ECNL Houston – Best Uncommitted GK and Def
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The ECNL National Event in Houston kicks off on Saturday. PrepSoccer will have coverage from the event with a scout on site for the games. Prior to the event, we wanted to help highlight some of the top uncommitted talent…
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Continue ReadingThe ECNL National Event in Houston kicks off on Saturday. PrepSoccer will have coverage from the event with a scout on site for the games. Prior to the event, we wanted to help highlight some of the top uncommitted talent from the 2024 class in attendance. Below are some players who sent in their highlights as well as other players who were recommended by club coaches.
Reese Carmody earns the top spot on this list because a left back this good should not be uncommitted at this point. Carmody is a better individual defender than 99% of the outside backs in the ECNL in the 06 age group. La Roca leaves Carmody on an island at times because they trust her to win her duels – and she does. There is a severe lack of depth among the uncommitted talent pool at outside back, which should make Carmody a high priority for any team that needs a left (or even right) back from the 2024 class. Carmody is right-footed and she likes to cut in, but she does play right back as well.
She would fit in at a top program.
Highlights
Deleon’s highlight clip impressed me enough to search out full game film just to make sure the highlights weren’t a mirage. After watching some of her game film (no edit, four x speed), I can say the highlights are a pretty good representation of her game. She’s an athletic keeper and a bit of a surprise that a local program has not landed her yet. She is a more commanding presence in her box than many of her peers in this class – in saying that she is comfortable navigating traffic on corner kicks and attacks the ball. She has strong hands and quick reactions. She looks comfortable on the ball and does well in connecting passes from side to side.
There are a couple of areas of her game to improve on, but she should develop into a starting goalkeeper at the Division I level. She has the physical traits to be that good. From game film, I was impressed with her quick reactions while the sun was in her eyes. There are some qualities here that are rare for a high school junior.
Deleon is taking part in the National Selection Game on Saturday.
Ayres is a left center back on the Sting Dallas Royal 04/05 ECNL team. She is a tenacious tackler, she runs through players. She uses her body well in duels and usually comes away cleanly with the ball when she is challenged by a forward. Her competitive spirit and aggressive approach make her an ideal fit in that role. Her lower body strength and appetite for defending make her a promising prospect for the next level. There are parts of her game that seem like they would lend well to a defensive midfielder, but more likely she will be a center back at the next level.
She likes to charge forward with the ball at her feet as her team tends to be in a more defensive posture on the field – low block setup – there is often space in front of her when she wins possession. She is right-footed and tends to look for the center of the field for an outlet or a cross-field pass. On set pieces, she is an aerial weapon. She has scored a few goals off headers.
Ayres is a 5’9 center back who is not afraid to put in a tackle. The 04/05 games don’t get as much attention as the 06 group, but she is worth the scouting trip for any program that needs a center back from the 2024 class.
Listing Ashlyn DiGioia Ashlyn DiGioia 5’3″ | M San Antonio Johnson (TX) | 2024 TX among the defenders and goalkeepers because I think she has the potential to be a great outside back at the college level. She is currently a defensive midfielder – and does an exceptional job in that role. But the traits are there to be a good outside back, and that position is lacking a bit among the uncommitted group. She is quick and good in a slide tackle. She does well in individual duels (both defensively and in the attack). She is a good passer and could put in a cross. She has the work rate to get up and down the touch line.
With teammate Deleon as a standout goalkeeper and DiGioia as a potential answer for any program looking for an outside back, the Classics Elite 06 team should be a must-watch for scouts in Houston this weekend.
Highlights
Grace Tomlinson
Grace Tomlinson
Tomlinson is a tall left center back for the Challenge ECNL-R 06 squad. She is right-footed but comfortable with either foot. Tomlinson is a good passer and zips the ball into the feet of her teammates. She will occasionally take a set piece for her team as well. She is strong in aerial duels, but could be more aggressive in that aspect of her game as she is a weapon in the air.
Tomlinson is a potential fit for programs looking for a center back who can develop into a key contributor. She has decent pace and good soccer smarts to fit at the next level.