ECNL Boys Texas: Five Players to Watch
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The ECNL Boys League is bringing one of its national events to Texas this week, with three days of action set to take place in Round Rock, just outside Austin, from Friday to Sunday. The showcase was designed for the…
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Continue ReadingThe ECNL Boys League is bringing one of its national events to Texas this week, with three days of action set to take place in Round Rock, just outside Austin, from Friday to Sunday.
The showcase was designed for the U16 and U17 age groups and 90 teams from across the country will be playing at the Round Rock Multipurpose Complex and the Old Settles Park over the next three days – the home state will be represented by 32 of these sides.
Prep Soccer Texas will be in Round Rock covering the event on Friday and Saturday, but before we get there, let’s take a look at five players from the Lone Star State who have what it takes to have solid displays in the event:
Alexander Hart
Alexander Hart
Hart will play a major role in the backline for Rise SC in their matches against San Juan SC, MVLA and the Colorado Rapids. Typically deployed at right back, he’s a very solid defensive player, who shuts down his side of the field and strongly contributes to the success of their backline. Hart plays with great energy on defense and is very good at putting pressure on opponents and pushing them away from the penalty box. He’s also intelligent to tuck inside when plays are developing on the opposite side to give his team an advantage inside the penalty box. The outside back is not one to push forward very often, but is very precise with his passes and crosses when he does.
Sullivan will be a solid option at center back for Solar SC Academy 07 as they are ready to meet Placer United, COSC and Arizona Arsenal in this week’s event. He was playing for the Colorado Rapids at the MLS Next level, but recently returned to Solar, giving them more depth at center back. A left-footed defender, Sullivan reads the game very well and thrives with his excellent positioning when defending inside the penalty box or further up in the field. He’s very calm in possession, contributing to the team’s buildup, but often sees the opportunity of advancing the ball more directly with a long pass and is very efficient at connecting them.
Highlights
Diego Torres Solis
Diego Torres Solis
Solis will appear for Lonestar SC 08 Red in their matches against Arizona Arsenal, Colorado Rapids and Santa Rosa United. A defender with good physical and technical tools, he can also play as a left back or midfielder. Solis uses his size well to win physical duels and to intercept long passes, but is also mobile enough to chase attackers away from the penalty box. A lefty, he has good quality on the ball and likes to push forward from his left-sided center back role when he has a chance. The defender is very precise with his passes and also does a very good job of sending the ball into the penalty box from long-distance free kicks.
Daniel Aguilar
Daniel Aguilar
Aguilar and his FC Dallas 08 Red team are set to meet Davis Legacy, Real Colorado National and San Diego Surf in this weekend’s event. A six-footer, he has a strong presence as a defensive midfielder and works hard to shield the team’s backline and win the ball. Aguilar’s game-changing abilities are connected to his offense as he’s excellent in possession. The defensive midfielder is very effective when getting the balls from the center backs to initiate plays, but also has the vision to connect long passes out of the blue and find teammates in good spots up higher in the field. Because of his passing and his ability to finish from distance, he’s also productive in the final third.
Lehner will be an important weapon for Albion Hurricanes FC 08 when they play SDSC Surf, Placer United and Real Colorado National. He’s a versatile offensive player, who can operate more underneath a striker, connecting with his teammates in combination plays, as the striker himself, facilitating plays with his holdup, or wider, beating opponents with pace and dribbling. A very good finisher, Lehner also has a great presence inside the penalty box in corner kicks, often scoring off of headers. He’s also very disciplined and determined, tracking back to help the team on defense.