California players to watch in ECNL U17 first round

Games three and four at the ECNL National Finals in Richmond Virginia kick off this afternoon, and feature three teams from California. LAFC and San Diego Surf will face one another while Mustang SC will face Tennessee SC. Here are players from the three California teams to keep an eye on today.   [player_tooltip player_id='174875' first='Jake' last='Basinet'], Forward, San Diego Surf   Basinet likes to get on his favorite left foo as he cuts in nicely and can get a shot off very quickly. He can use both feet, equally, and scores plenty with his right foot, but his left foot is lethal. He is a true goal-scorer, putting himself in the best positions to be dangerous or to get on the end of a ball. Basinet is a very fast and strong player, who gives defenders fits.   [player_tooltip player_id='6881' first='Abdiel' last='Espinoza'], Central Midfielder, San Diego Surf   Espinoza has one of the most dangerous right foots in the entire state of California. He scores from distance, as a No. 8 often has to, and does so with precision and power. He buries shots in the upper V's, and he can power a shot past a keeper. He also shows great instincts, as he is in the right spot at the right time. He also continues runs when it seems there is nothing there, and because of those great instincts, ends up being on the end of a ball played into the area.   [player_tooltip player_id='59950' first='Efrain' last='Linares'], Central Defender, LAFC   Linares is not flashy when you see him play or watch his film. He is as consistent a defender who you will see and his teammates know they can depend on him. He likes to sit deep and keep the play in front of him as he likes to be aware at all times. He does not take unnecessary risks and when he makes a challenge, it is calculated. When he steps for a ball, it's because he knows he can win it. He supports his teammates well and does not overcommit as to leave them hung out to dry.   [player_tooltip player_id='54722' first='Daniel' last='Prentice'], Central Defender, LAFC   Prentice is a defender who looks to be very comfortable on the ball and has clearly worked hard to have great technical skills. He is calm and poised, and plays the ball really well, usually with perfect weight and pinpoint accuracy. He seems to be able to break lines and put the ball right where it needs to be as a teammate moves into space. He's a clean and tidy defender, as he wins 1v1 battles cleanly and with ease.   [player_tooltip player_id='8272' first='Matthew' last='Rajecki'], Midfielder/Defender, Mustang SC   Rajecki shows great vision when playing as a midfielder, playing a great ball when helping his team build up in the attack. When he's in the back four, he analyzes the pitch well and understands what is unfolding in front of him. He fills passing lanes and makes it hard for teams to break down the defense, and he shows great instincts no matter what position he is playing. He is unafraid to make a challenge and is excellent at winning balls in the middle of the pitch.   [player_tooltip player_id='167013' first='Ronan' last='Rattigan'], Forward, Mustang SC   Rattigan takes joy in creating for himself and teammates and loves to take defenders on. He runs well with the ball at his feet, and is also very skilled at moving off the ball as he makes well-time runs or finds unoccupied space where he can be effective. He is always looking to represent an attacking threat.   [player_tooltip player_id='54723' first='Charlie' last='Rosenthal'], Forward, LAFC   Rosenthal, at times, can be a one-man wrecking crew against central defenders. He is fast and physical and seemingly can run right through them. He also angles his body well and makes space for runs where there otherwise is not space. He's very clever in terms of how and where he makes his runs and finishes one-time as well as any striker you will see. An out-and-out No. 9, Rosenthal is lethal in 1v1 situations and finishes so neatly and cooly.   [player_tooltip player_id='7978' first='Joshua' last='Santiago'], Outside Defender, LAFC   Santiago is a very special talent playing on the right side, defensively. He is an attack-minded right back who looks to push up at all times. He's incredibly fast, incredibly gifted with the ball at his feet as he can weave in and out of traffic. He plays with speed and strength as you can see he is a next level player when you watch him play.

Games three and four at the ECNL National Finals in Richmond Virginia kick off this afternoon, and feature three teams from California. LAFC and San Diego Surf will face one another while Mustang SC will face Tennessee SC. Here are players from the three California teams to keep an eye on today.