ECNL G08 – MVLA wins Conference Championship

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>USE THE PROMO CODE almasin30 for a discount on your first subscription</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It was a beautiful day in Los Altos Hills, California, for an ECNL G08 finale. With my first match of the day, [program_tooltip program_id='283257' first='Bay' last='Area Surf'] took on MVLA at Foothill College's soccer field. It was a rising 70 degrees around game time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Surf came in at 3rd place with a record of 14-6-4, and MVLA was in 1st place at 16-3-4.&nbsp; Both teams played a previous match in November, and MVLA squeaked by with a 2-1 win.&nbsp; It was a high intensity match as the Bay Area Rivalry is always in effect for these two teams.&nbsp; Players have switched sides and it always brings the rivalry level up a notch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1921074537749184693","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1921074537749184693 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the first half, it was a back and forth goal scoring fest with MVLA scoring first.&nbsp; Surf tied the match at 2-2 just before the half.&nbsp; Great passing combos were the norm and clean and sometimes hard challenges occurred with what didn't seem out of the ordinary for a top-level ECNL competition.&nbsp; Although the goal keepers on each side made few key saves, the second half performance by MVLA's goalkeeper ([player_tooltip player_id='275082' first='Bianca' last='Putanec']) made all the difference.&nbsp; She, [player_tooltip player_id='19290' first='Cora' last='Bryant'] (GK), and their defense recorded an impressive 9 shutouts prior to this match.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1921277095528779826","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1921277095528779826 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br>Yet, in the second half, when Putanec was activated, she played lights out.  She is not one to shy away from 1v1's and made at least 2 of them by meeting the attackers near the 18.  Her ability to read the attack is what separates her from other goalkeepers.  This is my third match evaluating her and she has never disappointed.  She also showed her range by going up high and by punching out unswerving crosses from the wings and corner kicks.  She will definitely leave her mark at the National Playoffs in San Diego.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1922873596768108672","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1922873596768108672 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Other MVLA standouts were [player_tooltip player_id='111254' first='Ava' last='Martinez'], [player_tooltip player_id='111255' first='Stella' last='Monberg'], and [player_tooltip player_id='284037' first='Eva' last='Awoyinka'], the Pepperdine commit.  Martinez scored the first two goals and Awoyinka the third and Monberg the fourth.  Worth mentioning are the defensive efforts by [player_tooltip player_id='83851' first='Angie' last='Cao'] and [player_tooltip player_id='83836' first='Taylor' last='Bellotti'].  They helped to lock-down the Surf attack in the second half and secure their first place standing.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1921634319421837522","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1921634319421837522 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are the MVLA goals from 1st - 4th (last)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Goal #1 – By #17 [player_tooltip player_id='111254' first='Ava' last='Martinez'] (2026) - Assist by #22 [player_tooltip player_id='111255' first='Stella' last='Monberg'] (2026)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1922854462164468077","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1922854462164468077 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><br>Goal #2 – By #17 [player_tooltip player_id='111254' first='Ava' last='Martinez'] (2026) from a perfect chip pass.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1922859551176437977","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1922859551176437977 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Goal #3 – By #11 [player_tooltip player_id='284037' first='Eva' last='Awoyinka'] (2026), the Pepperdine Commit.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1922867668715024885","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1922867668715024885 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Goal #4 – By #22 Stella Mondberg (2026) - Started from a corner kick.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1922869562803884110","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1922869562803884110 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Surf standouts were [player_tooltip player_id='20095' first='Reyes' last='Aronson'] who got their first goal and [player_tooltip player_id='82884' first='Lily' last='Bella'], who got their second.  Bella was a former MVLA player.  Both players pressed up high and gave their team multiple chances of scoring, but the stellar play by MVLA's GK Putanec stymied their second half hopes.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are the Surf's goals from 1st and 2nd</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Goal #1 – By #64 [player_tooltip player_id='20095' first='Reyes' last='Aronson'] (2026)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1922856845036687387","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1922856845036687387 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Goal #2 – By #92 [player_tooltip player_id='82884' first='Lily' last='Bella'] (2026)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1922862291789173086","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1922862291789173086 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Overall, it was a very exciting match as both teams showed up for this match. It was the most competitive match I've seen in some time. Both teams qualified for the ECNL National Playoffs in San Diego. It will be a treat for their families and fans as both teams have the potential to do well. Hoping to see one of the Bay Area teams win a cup or two.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["275082"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68258485a7ca4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">When Putanec was activated in the second half, she played lights out.  She is not one to shy away from 1v1's and made at least 2 of them by meeting the attackers near the 18.  Her ability to read the attack is what separates her from other goalkeepers.  This is my third match evaluating her and she has never disappointed.  She also showed her range by going up high and by punching out unswerving crosses from the wings and corner kicks.  She will definitely leave her mark at the National Playoffs in San Diego.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["111254"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68258485a7cff"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">She had a great game as she scored the first 2 goals for MVLA. She picks her runs and finds open pockets. Her ability to place herself in high percentage scoring range is a testament to her ability to scan the field and anticipate the best angels of attack when making runs at goal. She can also make clean and precise passes. The Mississippi commit is poised to have a stellar senior year and give her MVLA team a good showing at the National playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["284037"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68258485a7d49"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Played the right wing position. She effortlessly made runs down the line and dribbled around defenders to make passes across the box and to open players. She scored MVLA's third goal. A pass was sent to the 18. The striker sent it back and eventually Eva got it on the right wing, where she got past a defender before rifling it off the GK's hands</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["111255"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68258485a7d8d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the best players I've seen playing with her back against a defender. Her ability to make cuts and hold off defenders on her hip shows her strength and technique. She leads most of the attack from that position and can turn up the field as quickly as the ball is being served. She got the final goal to put the icing on the cake and give MVLA another Conference Championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>If you are interested in signing up with Prep Soccer, USE THE PROMO CODE almasin30 for a discount on your first subscription.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1901345676673610217","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1901345676673610217 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed -->