ECNL Phoenix National Selection Game Preview

There must be a lot of nervous young soccer players sleeping in Phoenix area hotels this evening as Reach Sports Complex plays host to yet another ECNL showcase. I was at the Winter equivalent of this event back in December and the national selection game was by far the highlight. The quality of play was really high and the atmosphere was incredible. It seemed like the entire showcase came out to watch the young ladies compete their tails off. A couple of names stuck out to me as I was reading the rosters of the players selected to watch out for.   [player_tooltip player_id='282418' first='Sadie' last='Seidel'] (Mustang)- This game will be her coming out party. Probably the biggest stage that she has been exposed to thus far in her young career. Still just an 8th grader, Ms. Seidel is a special young talent. She's an attacking player that can play positions 7-11. Two footed, excellent close control, fast, exceptionally high energy and has a Mamba Mentality. She's been at Youth National Team camps and has been training training with the Oakland Soul in the USLW. She is my early favorite be the #1 ranked 2029 in California. Get ready for a show from this one if not tomorrow, then throughout her career.   [player_tooltip player_id='19625' first='Kai' last='Beary'] (So Cal Blues)- I will be extremely surprised if the young Goalkeeper gets scored on I'll just leave it at that.   [player_tooltip player_id='111097' first='Chloe' last='Miller'] (MVLA)- Coming up a game short of winning a Division 1 state championship in high school this season. I'm sure Miller will be extremely motivated and maybe even a little pissed off to have come so close. Which is not good news for opposition attackers going against her. She's an intimidating force on a soccer field. You talk to players who play against the defender and there is a dread going up against her. Almost a fear. Currently the class of the 2028 graduating class in the entire country. I always look forward to watching her dominate a game.   [player_tooltip player_id='280193' first='Emma' last='Sullivan'] (San Juan)- I am told she is the youngest ever player to get selected for this game. Huge achievement from the young San Juan star. She takes space with the ball really well from her outside back position. She can play on both sides equally as she is equally good with her left foot as she is with her right. Very fast and loves getting forward.   [player_tooltip player_id='19123' first='Ashley' last='Dodson'] (Mustang)- Outstanding technically, moves the ball in possession really well and very aggressive defensively. If she has the opportunity to shoot she will let it fly and watch out if she does.   Being in and scouting mostly California, I am really looking forward to watching young talents that I haven't watched but that I have heard so much about. Ashley Gallagher out of Washington Premier is someone that I hear great things about. Nayashadzashe Chinyadza of the Michigan Hawks is someone that I have high hopes for watching. She's been in US Talent ID Centers and is developing quite the reputation in the Midwest. Paige Kudla who is on her way to Xavier is another one to keep an eye on.   It's going to be a fun one get your popcorn ready!

There must be a lot of nervous young soccer players sleeping in Phoenix area hotels this evening as Reach Sports Complex plays host to yet another ECNL showcase. I was at the Winter equivalent of this event back in December and the national selection game was by far the highlight. The quality of play was really high and the atmosphere was incredible. It seemed like the entire showcase came out to watch the young ladies compete their tails off. A couple of names stuck out to me as I was reading the rosters of the players selected to watch out for.