Axelrod has already cemented himself as Blaine’s all-time leading scorer, after getting a head start on varsity as an eighth grader. He is a stocky midfielder who can impact the game in many ways. He excels as a dodger: quick with his moves, strong through contact, and especially effective as a re-dodger when the ball swings. Wherever he receives the ball on the field, Axelrod can dodge from it. He will get to his shot with either hand—sweeping, going down the alley, or attacking up the hashes.

Goalies are not fans of Axelrod because he not only shoots hard, but changes releases. He has a smooth sidearm stroke and a deadly jump shot that keep goalies guessing. With the attention he draws as a scorer, he is also willing and able to dish it out, recording 40 assists in the spring. Axelrod creates plenty of his own scoring chances through the work he does off the ball, too. He cuts into open space, times those cuts well, and can catch and release in one motion.