ECNL Season Preview: Midwest Conference(2006/2007)
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The 2022/2023 Girls ECNL club season kicks off this weekend with the Texas Conference and and Midwest Conference in action. The start of the new club season is a fresh look at the clubs, teams, and players for the upcoming…
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Continue ReadingThe 2022/2023 Girls ECNL club season kicks off this weekend with the Texas Conference and and Midwest Conference in action. The start of the new club season is a fresh look at the clubs, teams, and players for the upcoming campaign. In the Midwest Conference, the heavyweights have been SLSG Navy, Michigan Hawks, KC Athletics, and Eclipse Select. Will this year be different? Can a new team climb to the top?
PrepSoccer gives a preview from the 2006 (U17) and 2007 (U16) Midwest Conference age groups below.
Midwest Conference 2007/U16 Age Group
Clubs (15): SLSG Navy, Eclipse Select SC, Sporting Blue Valley, Minnesota Thunder, KC Athletics, Michigan Hawks, SLSG Green, Gretna Elite Academy, Sporting Iowa, Liverpool FC IA Michigan, FC Wisconsin, Midwest United FC, Michigan Hawks Magic, Eclipse Select SC North, Rockford Raptors
The 2007 age group had some success in the postseason last year, but it felt like there was still more potential there. The conference is loaded with competitive teams and top prospects from the 2007 age group. With a couple of Youth National Team players to boot, there are plenty of reasons to be excited about the Midwest Conference in the 2007 age group for the 2022/2023 season.
SLSG Navy
After finishing as a quarterfinalist in the ECNL Champions League playoffs last season, SLSG Navy will be a target for the upcoming season. Alex Pfeiffer is the name to circle. The U.S. Youth National Team forward will be the key player for the opposition to shut down in 2022/2023, but SLSG has shown the preference in the past to push emerging talents up age groups for more competition and Pfeiffer seems like an ideal candidate to get a taste against older players this season. She listed on the SLSG Navy 06 roster at the start of the season.
Emma Shields Emma Shields null | M State MO is another standout on the SLSG Navy roster. She was named to the All-Conference First Team for the 2021/2022 season. The midfielder also was called into a US Youth National Team Talent ID event last year in Indianapolis. Forward Caroline Orf is another First Team All-Conference player. She will look to carry the load with Pfeiffer getting pushed up an age group. Orf has all the talent to take over the role and be the next star for SLSG Navy.
SLSG Navy opens up the season on Sept. 10 against Midwest United.
Michigan Hawks
Michigan Hawks defender Mya Brandon Mya Brandon null | D State #6 Nation MI was the Midwest Conference Player of the Year in this age group last season. She will be leading the squad once against during this campaign. Brandon had a standout showing for the US U15 National Team over the summer.
Reese Canada Reese Canada M State #27 Nation MI , Emily Fibrun, and Kadence Radwanski Balogh were also First Team All-Conference honorees from last season. Canada is a 2008 playing up an age group. She is a versatile attacking player who could be a forward or a midfielder. Olivia Bevilacqua and Susana Roberts are two others to watch on this team.
Hawks open up the season against Gretna Elite Academy on Sept. 10.
KC Athletics
KC Athletics is one of the more exciting teams in all of the ECNL. They play with a purpose and like to attack with speed. It certainly helps to have Mary – DUP Long Mary – DUP Long F KS and Sophia Mir Sophia Mir M State MO as the lynchpins of the squad. Both Long and Mir were selections for the ECNL All Conference First Team. They will be 2025 recruits to watch this season as college scouts begin the process with that class. Goalkeeper Jorge Houdeshell is another key player to know as well.
Sporting Blue Valley
Sporting Blue Valley kicked off their preseason campaign with an impressive win over Dallas Sting last weekend. The Sporting squad reached the Round of 16 during the playoffs last year (with only one available substitute during the playoffs). There is a reason to be optimistic about this group going even further this season. Cherry Yu and Addie Wilkie are a dynamic tandem in the attack. Yu is one player that is quickly rising on scout’s watchlist for the upcoming season. She is a smart playmaker who can do a bit of everything. Wilkie is a quick forward who is difficult to mark. She does well in using her speed and skill to get behind the defense and finish chances. They are both 2025 recruits. Kambree Duker, a 2026, is another name to know on this team.
