ECNL Southwest Standouts Boost Stock in 2027 Rankings

The Prep Soccer state rankings for California's 2027 class will be unveiled soon. Prior to the release of the new rankings, here's a look at some of the new names and players rising in our rankings from the top teams in the ECNL Southwest Conference in the 2009 age group.     Speziale is a goalkeeper on the San Diego Surf 09 ECNL team. She previously played for Albion in the Girls Academy. She is also the starting keeper on the Francis Parker Varsity team. Speziale's speciality is her play off her line. She's lightning quick to get off her line on through balls and on crosses. When she's near the ball, she has no hesitation in throwing her body into harm's way to get the ball in her hands. She's also strong in distribution with the ability to ping a pass with either foot. Speziale is a new addition to our rankings with this update, but she is a player who could be a rapid riser in the 2027 class as she takes on a prominent role with one of the top teams in the ECNL.    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_YV2g5FWjpc </div></figure>    Dunn is an unreal athlete. She's a high level recruit in both soccer and lacrosse. One of the most dynamic and fluid attacking talents in California thanks to her ability to take on defenders off either foot, Dunn presents a nightmare scenario for the opposition and the rare quality to open up the attack for her team. San Diego Surf 09 participated in the ECNL Phoenix Spring event in the 08 age group. Dunn's performances against older competition should show college coaches all they need to see from a winger who has the quick feet, skill, and soccer smarts to dominate the game at the next level.     Sistek is a defender on the San Diego Surf 09 ECNL team. She was recently called into the US U16 Women's Youth National Team for a camp at the start of 2025. Sistek's play this season has been outstanding. Her decision-making and passing has put her into the conversation among the best defenders in the country. Unfortunately, she recently sustained an injury that will sideline her for the rest of the calendar year. The injuries have unfortunately been too common on the San Diego Surf 09 squad lately. She should be back to kick off 2026 and will still be one of the smartest defenders in this class.     The goalkeeper position is abundant with top level prospects in the 2027 class. The starting goalkeeper for various youth national teams from all over the world (USA, Italy, Mexico, etc.) all play their club soccer in California. Haro is the leading shot-stopper for Mexico and [program_tooltip program_id='283395' first='Legends' last='FC'] 09 ECNL. She can be a tricky player to scout from game film as the Legends tend to dictate the game and limit chances. I believe she was only credited with a handful of saves during the recent National Event in Phoenix. The aspect of her game that shows more from game film is her work as the outlet for her team with using her feet to recirculate possession from side-to-side. She's very confident in playing the ball with her feet and does well with her footwork to set herself up with multiple options for the next pass. Haro's international experience should have her ready to play immediately at the next level.     Bechtel was already a highly rated player in our rankings, but she has vastly exceeded the lofty projections for the season. She was one of three sophomores named to the 2025 All CIF-SS Open Division team for her play for her high school, Apple Valley. For her club, she's been even better. An unstoppable force at center forward, there is hardly a game when Bechtel doesn't impact the score. Her powerful left foot, unyielding pressure, and relentless competitiveness makes it easy to imagine that she will be the top target for many programs especially considering the position scarcity and direct translation of her skill from the youth game to the next level. Bechtel should be in the running for ECNL Southwest Player of the Year in the 09 age group. She's been that good recently.     Richer is a midfielder on the Legends 09 ECNL team. She also plays for Apple Valley Varsity. She is more an attack minded midfielder, but she can play anywhere in a midfield trio. She's been a bright spot for Legends this season. She has good skill on the ball. She doesn't force passes, but makes good decisions to keep possession from her team. Richer has shown she can compete and impact the game at the highest level of the club game.     Gonzalez is a forward on the Slammers Koge 09 ECNL team. She plays left wing for her club team. She's also plays forward for the Villa Park Varsity team. She was the Offensive Player of the Year for her high school's league. Gonzalez is a finisher from the wing. She can play as the provider off the cross, but her best strength in her ability to score on one-touch around the goal. She's sharp with her off-ball movement and has quick reaction to snap to the ball first in front of her mark. Gonzalez is one of the best finishers among the wingers in this class.     Pappas is a defender/midfielder on the Eagles 09 ECNL team. Eagles is enjoying a stellar season. After starting the campaign with a four-game winning streak, the Camarillo squad battled in the uber competitive Southwest Conference to lock up a playoff spot thanks to winning three of the last five games during the regular season. The Eagles defense deserves a lot of the spotlight. They've been cohesive, determined, and gritty against some of the best attacking talent in the country. Pappas, as an outside back, had a number of outstanding performances. She's a two-way player. She is composed on the ball and capable of breaking pressure off the dribble. She has a good first touch and plays with a purpose. She's strong in 1v1 duels and understands her role well.     Barajas is the center forward on the Eagles 09 ECNL team. She can play on the wing as well. She is capable of beating defenders in a variety of ways. She has excellent balance and strength on the ball. She can hold off defenders in aerial duels and retain possession for her side. She picks the right moments to be selfish and finish off the chances on her own. She had a stellar season for her high school, Buena, as well. She earned a spot on the All-CIF Division 3 team. Barajas continues to climb our rankings thanks to her consistent game-changing plays in the attacking third.    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSSGJz2CKrk </div></figure>

The Prep Soccer state rankings for California's 2027 class will be unveiled soon. Prior to the release of the new rankings, here's a look at some of the new names and players rising in our rankings from the top teams in the ECNL Southwest Conference in the 2009 age group.