ECNL Champions Crowned in 08 and 09 age groups

PDA Blue 09 completed the dream on Monday.    An undefeated National Championship campaign in the ECNL. Playing with a target on their back for much of the season as one of the favorites, PDA took on all challengers and came out the better as they lifted the hardware in Richmond after defeating San Diego Surf 2-1 in the final game.    The late goal in the second half from Surf was the first and only goal PDA conceded during the playoffs - seven games and only one goal conceded is another reason to appreciate the brilliance of this campaign from the New Jersey powerhouse club.   [player_tooltip player_id='24171' first='Makena' last='Lee'] and [player_tooltip player_id='110901' first='Deus' last='Stanislaus'] scored the goals for PDA. Citali Reyes Vazquez converted on a rebound for the lone goal for Surf.    In the 08 championship game, Michigan Hawks claimed the title with a 2-1 victory over Legends SC. Finals Week in Richmond was also a storybook for Hawks, but perhaps in a different way.    The squad was tested throughout the week with three close victories in the quarterfinal, semifinal, and championship. Legends scored first on Monday, but the Hawks, as they have in every game in recent months, had the answer. Addison Fife provided the equalizer and then [player_tooltip player_id='94675' first='Nina' last='Laba'] scored the game-winner moments later.    On a day full of drama, the 09 and 08 games delivered with the best of them.     Below are the individual standouts from the games.    09 Championship Standouts   [player_tooltip player_id='110896' first='Sandra' last='O'Neill'], PDA - The center of the defense for PDA was outstanding throughout the game against Surf. She did well in recognizing when to be tight with her mark and when to give space so she could take away the option on the pass. She had a key block late in the game that sealed the victory. [player_tooltip player_id='110890' first='Quinlan' last='Donahue'] also had a standout performance for PDA   [player_tooltip player_id='110901' first='Deus' last='Stanislaus'], PDA - Stanislaus has already been identified by US Soccer Scouts as a top player in the country in this age group and it's, frankly, very easy to see why. She is everything you want in a modern playmaker. High-energy, comfort on the ball, quick-decisions, nonstop engine, and a bit of magic in the final third. Stanislaus looked the part of one of the best 2027s in the country during the most important game of the season.     [player_tooltip player_id='23896' first='Cali' last='Smith'], PDA - The holding midfielder for PDA was excellent in this game. She was always in the right spot against a San Diego Surf team that is incredibly challenging for midfielders. Surf's skill and movement is something most teams don't face on a weekly or even monthly basis. Smith slowing down that trio and winning countless duels in the open field really dictated the game. Smith's quick-reaction was key to the second goal of the first half for PDA.    [player_tooltip player_id='143321' first='Elizabeth' last='Rubin'], PDA - It took the whole team effort to complete the undefeated National Champion season on Monday with a the win over PDA. That said, the midfielders won that game in the first half. The effort and commitment to hound the Surf and create turnovers in key spots were the decisive moments of the game. Rubin and her running mates in the midfield really impressed with how quick they were in the counter. They did not waste touches. When they won the ball, they immediately sprung the attack - and their passes (often on the first touch) were accurate. It was the key to beating a talented squad.    Ruby Royal, San Diego Surf - A talented midfielder with good vision, Royal opened up the game in the second half with her passing and composure on the ball. She showed big time potential as she can easily fit in as a No. 6 or a No. 8 at the older levels of the club game.    Citlali Reyes Vazquez, San Diego Surf - I could see her having a future at the international level just based on the way she sees the game. She moves different than anyone else on the field. The alterations in speed of play and the 360 approach (as opposed to only playing the way she is facing) to using every option when in possession are refreshing to see. This might not have been her best game of the season, but she still scored a goal and was influential in other moments. The potential is there for Vazquez to be a name that lasts a long time in this game.    Lilah Hershey, San Diego Surf - Hershey's linking play on the goal in the second half for Surf showed the quality she can bring to her side. She is a back-to-the-goal center forward. She has a good first touch and makes good decisions on the ball. She had a tough battle on Monday against a nearly impenetrable defense, but she still made an impact. A'Rianna Ellis was also impactful for Surf.    08 Championship Standouts    Kennedy Steinagel, Michigan Hawks - Steinagel had a great tip save early on a shot from Mia Corona. She anchored the defense, was confident off her line, and made the timely save when called up.    [player_tooltip player_id='94676' first='Charlotte' last='McMurtrie'], Michigan Hawks - Initially stood out for her defensive play, as she saved a shot off the line in the first half. The midfielder did well on the ball as well. Clever in her movement and passing, she contributed with a couple of key passes to open up the game for her side. High work-rate center midfielder with good skill, she is one to watch.    [player_tooltip player_id='94675' first='Nina' last='Laba'], Michigan Hawks - Laba will get the spotlight for her late goal - and it was an athletic, contorting finish to get that service from the corner kick on frame. But the center back deserves just as much credit for her work defensively. [player_tooltip player_id='94677' first='Amber' last='Weaver'] and Laba were excellent against a Legends team that is challenging to mark. They throw every time of attacking talent at the opposition and the center backs have to adjust for center forwards with size, strength, and speed just as well as they have to account for smaller, technical, quick, dynamic, false 9s in that role. Laba and Weaver did well in setting their line and catching Legends offside a few times in the second half.    Mia Corona, Legends FC - Corona is such a joy to watch. Clever on the ball, quick in her movement, at such ease playing against bigger players, Corona has clearly announced herself as a headliner of the next wave of playmakers in the US Soccer pipeline. Hawks did a wonderful job of trying to contain her, but she still got free a few times because that is who she is. There is this competitive streak in her that shines in these types of games.    Micayala Johnson, Michigan Hawks - The Nationals standout joined Hawks for the second half of the season, and she definitely made a difference. The game on Monday was different when she was on the field. She provided another game-breaker in the attack for Hawks. One of the elements that always standouts when watching Johnson is just how often she comes away with the ball in duels, 50/50 challenges, or any time there is a loose touch. She has some lightning quick feet, incredible balance, and a lot of strength to always win in those situations.    Lorelai Heldreth, Legends - Heldreth was excellent in this game. She had a key tackle in the second half to stop an attack from the Hawks. She showed good leadership for her side during the game and after the final whistle. Heldreth has a bright future at defense.

PDA Blue 09 completed the dream on Monday.