ECNL Houston Best XI

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Houston hosted the latest ECNL Girls National Event on President's Day weekend, with 225 teams from all over the country competing across five divisions at two venues in the region from Friday to Sunday. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Some of the best talent of American club soccer was in attendance and so was Prep Soccer. We covered the last two days of the event and have already shared our first impressions about some of the individual standouts from Sunday (<a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2023/02/ecnl-houston-day-2-standouts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Recap</a> | <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2023/02/ecnl-houston-day-2-photo-gallery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Photo Gallery</a>) and Monday (<a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2023/02/ecnl-houston-day-3-standouts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Recap</a> | <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2023/02/ecnl-houston-day-3-photo-gallery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Photo Gallery</a>).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We've also highlighted the most impressive players we got to see in action over the week split by position, so now it's time to announce the Best XI from the matches we got to watch on Sunday and Monday. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Goalkeeper</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["23405"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63f8d97c6d110"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There were numerous goalkeepers who left an excellent impression during the event. Birkel was one of them and she was one of just a few to have clean sheets in all three matches in all three matches she played with SLSG Navy 06. What set her apart from competition, was the fact that besides doing her job very well between the posts, she was also very involved in possession and connected excellent passes from the back.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Outside Backs </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["27303"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63f8d97c6d240"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["27643"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63f8d97c6d2e5"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Two outside backs with different styles, Lavender and Lozada impressed for different reasons. The FC Dallas 07 player was a lockdown defender, who shut down her side of the backline winning 1v1 battles all day and stopping difficult opponents. She also displayed some interesting versatility, playing as a center back with the same level of efficiency.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lozada, on the other hand, was more of an attacking threat with Richmond United 07. She did a good job defensively too, but was at her best in possession, driving the ball upfield from the left. There's a lot of physical power in her game, but the left-back is also very skilled and intelligent on the ball and combined well with her teammates.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Center Backs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["33383"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63f8d97c6d378"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["27052"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63f8d97c6d3bf"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mills led Solar SC 06's backline to three shutouts, which helped the team leave Houston with a perfect record. A complete defender, she did well in the air and in the turf and dominated opposing attackers with her combination of strength and pace.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wiele also had excellent defensive success with her Sting Austin 08 team, making big stops with her intelligent and efficient game. Very strong in set pieces, the defender also had a big influence in the team's offense by scoring one and assisting for two of the team's five goals over the weekend.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Positional Standouts:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>* <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2023/02/ecnl-houston-elite-goalkeepers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Goalkeepers</a> *<a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2023/02/ecnl-houston-top-tier-fullbacks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fullbacks</a> *<a href="http://ecnl-houston-lockdown-center-backs" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Center Backs</a> *<a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2023/02/ecnl-houston-stellar-midfielders/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Midfielders</a> *<a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2023/02/ecnl-houston-difference-making-forwards/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Forwards</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Midfielders</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Makenna Holub","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"102","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Eastside FC","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63f8d97c6d462"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["26916"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63f8d97c6d4a9"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["26863"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63f8d97c6d4ea"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This midfield trio excelled in different areas of the game, providing their teams with great presence in the middle. Despite her small frame, Holub was the most aggressive and efficient defensive midfielder I saw in action. Her reading of the game and positioning are excellent and she's really strong in 1v1 duels. She did a great job shiedling Eastside FC 08's backline.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In more advanced roles, the Fuller sisters made the magic happen for their teams. Kennedy was a stud for Solar SC 06, adding incredible dynamism to their midfield with her work on both sides of the ball. A gifted offensive player who can dribble, pass and shoot at a very high level, she also worked hard on defense.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kamdyn led Solar SC 08's midfield with her intelligent game. Her vision is her main asset as a player and she played some excellent one-touch passes even under pressure. She's also good in set pieces and plays some interesting attacking soccer, combining with her forwards and getting into the penalty box to finish chances.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Forwards</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["26502"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63f8d97c6d545"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["27099"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63f8d97c6d58a"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["91125"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63f8d97c6d5ca"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The attacking trio had incredible talent and different skills. Bryant was very smooth on the bacl with Solar SC 06. She fluctuated really well through every attacking position and create chances in a variety of different ways. The forward is an excellent dribbler and is very direct, but also makes good combination plays with her teammates.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cunningham is a pacey forward with excellent physical tools. Very tall and athletic, she's hard to stop in space but also knows how to operate with her back to goal inside the penalty box. She scored seven goals over the weekend with Classics Elite 08 and was among the most productive players in the entire event.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Taylor was the offensive centerpiece in her FC Dallas 08 team. Strong physically, she can make good holdup play, but also knows how to operate in tight spaces - she's also a stellar futsal player. The striker uses both feet really well to pass and finish, has good pace and is also very good at set pieces.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->