Sporting Blue Valley opens up the season against Michigan Hawks on Sept. 17.
Eclipse Select
Eclipse Select placed three players on the All Conference First Team with Olivia Hernandez, Jada Neill, and Gabrielle Poretto. With that group, there is an expectation this team will compete for the top spot in the conference by the end of the year.
Eclipse Select opens up the season on Sept. 3.
SLSG Green
Jasira Gates was a bright spot for the SLSG Green squad last seaosn. She found some success at the high success level as well as a freshman for the Burroughs Bombers. Another standout from last season for SLSG Green was Genny Burroughs. SLSG Green will need another standout season from both to stay competitive in the touch Midwest Conference.
SLSG Green opens up the season on Sept. 10.
Minnesota Thunder Academy
Minnesota does not start the ECNL season until November. Jenna Maloy and Tatum Janezich were the All Conference honorees from the team last year. Maloy is a 2025 recruit. She plays center midfielder for Thunder, and looks to be one of the top prospects from the state. Alida Ahern, a two-sport star, and Brynn Hedberg are standouts in goalkeeper.
Gretna Elite Academy
Kianna Perez, the captain of the squad, earned a spot on the All Conference First Team for her play last season. She is the heartbeat of the team. She is also one of the top players from Nebraska and one to watch for Lincoln Southwest High. Sonora DeFini is another player to watch on the Gretna Elite Academy. DeFini comes from a soccer family with all three sisters playing for Gretna Dragons last season. The youngest, Sonora, is a standout for school and club. Kennedy Moore is another 2025 to watch on the Gretna squad. All three have been in the picture with the U.S. Soccer Talent Identification events last season.
Gretna Elite opens up the season on Sept. 10.
Midwest United
The state of Michigan is very competitive in club soccer and there are a number of clubs doing good work with developing talent. Midwest United has continued to improve year over year in the ECNL and had some strong moments across the age groups last season. Ella Zoerhoff in the 07 age group was a bright spot. She earned a spot on the Midwest Conference First Team. Ava Freye, Clarice Lynn, and Gracie Lynn are other players to watch on this squad.
Midwest United opens the season on Sept. 3.
FC Wisconsin
FC Wisconsin is a side to watch that could be fighting to surprise some teams this season. The squad has a competitive side and that starts with the goalkeeper. Addison Lange was a standout in goal for FC Wisconsin. The 5-foot-9 net minder has quick reactions and showed well on shots from close range. She is good off her line and stopped a number of chances with her blocks. Lange will be one to watch from the goalkeeper position this season.
FC Wisconsin opens the season on Sept. 10.
Sporting Iowa
Sporting Iowa had some up and down moments in ECNL last season, and continues to develop better players year after year. Last season, the 07 team had some strong showings including battling to close results against the top teams in the conference. Olivia Kiosk, Ava Paoli, and Addison Ollendike showed well in conference games last season.
Sporting Iowa opens the season on Sept. 10.
Liverpool FC IA Michigan
The aforementioned battle for Michigan is applicable here. There are only so many players there and there are a number of clubs that have really impressive pedigree. Liverpool FC IA Michigan 07 will be looking to build off those experiences in 2021/2022 as they improve this season. Emily Mendrick and Chloe Salo are two players to watch from the squad.
Liverpool FC IA Michigan kicks off the season on Sept. 3.
Eclipse Select SC North
Based on the early published roster, there has been some turnover on the Eclipse Select SC North side. The new group won’t have much time to glue as they get the opening weekend test. Ava Balmaseda, a center back, was a strong point of the team last year and she is back for this campaign.
