. U-17 national team for the upcoming U-17 World Cup, ranks No. 14. That makes Gaul, a Texas recruit, the highest ranked goalie in the nation.
Rodriguez, a two-time Sun Player of the Year and three-time coaches All-State selection, ranks 28th.
Waubonsie Valley senior Bri Rodriguez continues to recover from an ACL tear in her left knee. It's still not known if she'll be ready to play when the girls soccer season begins this spring, but the two-time Sun Player of the Year is on her way back.
She sent an e-mail to the Sun earlier today with an update (with only minor grammatical editing on my part):
Neuqua Valley senior Alexa Gaul was named to the U.S. roster today for the Under-17 women's World Cup, which begins Oct. 28 in New Zealand.
Gaul, a goalie who has opted to play with Eclipse Select during her high school years, is one of three Illinois players on the squad. Joining her are fellow goalie Taylor Vancil from South Elgin and defender Rachel Quon from Lake Forest.
