ECNL Phoenix Day 3 High Performers

It was a wonderful day here in Phoenix for the 3rd and final day of this showcase. The competition was surprisingly high considering it was the 3rd game in 3 days for many of these young athletes. One thing is very clear to me the women's game is in great hands. There is so much talent in this country. It is a testament to the whole ecosystem from grassroots all the way up to college and pro.    Playing a year up for La Roca Facer was impressive against the Arizona Royals. She is a commanding presence that clears her lines well and made a number of impressive saves. Her drop kicks really caught my eye as she blasted them well past the half way line.     How this girl is not a shoe-in for the USA Youth National Team is mind-boggling to me. What is the criteria for a defender to make this squad? She is so fast, so strong, reads the game so well and can pick out any pass from the back line. She also does an excellent job driving forward into space and is really astute at poking balls away from attackers. She has a package of tools that I just have not seen from a girl in her age group. Call her up!     Pfeiffer is such a smooth, calm and collected young player. I don't know if I've seen her take a bad first touch. She dictates play from her attacking midfield role exceptionally well.     She scored two great goals today for her Slammers side. She was wreaking havoc for the Ohio Premier defense all game. Charging forward on the dribble and a pest on the press.     It is always tough playing against the defending national champions in Slammer HB Koge. But Clifton impressed me with her competitive spirit and tenacious work rate. She was Ohio's Premier biggest threat offensively. It would be interesting to watch her in a game where her team has a little more of the ball to see what she can do.     Masterclass performance from Cowen against San Juan today. Two goals and 1 assist for the #4 ranked player in Michigan. She is a very technical player who can beat you in a variety of ways. She has a very bright future ahead.       Another fantastic performance from the young Michigan Hawks star. She scored a good goal and showed why she is Prep Soccer's #1 ranked 2028 player in Michigan. She played really well in the National Selection and she continued that momentum in this one against San Juan.     Playing up is one thing. Playing up on the best team in the country and being a significant contributor is another. Rodriguez put in a great shift for Slammer HB Koge in their game against Ohio Premier. She was having her way out there against older opponents. It will be fascinating to see how this young one's career unfolds. Watch out!     Captaining a team where you are the youngest player doesn't happen for no reason. Travers put in another fantastic performance for [program_tooltip program_id='283257' first='Bay' last='Area Surf'] against So Cal Blues today. She just never seems like she is under any threat as her positioning and timing are top notch. Her decision making is incredibly mature for a 2010 born player.     Bellotti is as solid as they come at the right full back position. Super consistent player you know exactly what you're going to get every time. She bombs forward into the attack, connects passes and whips in good crosses. Defensively she is very difficult to beat and is not scared of getting stuck in or putting her body on the line. Big fan.     She scored a sweet game winning free kick for MVLA against Legends. She is a midfield general who like most MVLA players is amazing in possession. Her off ball movement is really good which creates space for her to operate in. She's the kind of player you can build your team around.     She showed why she is ranked so highly as the [program_tooltip program_id='283257' first='Bay' last='Area Surf'] midfielder not only scored a goal but really pulled the strings for her side against So Cal Blues. I've watched Vera on a number of occasions and she continues to impress with her game IQ, high energy and no nonsense physicality on defense.     Yu was excellent against So Cal Blues today. She is really calm in possession and uses a ton of hesitation moves to open up space for herself. She has a fantastic ability to dribble into progressive passes.     Laird scored a good goal for her [program_tooltip program_id='283257' first='Bay' last='Area Surf'] 2010 side on the way to victory against So Cal Blues. Laird was dangerous whenever she was in the game causing problems with her north to south dribbling and definitely isn't scared to let it rip from range. Definitely one to watch in the next few years.     Impressive athletic profile who can play anywhere on the field and thrive. She was preferred as a winger in this showcase which is quite the change of pace from her usual center back position. She has transitioned seamlessly as she got two assists and a goal from the weekends games. You can hear the chatter about her from college coaches on the sideline whenever she makes a play. High ceiling division 1 and beyond talent.

It was a wonderful day here in Phoenix for the 3rd and final day of this showcase. The competition was surprisingly high considering it was the 3rd game in 3 days for many of these young athletes. One thing is very clear to me the women's game is in great hands. There is so much talent in this country. It is a testament to the whole ecosystem from grassroots all the way up to college and pro.