ECNL VA Review - Beach FC 09 Boys Showcase Firepower Over Weekend

With all the excitement of the high school postseason in full swing for Virginia, it's notable that several of the Premier teams in the state would still be showcasing in ECNL events.  Nonetheless, Memorial Day Weekend was circled on the calendar for three Beach FC teams to travel up to their state capitol in Richmond and fend off the nation's best that planned to make a stand at ECNL Virginia.   In a weekend full of ups and downs, the story was no different for Beach FC's 2009 Boys. Conditional factors such as slick pitches and rain shortened matches influenced results all across the 09 Boys division. Some squads were able to overcome the challenges that were present beyond just playing their games, while others truly had to work to stay competitive within their brackets.   Safe to say the Beach 09 squad kept things interesting through their three matches, coming away a tough loss, a convincing win, and a hard fought draw on the final day. It seemed like all weekend this was the team that guaranteed the fireworks and the back and forth action most consistently, and while some would argue that isn't a good thing, it did keep those watching entertained.   <figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped"> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/06/beachb09.3.jpg?1717426362" alt="" class="wp-image-177569" /></figure> </figure>   While the team didn't put away a staggering number of goals, there were numerous chances to be had by the likes of their attacking midfielders and forwards. Landon Eberle and Jean-Pierre Bile did a large amount of heaving lifting in this area, finishing chances or being involved in their creation through the build up. It was notable as well that this squad did not operate quite like their older counterparts we observed, playing with target forwards and quite direct at times to gain space and advantage to press.   This was evident through Bile and how he operated during matches. Often times he was isolated and allowed to take on players 1v1 at the top, winning numerous battles and creating havoc for opposing center backs. This approach saw him find the net twice in their win against Match Fit united, first in the opening 5 minutes to equalize after an early gift, and then to bring his side level once again on a difficult tap in that he deftly roofed into the net to ensure it wouldn't be blocked.   <figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped"> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/06/beach09.5_003339.jpg?1717429492" alt="" class="wp-image-177571" /></figure> </figure>   His size offers him the grace from smaller defenders who aren't quite sure how to approach him, while his speed offers space to create and combine with Eberle and other midfielders and then get forward once again. He is an ideal center forward, and displays a quality first touch and a good range of passing skills that you desire from a player of that style. He is also adept aerially, able to win a high ball in a crowd and direct it toward teammates.   While Bile is a pivot player, Eberle operates as an engine for this group and regularly is involved in nearly every attack they attempt. This was evident from minute one, creating a half-chance for a teammate at the outset against Western New York Flash, all the way to finding the equalizer in the dying minutes against Lehigh Valley United in their final match of the weekend. Quick and decisive with the ball at his feet, he calmly isolates opponents to make a move and go by them, often resulting in open space for him to look up and make quality decisions. Alternatively within the midfield, he is strong in his passes and his movement to create 1-2s is good as he is always looking to get back on the ball.   His forward thinking attitude allowed him the opportunity to shine during these matches, finding the net twice with his head, the latter mentioned against Lehigh Valley, as well as a towering match winner versus Match Fit from a corner, Eberle snaking through the crowd to power the ball home. He would be involved in securing that match as well, with Beach's 4th goal coming from his cross after an impressive run past two defenders, both who attempted to bring him down, before swinging his foot through the ball just before the end line and finding the head of his teammate.   The potential available in Beach's attack showed out across their two front lines and made it feel as though there was always a goal at the end of attacks. Alec Clifton provided a much needed jolt every time he was inserted into the lineup, attacking in between the lines and setting up chances by combining with Bile and Eberle. His physicality was a large factor in his play, with a willingness to put his body into another player and push through standing tackles that others might back out of.   <figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped"> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/06/beach09.6.jpg?1717430671" alt="" class="wp-image-177576" /></figure> </figure>   This complimented other players like Nathan Lagbo, a shifty outside forward who brandished an unsuspecting style of press, resulting in him picking his opponents pockets repeatedly and even finding himself on the score sheet against NY Flash. Lagbo would often find combination with [player_tooltip player_id='219747' first='Wheeler' last='Howes'], an intense number 8 who truly pushed box to box and made his presence felt against their opponents, winning several tackles in the midfield and orchestrating the defense and attack in transition effectively. His passing also impressed, as he repeatedly found the players who could most effectively push the ball forward with deft and incisive balls both in the air and on the ground.   Defensively, Marek Barnett and [player_tooltip player_id='219749' first='John' last='Olansen'] the side with resolve and nerve on the back line. Barnett was on it from the get go, winning tackles and taking possession to get his team moving the other way, and displayed the ability to play quality passes both in the air and along the ground to teammates so they could receive them in quality positions. Olansen made the wide side his playground, creating combinations up and down the touchline and not allowing the opposition to get in behind where it could be prevented. He was diligent in his timing and overlapping runs, and found himself involved in a number of attacks.   The best net play came from Owen Lamont. Lamont was decisive and loud when called upon, and his presence was felt as soon as he stepped into the penalty area. With a large frame and willingness to do what's needed in the role, he excelled at keeping shots out of the net, providing Beach with several much needed lifelines in the matches where they secured points.   <figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped"> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/06/beach09.2.jpg?1717432245" alt="" class="wp-image-177578" /></figure> </figure>

With all the excitement of the high school postseason in full swing for Virginia, it's notable that several of the Premier teams in the state would still be showcasing in ECNL events. Nonetheless, Memorial Day Weekend was circled on the calendar for three Beach FC teams to travel up to their state capitol in Richmond and fend off the nation's best that planned to make a stand at ECNL Virginia.