Michigan Hawks Magic
Michigan Hawks Magic battled tight against some of the top teams from the conference last year. If they can get over the hump and earn some results from those close battles, they could be one to surprise teams this season. Center back Scarlett Nuechterlein Scarlett Nuechterlein D Canton | 2025 MI had a strong game against KC Athletics last season. Sofia Spano Sofia Spano M MI and Ivy Wilhelm were also good in that game.
Hawks Magic open the season on Sept. 10.
Rockford Raptors
Rockford Raptors were one of five clubs to be promotes from Regional League to Club Competition for the 2022/2023 campaign. The new kids to the block might have a tough time in this age group considering how strong the Midwest Conference is in the 07 age group.
Rockford kicks off the campaign against local rivals Eclipse Select SC on Sept. 10.
ECNL Awards from 2021/2022
Mya Brandon Mya Brandon null | D State #6 Nation MI (Michigan Hawks) – Conference Player of the Year and All-American
Alexandra Pfeiffer Alexandra Pfeiffer F Visitation Academy | 2026 State #2 Nation MO (SLSG Navy) – ECNL All-American
All-Conference
First Team
Mya Brandon Mya Brandon null | D State #6 Nation MI (MI Hawks), Reese Canada Reese Canada M State #27 Nation MI (MI Hawks), Emily Fibrin (MI Hawks), Jasira Gates (SLSG Green), Olivia Hernandez (Eclipse Select), Mary – DUP Long Mary – DUP Long F KS (KC Athletics), Jenna Maloy (MTA), Sophia Mir Sophia Mir M State MO (KC Athletics), Jada Neill (Eclipse Select), Caroline Orf (SLSG Navy), Kianna Perez (Gretna Elite Academy), Alex Pfeiffer (SLSG Navy), Gabrielle Poretto (Eclipse Select), Kadence Radwanski (Michigan Hawks), Emma Shields Emma Shields null | M State MO (SLSG Navy), Addie Wilkie (Sporting Blue Valley), Cherry Yu (Sporting Blue Valley), Ella Zoerhoff (Midwest United)
Second Team
Genny Burroughs (SLSG Green), Sonora DeFini (Gretna Elite Academy), Kambree Duker (Sporting Blue Valley), Joree Houdeshell Joree Houdeshell null | GK State MO (KC Athletics), Tatum Janezich (MTA), Addison Lange (FC Wisconsin), Gracie Lynn (Midwest United), Ellie Neath Ellie Neath null | M State #216 Nation MO (SLSG Navy), Addison Ollendike (Sporting Iowa), Nadia Valha (Liverpool FC IA Michigan)
U17/2006 Age group Midwest Conference Season Preview
SLSG Navy
The National Champions stand alone among a talented group of teams in this conference. St. Louis Scott Gallagher Navy enjoyed a dream season in 2021/2022, and the roster looks even better this season. Coach Ralph Richards has stars, depth, and a cohesive unit that will look for the repeat in 2023. Grace Restovich Grace Restovich M #10 Nation MO , the All-American star, is the headliner of the team after being named the ECNL Player of the Year in this age group last season. Goalkeeper Caroline Birkel Caroline Birkel null | GK State #15 Nation MO is one of the best in the country in her position. Emily Derucki Emily Derucki F MO and Kiley Kukan Kiley Kukan M #136 Nation MO were also All-Conference honorees last season.
SLSG Navy opens the season on Sept. 10 against Midwest United.
Kansas City Athletics
To give some perspective on how strong the Midwest Conference is in the 2006 age group, KC Athletics won the ECNL National Championship in this age group in 2020/2021. Anisten – DUP Cabantac Anisten – DUP Cabantac M St. Thomas Aquinas | 2025 KS was the National Player of the Year for that season. Both of the National Players of the Year and the National Champions for this age group play in the same conference. Cabantac is one of the best in the country in the 2025 class, but she is just one piece of the puzzle for this team. Bella Smith Bella Smith M Goddard Eisenhower (MO) | 2024 MO was one of a few KC Athletics players who trained with the KC Current (NWSL) reserve team this week. She is a top 2024 recruit from the region. Center back Bella Haggerty, another 2024 recruit, was also invited to train with the KC Current reserve team. That is invaluable experience in the preseason for a team that is looking to challenge SLSG Navy for the top spot in the country.
