ECNL PHX: PrepSoccer’s Uncommitted Best XI 

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The first ECNL National Event is in the books. The annual event in Arizona wrapped up on Sunday from the Reach 11 Sports Complex in Phoenix. The event featured some of the top clubs in the country – but it was also missing out quite as few as well. 

The first event of the club season comes during the college soccer postseason so scout attendance is always a last-second decision. Many coaches decided to hop on a flight and make it out for a day or two while quite a few didn’t have that luxury and stayed with their current squads as they prepared for a NCAA tournament run. 

The coaches who made it onto the fields were treated to some high-level soccer across the board. My favorite game of the weekend was the matchup between Solar SC 07 and Michigan Hawks. Two teams with National Championship ambitions – and showing off some key new recruits for both squads. 

That game featured a number of players who had already made their verbal commitments to the next level. However, there were quite a few players from the 2025 class who were uncommitted heading into the weekend that had stellar showings. 

PrepSoccer awards a Best XI from 2025 uncommitted players (plus one 2026) below. Scouting for this Best XI including in-person and post-event game film. 

ECNL PHX PrepSoccer’s Uncommitted Best XI 

GK Cooper Dick Cooper Dick 5'9" | GK Newport Harbor | 2026 CA , Slammers 07 – This is a bit of a stretch since Dick is a 2026, but she had two stellar performances in Arizona that resulted in shutout victories over GSA and Solar. She also made a number of great saves against MVLA. She continues to make noise as one of the goalkeepers scouts must know from that 2026 class. Natalie Leon was a bright spot for Slammers too. 

D Marley Marin, Placer United 07 – Marin helped the Place team go 3-0 in Phoenix. The center back also led her squad to three shutout victories. I thought her performance against SLSG Green was especially noteworthy. She was convincing in her tackles, good at communicating with her teammates, and did well finding her outlet passes when under pressure. Karlee Larson scored a beautiful goal in that game. The forward showed she can make an impact at the highest levels of the club game. Ella Hershey and Molly Newlin were also very good for Placer. Kaniya Destin and Mia Alvarez-Tostado were in goal for the three shutouts. 

D Peyton Duffing, SLSG Navy 07 – Duffing had a stellar showing in Phoenix. I was particularly impressed with her performance against the Sting Dallas Black squad, one of the best teams in the country. She was excellent in the tackle. Duffing has shown the ability this season to get forward from an outside back role and join the attack – both with assists and goals. She has been a key piece of a squad that is full of next level talent so it seems like only a matter of time before she makes her pick for the college level. 

D Kate Hnatek, Slammers FC HB Koge – I believe this is Hnatek’s first season with Slammers – she previously played with Surf. She was excellent at right back for the top squad in the 07 age group. Olivia McPherson was also a standout at defense for Slammers. She played as the right center back for her squad. She is an athletic defender who can strike the ball well and offers a playmaking quality from the role. 

M Alice Lee Alice Lee M State TX , Sting Dallas Black 07 – Lee was one of the top performers from the Sting squad that went 2-0-1 at the event. Her performance in the second half against SLSG Navy was especially noteworthy. Sharp in organizing the midfield, Lee was often giving instructions to teammates. She put in a tackle when needed and did well in keeping possession for her side when on the ball. I loved the body fakes she used to create space in the middle of the field and how it allowed her teammates time to get open for her. Lee is a smart player and that showed from the Showcase.

M Anna Darling Anna Darling M Boerne | 2025 State TX , Classics Elite 07 – Darling is the best tackling defensive midfielder I saw from the ECNL games in Arizona. From a slide tackle to a challenge while keeping her feet, Darling plays with a physical edge to her game that really set the tone. I feel like she’s going to be a four-year starter at the next level because of that mentality. Her performance at the National Event showed what she does well – orchestrating her side with her intelligence and competitiveness. Rylee Reisdorph Rylee Reisdorph F State TX and Mikayla Cunningham Mikayla Cunningham F Alamo Heights | 2027 State TX were outstanding as well. Cunningham is a 2027 who looked like one of the best in the 07 age group. 

M Bricelyn Betts, Sporting Blue Valley 07 – It was a difficult decision picking one player from the Sporting group. They all had noteworthy moments throughout the weekend in Arizona. Megan Walters’ goal against So Cal Blues was exceptional bit of individual skill. Cherry Yu was a key piece of the attack with her play. Presley McMichael and the defense recorded three shutout victories. Nastassja Garrett and Kambree Duker were especially good. Betts gets the nod for her consistency and key passes. Betts was involved in the play during the build-up to most of the goals.

M Shannon Davidson Shannon Davidson M Redondo Union | 2025 State #253 Nation CA , Beach FC 07 – Davidson feels like one of the best uncommitted talents from the 2025 class at this point. This article will probably feel dated quickly when she makes a decision, but this season has been an eye-opening one for scouts keeping tabs on the Beach FC 07 team. New teammate Avery Oder Avery Oder null | F Oaks Christian | 2025 State #10 Nation CA , one of the best players in the country in this class, has opened up the field quite a bit and altered the style of play slightly for Beach. They are not as direct through the center and like to play more through the wings and on the counter. Davidson, who was excellent last season as well, continues to shine. She’s a smart player who can be a star in the midfield early on in college career. The showing in Phoenix was just another example of her quality. Sophia Kwon and Isabella Kaemmerer Isabella Kaemmerer M State CA were also bright spots in the midfield for Beach. Avery Oder Avery Oder null | F Oaks Christian | 2025 State #10 Nation CA and Morgan Farnham Morgan Farnham null | GK State #57 Nation CA lived up to their high rankings. Madeline Herniter and Jennah Black Jennah Black D Torrance | 2026 State CA were exceptional at center back. 

F Payten Cooper Payten Cooper F #201 Nation TX , Solar SC 07 – Cooper is part of the Uber-talented Solar squad. She has been in the spotlight in the past and continues to deserve the attention moving forward. Cooper showed well in Phoenix and made an impact in the games. As far as I can tell, she remains uncommitted. The attacking talent seems like an easy fit for a top program at the next level. She is a plug-and-play type of player. Skill, pace, and determination to win the 1v1 battles on the wing. High energy when on the field to be a contributor off the bench, there is plenty to love about Cooper’s game and she showed all of that and more in Arizona. 

F Brooklyn O’Brien, MVLA 07 – O’Brien stood out against Slammers. The right winger showed off her electric pace and playmaking in the final third early on that game as she set up a number of chances. O’Brien looks to be the real deal from the wing. A gifted player who can take on defenders with either foot, O’Brien was a tough mark in Arizona. She also serves a good ball on the cross. 

F Brooke Holden, Rebels SC 07 – There were a number of worthy candidates from the Rebels team. I thought Sophia May was outstanding and if I didn’t put a limit of one player per team, she would definitely be on this list. Holden earns the spot on the Best XI because I don’t think there was a better center forward at the event. She should be a target for every program – and her showing against Concorde Fire Premier is more than enough to show why. Great in the combination play, can get downhill in a hurry, and a lethal finisher, Holden has all the tools to develop into a top No. 9.