ECNL/GA Players To Watch at 2022 U17 Women's World Cup

In addition this year's U17 Women's World Cup featuring a number of top ECNL players playing for the United States, it will also feature a large pool of players who have been called up to play for other national teams. Although this is a practice that has been conducted on the men's side for decades, it is a relatively new phenomenon in the women's game. Football associations now more than ever are investing in scouting players beyond their own borders.   Here are some of the top ECNL/Girls Academy international players to keep an eye on at this World Cup!   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eR__z-pvlFs </div></figure>   Goalkeeper [player_tooltip player_id='30449' first='Ameerah' last='Maamry'] (Morocco/Racing Louisville/Undecided/ 2025)- Maamry was part of an extensive recruiting effort by the Moroccan Football Association to bring in talent who are eligible to play for the side. She was a major part of Racing's run towards qualifying for the ECNL Showcase Cup and played for their USL W League side last season. In goal she has an excellent sense of timing, knowing when to things up and when to slow play down. She didn't start in Morocco's 1-0 match against Brazil but it will interesting to see if she gets the nod against the United States, especially considering her extensive experience playing against many of them in the ECNL.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xvi02w0ibVQ </div></figure>   Forward Julianna 'Juju' Harris (Brazil/Florida United/Undecided/2025)- Harris just made the switch to Brazil, having recently been invited to the United States U15 Youth National Team Camp. Although she is one of the youngest players at the tournament, she is used to playing at older age levels playing in the age group with her club side Florida United. Up top, she can drift off defenders with relative ease and knows how to time her runs to give her the best chance at goal. She can also create chances for her teammates, as evidenced by her work as a late substitute in Tuesday's 1-0 win against Morocco. Much like with Maamry, her playing experience in the ECNL will come in handy against the U.S.   Goalkeeper [player_tooltip player_id='26594' first='Carmen' last='Lopez'] (Mexico/D'Feeters/Undecided/2023)- Lopez didn't play in Mexico's 2-1 loss against China, but was their starter throughout qualification, including the final where El Tri took the United States to the limit in a tough 2-1 loss. She is comfortable playing with the ball at her feet and likes to spread the ball wide on punts and throws. Mexico likes to use their outside midfielders to open up defenses so that should help her chances for game time during this World Cup.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ILi3K1UvvkM </div></figure>   Defender [player_tooltip player_id='21694' first='Giselle' last='Espinoza'] (Mexico/Concorde Fire/Furman/2023)-The Furman commit had a solid outing in her first World Cup match, playing 85 minutes along the back four and making several key clears to keep the match within reach. Although she played defender on Tuesday night, she also plays in the midfield for her club side Concorde Fire and has shown a willingness to get involved in the attack. She has the confidence to take shots from distance and get them on target, which can provide great second chance opportunities for her teammates.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3BA_PBekU0 </div></figure>   Midfielder Julie Lopez (Mexico/LAFC SoCal/Undecided/2023)- Lopez played the full 90 minutes on Tuesday and was consistently applying pressure to China's backline. Her ability to find teammates in open space and drive directly at defenders makes her a very deadly talent for El Tri. She did pick up a yellow card late in the match so that will be a bit of a concern for coach Ana Galindo. But barring a second caution, she should still see regular minutes throughout the competition.   Midfielder [player_tooltip player_id='26806' first='Jade' last='Martinez'] (Mexico/D'Feeters/Baylor/2024)- The Baylor commit has a real knack for orchestrating attacks from the center of the pitch. Her quick passes and ability to make pinpoint turns on defenders can make a simple play into something very dangerous. She was on the bench for Mexico's opening match but should get minutes against Spain or Colombia.   Forward [player_tooltip player_id='19885' first='Maribel' last='Flores'] (Mexico/Slammers FC HB Koge/USC/2023)-In Mexico's 4-3-3, Flores works well with Valerie Vargas (more on her in a minute) and Tatiana Flores to overwhelm defenses. She scored eight goals for El Tri during World Cup Qualification. Flores was named to the ECNL Southwest Conference's All-Conference U17 team last season and has committed to playing college soccer at Southern California.   Forward Valerie Vargas (Forward/ Beach SC/UCLA/2023)- Vargas is one of the top goalscorers in her age group and in the region, having led Mexico in goals with ten during World Cup Qualification. Vargas was in the USWNT system but made the switch to Mexico late last year. Her precise first touches and movement off of the ball will be a challenge for defenders during this tournament. Vargas has committed to playing college soccer at UCLA.

In addition this year's U17 Women's World Cup featuring a number of top ECNL players playing for the United States, it will also feature a large pool of players who have been called up to play for other national teams. Although this is a practice that has been conducted on the men's side for decades, it is a relatively new phenomenon in the women's game. Football associations now more than ever are investing in scouting players beyond their own borders.