Islander Middle School eighth graders Ashley Rudd and Jordan Snyder were among 18 players from across the state selected by Washington Youth Soccer to the Elite Player Development (EPD) team for their GU14 age group.

The team represented Washington at the annual US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Region IV Championships Jan. 8-10 in Phoenix, Ariz. The Olympic Development Program (OPD) identifies a pool of players from which a National Team is selected for international competitions.

After earning wins against Hawaii (4-0), Idaho (8-0) and tying New Mexico (1-1) in the preliminary rounds, Washington advanced to the semifinal match, where they faced reigning champions, California South. defeated Washington 2-0, scoring both goals in the second half of the match.

Snyder scored two goals during the tournament, and Rudd was part of a defensive unit that allowed only three goals throughout the weekend.

Snyder plays club soccer for Eastside FC, and Rudd plays for Crossfire ECNL.