ECNL PHX Standouts: Best forwards from 2026

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>PHOENIX, Arizona - The ECNL National Event in Phoenix from the Spring wrapped up on Sunday from the Reach 11 Sports Complex. PrepSoccer was on hand for all three days of the event. Below is a list of the standouts from the forwards in the 2026 class at the showcase. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">FORWARDS </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='28143' first='Deandra' last='Dan'], Crossfire Premier 07 - It was immediately noticeable when Dan was on the field. She brought a life to the Crossfire attack and also offered some vertical threat to get behind the talented Legends defense. She was a high-energy forward who did well in forcing mistakes.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tatum Jackson, Eastside FC - Jackson just seems like the absolute worse to play against. She is a total nuisance. She's so good at getting into passing lanes and intercepting the side-to-side passes in the build-up. She is also excellent at poking the ball away from defenders. She is an elite prospect as a pressing forward.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='112412' first='Jada' last='Faison'], Slammers FC 08 - Faison was an imposing player on the field. She is aggressive in her approach and usually has success against defenses not ready for her physically imposing style. She does have the tools to be a great wide player in the future too.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rebecca Gabriel, Boise Thorns 08 - I had down in my notes that Gabriel started at center back, and then saw her pop up at wing later in the game. She was a standout at both positions. She did well in the tackle and 1v1 defending at center back. She was tough to stop when at the wing. She plays with a lot of bravery and runs through tackles.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='111270' first='Addison' last='Huff'], Santa Rosa 08 - Huff showed excellent ball control and skill against Boise Thorns. She played as a center forward/attacking midfielder and used her quick feet to dance away from pressure.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='112438' first='Sophie' last='Williams'], Utah Royals AZ 08 - Williams battled hard to earn the penalty kick for the lone goal. The forward fought through a shoulder challenge and put a cross in a dangerous spot for the opportunity.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='26638' first='Danielle' last='Chaump'], Sting Dallas Black 08 - Sting tends to play through Chaump's side in the attack and it's easy to see why. She is a powerful athlete who can run past defenders and cut on a dime. When she is past the defense, she is impossible to catch thanks to her long strides. Most impressive of all might be her work defensively. In the few instances when she lost the ball, she immediately pressed and regained possession for her side. If her defensive work rate doesn't impress scouts, her balance and body control should. The way she withstood tackles and kept her feet was among the best in this age group. She contributed an assist in the victory.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Shiloh Baird, Del Mar Sharks 07 - Energetic and lively, Baird was always on the front foot as Sharks raced to a big win on the opening day of the event.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='63559' first='Eres' last='Freifeld'], San Diego Surf 07 - It's weird to think a player with Youth National Team call-ups is underrated but it feels that way with Freifeld. She is not flashy or super athletic, but she is technically sound and tactically intelligent so sometimes her game is overlooked. She was so good against Utah Avalanche on Saturday. She made the right read whenever she was in possession. She has a good first touch and excellent vision. She did a good job playing her crosses with a purpose - matching up with the timing of the runs. It was a highlight-reel worthy performance from the 2026 winger.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='28191' first='Hailey' last='Perkins'], Crossfire Premier 08 - Perkins was one of the most creative wingers I saw on the weekend. She did so well at freezing defenders with her moves and then bursting past them. When she got to the end line, she was excellent at picking her head up and playing the cross to where a teammate was or was going to be. [player_tooltip player_id='111535' first='Summer' last='Murphy'] was also outstanding for Crossfire.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Angeline Mazariegos, LAFC So Cal 07 - The LAFC So Cal forward scored an incredible goal against Bay Area Surf on Saturday. She buried the shot into the upper corner of the net. She had another shot that was denied by the crossbar. In terms of ball-striking ability, Mazariegos was one of the best I saw over the weekend. She also would be on the shortlist for center forwards with the best understanding of tactics.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='121723' first='Reese' last='Gallagher'], Internationals 07 - Gallagher likes to live dangerously with the offside line. She will play on the edge of the line and it did not work out in her favor much against Slammers, but you could see the potential is there for a forward who punishes the mistakes of the defense with game-breaking speed.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='22385' first='Riley' last='Boyd'], FC Pride 08 - Boyd is listed as a midfielder on her player profile but I saw her play as a center forward. She is a speedster up top. She punished the defense with her pace and was efficient with her chances. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->