Rankings Analysis: Who are the best forwards in CA’s 2027 class?

Reynolds is a difference-maker at the top levels of the club game. She always seems to make an impactful play in every game. The winger had an outstanding season with Legends last year and will look to build on that campaign in 2023/2024. The left-footed forward is great at gambling against the defense. She anticipates well and gets the step advantage against her defender in the transition. She is an excellent finisher when a defender is on her trailing hip.

Brunal is one of the captain’s of the Mustang SC 09 ECNL team. She is a forward who has been part of the ODP Cal North team. She is one to watch this season, as she has the quality to move past the state level and be considered among the top players in the region in her position. She has good pace, skill on the ball, and a bit of magic in the final third. Brunal looks to have the quality to be an excellent prospect as a No. 9 in a high pressure system thanks to her mobility and ability to punish the defense in the transition.

Johnson plays as the No. 9 for De Anza 09 ECNL. I believe she played with the 08 team during the ECNL playoffs last season. Great as a back-to-the-goal option. Best attribute of her game is her hold-up and linking play. She likes to get her teammates involved in the play. She makes intelligent runs off the ball and can get downhill in a hurry when she gets in behind the defense. Improving as a one-touch finisher will take her game to the next level. Her tactical intelligence is already off the charts for this level.

Snearly could be classified as a forward/midfielder. She lined up as a winger in the opening game of the ECNL season so we are going to call her a forward for the purpose of positional breakdown. She is the type of player who always knows where the ball is when she is near it and seems to be the first to react to it. She’s quick and keeps close control of the ball. She is excellent at working along the end line to create chances. She has the ball skills of a winger, but she also has the vision of an attacking midfielder. Snearly offers the creativity of a difference-maker in the final third against top defenders. The more you watch Snearly, the more you appreciate what she brings to her side. She can be a playmaker or a finisher. She’s got top potential.

Helmer plays as the center forward for Santa Rosa. She offers a complete package as a No. 9. An option in the link-up, high activity off the ball, a willing defender, and an opportunistic finisher. Helmer is a player who could quickly climb the rankings the rankings this season as she continues to produce against ECNL defenses.

Linville is a winger on the Eagles SC 09 ECNL. She is also part of the Cal South ODP. I’ve mainly seen Linville play as a left winger. The Eagles 09 team is one of the better teams from that club in recent years. Linville is among a dozen players or so on the squad with high level potential. She is always making impactful plays in the game. She is a two-way player. Defensively, she has an innate ability to read the passing lanes from the opposition and does exceptionally well in jumping into those lanes to cut off outlet passes. She thrives in the transition. She has pace, and she is also quick in thought. When everyone is scrambling, Linville is playing with clarity. She can provide the key pass, but she can also take players on with the ball at her feet and create her own chances. As long as Linville continues to refine her game in the final third, there is a high chance she ends up as one of the best wingers in this class.

Moore could be the most dominant player in this class. She played for San Juan during the ECNL playoffs and the impact she had in those games was unreal. Moore regularly plays for Sacramento United in the Girls Academy as well. She is part of the US Youth National Team too. And took part in the Girls Academy National Talent ID. She played as a center forward for San Juan. She is not a full-speed type of forward. She doesn’t do much needless running, but when she does hit full speed no one is catching her. She has excellent technique in ball striking and can score from anywhere inside of 30 yards. With the left foot cannon, Moore already strikes the ball with more power than many college players. The sky is the limit for Moore and she could be the player outside of the top 8 who has the most potential to end up as the No. 1 player in this class.

Carruthers is a center forward for the Beach FC 09 ECNL team. She has been part of the Southern California ODP in the past. She also played for FC New England at the Gothia Cup last summer. She previously played for Eagles SC ECNL. Carruthers immediately jumps off the screen in game film. She’s a tall forward who can play with her back to the goal. She is a long strider so if she gets into the open field and opens up into a full sprint, she is tough to catch. The stride is on full display on her shot too, she has a long windup that result in a powerful strike. She has good technique in using her body to shield the ball. She makes herself as wide as possible. She could improve her first touch. With her potential, she’s going to be playing against defenders soon who punish any mistake or put in a punishing tackle at any opportunity. Carruthers doesn’t have as many accolades as some players in these rankings, but hard to find many players with more potential.

Barajas is a forward for the Eagles SC 09 team. She’s been part of the US Youth National Team Talent ID camps as well as a member of the ODP team for her age group. She plays as a center forward for Eagles. She is an impactful player at the club level. She has a high work rate and is a willing presser. Barajas seems to create a chance for herself every game with her runs off the ball. The Eagles standout has been one of the most dangerous forwards in ECNL.

Denise Cervantes Castro Denise Cervantes Castro F State CA is a left winger for the Beach FC 09 ECNL team. She was part of the US U14 Girls National Team West Regional Mini-Camp earlier this year. She is a left-footed magician. There is a lot to love about her game. The swagger immediately stands out. She is going to break as many ankles this season as she scores goals. Slippery and capable of stopping on a dime, Cervantes is a handful to contain. She isn’t all flash though. She provides a great cross. She also cuts inside and can rip a good shot when given space. Cervantes has star potential.