Goalkeeping Brilliance: ECNL Boys National Playoffs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's an accomplishment for any team to qualify for the ECNL National Playoffs but it is a feat to make it to the Finals. Raising the ECNL National Championship trophy is on everyone's mind this week while they push through group play or battle head-to-head in the brackets. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One thing is for certain; no team is going to be crowned champions without an elite goalkeeper. There are hundreds of GK's competing this week and looking to make a name for themselves. Some of the best keepers make big mistakes at inopportune times and some of the most inexperienced, can have the match of their lives. There is no doubt that the top GK's in the country have the skill, soccer IQ, athleticism and experience to put on a show but along with all the preparation, there is a bit of chance involved. Some shots are simply unstoppable while others can be saved by any great GK every time. You just hope the latter occurs more!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The goalkeeping production has been stellar in the first few days at Nationals. As these boys warm up, we are going to see some special performances down the stretch from the GK group.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are six goalkeepers that have had fantastic showings so far:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["289530"],"_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-685cb7f8194c6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gage uses his length and athleticism to make difficult reaction saves. He has the ability to get low quickly despite his height and Lambert's 1v1 game is on point. He has the quickness to force attackers into beneficial angles and the size to force errant shots. He is aggressive when needed and calm and calculated when receiving the attack. Gage can lead his team to big wins, and he will look to finish strong with a win versus LVU Rush on Saturday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":289599,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Callum Gelvezon","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'8u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"100","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Liberty","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Ohio Premier ECNL","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-685d739c3fc73"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gelvezon is a strong GK who has a significant command presence. He directs the defense with confidence and uses his physicality when the ball is in the box. Callum has good hands and works to control the ball. His clearances are powerful and can flip the field if needed. His continued growth at the GK position will make him one to watch in the coming years. A bounce back win against LV Heat Surf on the 28th will secure a fantastic showing at this year's National Playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["14267"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":289604,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-685da2f308205"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Markin is a talented goalkeeper that has many tools at his disposal. He judges the ball flight at an elite level and high points very well. Louis distributes skillfully through the back and is consistent with strong clearances. He has great hands and exceptional ball control under pressure. The Charlotte SA keeper makes the big saves when called upon. He will need to come up big against Tennessee SC in game #3 if they are going to have an opportunity to move on from Group N.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Landon Blanchard","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'2u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"100","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Palo Verde","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Las Vegas Heat Surf SC ECNL","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-685daa8a5a9b8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the top GK's in the B07/06 Champions League bracket is Blanchard. He consistently makes first class saves that would make anyone's highlight reel pop. His ability to get low with his elite quickness causes attackers to think twice about where to place the ball. Those seconds are all he needs to make a calculated save. Landon can get to all 4 corners of the goal from almost any position. He is a flyer and shows no concern for his own body when making legit top corner saves. His distribution with throws and kicks keep his opponents guessing. Landon and his LV Heat Surf are making a strong run for the 'ship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":289608,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Colton Miller","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"100","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"Beach FC (CA) ECNL B10","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-685daa8a5aa53"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Miller is the field general of his defense. He uses his booming voice to dictate movements and set transitions back to defense smoothly. Colton also has formidable clearances that demand attention from his opponents. He possesses confidence in his shot stopping abilities and organizes defensive set pieces well. His Beach FC B10's are looking to continue their winning ways v. Davis Legacy and Atlanta Fire United in the coming days.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["211823"],"_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-685dc99818e74"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Max is a high energy keeper that makes the heart pounding saves while deflating his opponents in the process. His reaction saves are superb from close range, and he has any shots from distance calculated precisely. Pocsik is vocal from the box and his team is confident in his abilities. Max has the potential to excel at the next level with his work ethic and passion on the pitch. The Dallas Texans Academy B08's are on a tear in Group J and are looking to move on to the ECNL Boys National Finals in Richmond next month.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Follow <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prep_soccer/">@prep_soccer</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/prepsoccerpnw/">@prepsoccerpnw</a> on Instagram and <a href="https://x.com/coldbrew25">@coldbrew25</a> on X for continued coverage of the ECNL Boys National Playoffs! Keep Grinding!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->