ECNL National Playoffs: PrepSoccer’s 07 Best XI 

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The ECNL National Playoffs in Southern California wrapped up last week with eight teams advancing in the Champions League bracket to finals week in Richmond, Virginia next week.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>PrepSoccer was on hand for the games at the Surf Cup Sports Park. Below is the Best XI from the 2007 age group from the event.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we have in the past, the Best XI is a collection of players who stood out from the games we scouted while on site. We try to only list one player per team in the Best XI.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"textAlign":"center","level":1} --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center"><strong>ECNL National Playoffs: PrepSoccer's 07 Best XI </strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["48068"],"_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":"DKSC is one of the few teams to only have one goalkeeper on the roster at the event. I'm sure they have an emergency field player who can step in if needed, but it speaks more to the trust those coaches have in Murphy. They know she is going to be on her game every day and especially on game day when she is serious from warm-ups to the final whistle. The DKSC squad finished the event with only three goals conceded from four games - and had one shutout. A lot of that credit should be distributed among the group as they were collectively excellent defending all over the field. Murphy came up with the save when needed though and helped her side book a spot in Richmond.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64a736e8f379a"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VA5NPNx6Ysk","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} --> <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=VA5NPNx6Ysk </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["25314"],"_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":"u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnAfter conceding three goals in the opening game from San Diego, Energy bounced back with only two goals conceded from the next three. It culminated with a shutout victory over Crossfire Premier in the Round of 16 bout. Shepherd earns the spot but it was a collective effort from the whole roster to earn that victory. The center back was impressive when called upon and had nearly a mistake-free outing.rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e u003c!u002du002d wp:paragraph u002du002du003ernrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003c!u002du002d /wp:paragraph u002du002du003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64a736e8f3812"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gcfDXtB4L4","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} --> <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=5gcfDXtB4L4 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["55812"],"_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":"Zinn was one of the unranked players heading into the event who did the most to improve her stock. She has a number of programs already after talking about her as a top target for the 2025 class. She showed what she does well at the event, which was playing winning soccer. Zinn defends well, uses her body, and took on every challenge. She looked ready to play at a faster level and didn't have any trouble matching up against the best of the youth game.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64a736e8f3878"} /--> <!-- wp:image {"align":"center","id":142651,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/07/DayaKing-IG-1.jpg?w=1024" alt="Daya King, Legends FC ECNL 07" class="wp-image-142651" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["54185"],"_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":"I went back and forth on which Legends player deserved this spot on the Best XI. There were plenty of worth candidates from the team that only allowed one goal in four games. King's performance against San Diego Surf in the Round of 16 game pushed her slightly into the lead. She had a near perfect game for Legends. A two-way game that is super dependable, King is the ideal outside back in the modern game. Lexi Coughlin, Scottie Antonucci, and Kassandra Rios were also considered for this spot.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["82459"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"McAthy was one of my favorite players from the week. A tough-nosed defensive midfielder who was excellent at protecting the back four and reading the game. The intangibles in McAthy's game, including that competitive drive, make her an invaluable contributor to her team. Kyla Brakefield, Ariana Markey, and Sophie Forrester were also considered for this spot.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["121799"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Sindelar and Internationals had a stellar showing in San Diego and clinched a spot in the final eight. The win over SUSA in the Round of 16 was really impressive. The Internationals midfield did an excellent job early with the press and dictate where the game was played. Sindelar's enthusiasm to attack definitely set the tone as the dynamic attacking midfielder was all over the SUSA defense from the opening whistle. She had a couple of runs of over 70 yards to jump start the counter. She did well as a facilitator, but she was also a finisher in the other games during the week. Ella Bard, Emery Aschenbrener and Fiona Buczak were also considered for this spot.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":3,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64a736e8f3939"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://x.com/SindelarSophia/status/1673518221344002048","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/SindelarSophia/status/1673518221344002048 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["24412"],"_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":"Ledwith was a star for the SUSA team, which had a great showing at the event in San Diego. The midfielder really impressed me with her footwork. She had some passes drilled into her feet and her first touch was perfect - complete control and ideal for the next move. Ledwith does an excellent job of finding spots to help her teammates - on both sides of the ball - which makes her a key player for her team.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["48333"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"With four goals and two assists from the first two games at the event, McLanahan was pacing the Solar offense and outscoring most of the other teams at the event. She is a threat to score from anywhere inside of 35 yards on goal. This event showed why she is one of the top recruits from the 2026 class. [player_tooltip player_id='26834' first='Jordyn' last='Hardeman'], Aisnley McCammon, and Molly Vapensky were also considered for this spot.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":2,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64a736e8f39bc"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://x.com/RyleeMcLanahan/status/1673500703938183170","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/RyleeMcLanahan/status/1673500703938183170 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["19178"],"_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":"The Slammers Koge 07 team was probably the team of the event. They always felt like they were in full control of every game. Phoenix Rising gave them a bit of a punch in the nose to start the Round of 16 game and Slammers Koge responded with a blow-out in the second half. Jordan, the top recruit from her class, steals the spotlight often and there is a reason for it. Powerful, elusive, and skillful, Jordan is exactly the type of player that professional clubs are identifying as signings for the professional game. She is a dominant player at the youth level. Recent Duke commit Mary Long was also considered for this spot. Vivian Zacarias was also considered for this list. The talented midfielder should be in for a rankings bump in the near future.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["24148"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Geller was one of the best wingers in any age group from the event. If you watch back the World Class FC games on demand, you can hear the opposing coaches instructing their defenders to send multiple players at her whenever she was wide with the ball. It was always a priority to double her and force her into a playmaking role from outside of the box. It is a testament to her decision-making that she was still efficient and effective when she was the focus of the defense.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["141340"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Kuklick is bucking the trend of players on successful teams getting these spots because she was such a revelation from the event that she earned the spotlight even though her team didn't advance from the group. Kuklick is a winger with pace and power. She is tall with long strides. Tricky to contain especially on an island, Kuklick has the tools to be an immediate contributor at the next level and showed it during the week in San Diego.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["19248"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"Drago continued to impress with her consistency from game-to-game. The center forward is a smart player. She had a prolific outing at the event with goals in the two games I saw from San Diego Surf. Active off the ball, clean with her touch, and a lethal finisher around the box, Drago offers all the qualities coaches search for in a No. 9. Edra Bello, Ava Gaida, Ava Harrison, and Soraya Souvanaphong were also considered.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":4,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64a736e8f3bba"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WP7CC3EsFpg","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} --> <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=WP7CC3EsFpg </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->