KC Athletics opens the season against Michigan Hawks Magic on Sept. 17.
Minnesota Thunder Academy
The Minnesota Thunder Academy 06 team is one of the best teams at the club. They also play in one of the toughest conferences in all of club soccer. Competition breeds greatness, and this team certainly has plenty of it. Izzy Engle is the top player from Minnesota in the 2024 class and one to watch. Allison Flies and Amya Conway were ECNL All-Conference honorees last season. It will be a while before you get to see this team play, as they kick off the season in November.
Sporting Blue Valley
Sporting Blue Valley has been one to watch this preseason with some strong results against out of conference competition. The club sent the 2005 team to the ECNL Semifinals last season with a couple of players helping out while playing up an age. There is a reason to believe that the 06 team could reach similar heights. They’ve also had some members of the 06 team in with the KC Current reserve team for training including Reese Snowden, a top midfielder from the class of 2024. Hope Kim, Grace Vest Grace Vest null | F #65 Nation KS , and Jules Wardlaw were All-Conference honorees from last season. Vest is a top player from the class of 2025.
Sporting Blue Valley opens the season on Sept. 17 against Michigan Hawks.
Michigan Hawks
Michigan Hawks is another team that is punished for playing in this conference. Hawks would be an easy candidate to dominate most other conferences in the ECNL, but they come against the two defending champions in this group. The team is very competitive in national showcases and has a roster that is going to get scouts to the fields. Landis Canada Landis Canada null | M Fenton (MI) | 2024 State MI is the type of player who is always around the ball. She is an impact player in every game. Ellie Fife Ellie Fife D Community (MI) | 2024 State #34 Nation MI is one of the top center backs in the country.
Michigan Hawks kicks off the season on Sept. 10 against Gretna Elite Academy.
SLSG Green
The depth of this conference extends beyond the results from the Champions League. SLSG was the finalist in the North American Cup at the ECNL Playoffs last season. Rhyan Ward and Tasneem Dizdarevic are two players to watch on the SLSG Green squad.
SLSG Green opens the season against Liverpool FC IA Michigan on Sept. 10.
Eclipse Select SC
Midfielder Riley Gumm enjoyed a stellar season for club and high school in 2022. She was an All-Conference selection for her play with Eclipse. She is a great passer with a well-rounded game. She could really play any spot in a three-player midfield. She probably will be recruited as a No. 8 for the next level to best utilize that all-around aspect to her game. Kendell Williams, Carisma Rosales, and Gemma Gillespie were also All-Conference selections from Eclipse.
Eclipse opens the season on Sept. 3.
FC Wisconsin
Forward Jenna Baumann and goalkeeper Reese Berge were honored as members of the Midwest All-Conference teams, which is a great place to start when building a squad. Start with someone who can score and someone will stop the opposition from scoring. Baumann is one of the more exciting attacking talents. She has quick feet and is decisive in her movements. She easily creates space from the defender. Baumann and Berge will lead the FC Wisconsin team as they kick off the season on Sept. 10.
Gretna Elite Academy
Gretna Elite tasted some success last season with a win in the first round of the North American Cup off a beautiful game-winner from Karli Williams. The triumph in Seattle had the group eager to get back on the field. Gretna opened training for the fall on the first day of August. This is a group that CANNOT wait to hit the field again this season. Emma Cook and Williams were both named to the Midwest All-Conference teams. Forward Allison Marshall was the Gatorade State Player of the Year in Nebraska as a sophomore. It’s easy to see why this group is so excited about the start of the new season.
Gretna won’t have to wait much longer with the first game scheduled for Sept. 10.
Sporting Iowa
Sporting Iowa had a fun summer that included a US Club Soccer National Finalist Trophy. The squad came up just short of lifting the hardware in that league after the long club season. They are hoping to bring that success over to ECNL this season. Rachel Hansen and Sami Eltjes were the ECNL All-Conference team selections from last year.
Sporting Iowa kicks off the season on Sept. 10.
Liverpool FC IA Michigan
I remain a firm believer in the talent of Elle Ervin Elle Ervin F Marian (MI) | 2024 State #205 Nation MI as one of the best forwards in the ECNL. She is athletic, competitive, and skillful. There is plenty of reason to believe this could be another big season for the 2024 standout who rightfully earned a spot on the ECNL Midwest All-Conference First Team. Teammate Kiely Robinson Kiely Robinson M State MI was another selection to the All-Conference Second Team.
Liverpool opens the season on Sept. 3.
Midwest United
Midwest United had plenty of positives to takeaway from last season. Goalkeeper Liz Wolter had a standout campaign and will be a piece for the team to build upon moving forward. Wolter, a 2024 recruit, was named to the Midwest All-Conference second team. She is a fearless keeper with great shot-stopping instincts.
Midwest United kicks off the season on Sept. 3.
Eclipse Select SC North
Eclipse Select SC North will be in for a test immediately to start the campaign with six games in the first month of the regular season. A hot start to September could make all of the difference this year for Eclipse Select SC North, which begins the season on Sept. 3.
Michigan Hawks Magic
Michigan Hawks Magic had some bright moments during the showcase events last season. Jenna Kafi was a standout in the midfield. She was always around the ball and did well in showing for her teammates as a passing option. Magic defender Ava Roy Ava Roy D Lake Fenton | 2024 MI also looks to be one to watch among the outside backs.
Hawks Magic kicks off the season on Sept. 10.
Rockford Raptors
The club promoted to ECNL Club Competition for the 2022/2023 season will certainly face quite the competition in this age group. Rockford had some success in this age group with a USYS National Championship Semifinal appearance in July. Cortlyn Hefty was named to the ECNL Regional League All-Conference First Team. She will be one to note for the upcoming season.
Rockford opens up the season against Eclipse Select on Sept. 10.
ECNL 2021/2022 Season Awards
Grace Restovich Grace Restovich M #10 Nation MO (SLSG Navy) – Conference Player of the Year and ECNL National Player of the Year
Caroline Birkel Caroline Birkel null | GK State #15 Nation MO (SLSG Navy) – ECNL All-American
Midwest All-Conference
First Team
Jenna Baumann (FC Wisconsin), Caroline Bickel (SLSG Navy), Anisten – DUP Cabantac Anisten – DUP Cabantac M St. Thomas Aquinas | 2025 KS (KC Athletics), Landis Canada Landis Canada null | M Fenton (MI) | 2024 State MI (Michigan Hawks), Emma Cook (Gretna Elite Academy), Emily Derucki Emily Derucki F MO (SLSG Navy), Isabela Engle (MTA), Elle Ervin Elle Ervin F Marian (MI) | 2024 State #205 Nation MI (Liverpool FC IA Michigan), Allison Flies (MTA), Riley Gumm (Eclipse Select SC), Rachel Hansen (Sporting Iowa), Hope King (Sporting Blue Valley), Kiley Kukan Kiley Kukan M #136 Nation MO (SLSG Navy), Grace Restovich Grace Restovich M #10 Nation MO (SLSG Navy), Carisma Rosales (Eclipse Select), Grace Vest Grace Vest null | F #65 Nation KS (Sporting Blue Valley), Rhyan Ward (SLSG Green), Kendell Williams (Eclipse Select)
Second Team
Reese Berge (FC Wisconsin), Amya Conway (MTA), Tasneem Dizdarevic (SLSG Green), Sami Eltjes (Sporting Iowa), Ellie Fife Ellie Fife D Community (MI) | 2024 State #34 Nation MI (Michigan Hawks), Gemma Gillespie (Eclipse Select SC), Bella Haggerty (KC Athletics), Kiely Robinson Kiely Robinson M State MI (Liverpool FC IA Michigan), Jules Wardlaw (Sporting Blue Valley), Karli Williams (Gretna Elite), Liz Wolter (Midwest United)