ECNL Playoffs: Champions League 2008 Best XI

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The ECNL playoffs in San Diego wrapped up last week. Check out the <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/?s=ecnl&amp;search-state=national&amp;search-type=Articles">Prep Soccer exclusive coverage from the event here.</a> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below is the Best XI from the 2008 age group Champions League. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["111544"],"_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-686c8f826ff4c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Pittsburgh commit helped her side clinch a spot in Richmond. This is the fourth time [program_tooltip program_id='283723' first='Real' last='Colorado'] has advanced to this stage, a remarkable achievement. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Johnson split time in goal with [player_tooltip player_id='20619' first='Madison' last='Foulke']. The duo combined for two shutout victories as well as a penalty kick win over Solar in the Round of 16. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lilian Osifodunrin was also considered for the Best XI from [program_tooltip program_id='283723' first='Real' last='Colorado']. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["28466"],"_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-686c1031568a0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">XF was the most dominant team at the event. They scored 20 goals and let in three - over the four games. Penn Fusion topped them for goal-differential, but Penn Fusion was sent home in the Round of 16 on a penalty kick shootout. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Whipple earns the spot for XF. The center back, who recently committed to Stanford, put together standout performances in every game for her side. She was the one name that every scout had on a best performer list. There's an argument to be made she has the highest ceiling of any player who played in San Diego. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='28158' first='Ella' last='Bach'], [player_tooltip player_id='28400' first='Saleen' last='Koszorus'], and [player_tooltip player_id='111376' first='Madeline' last='Maves'] were also considered for the Best XI from [program_tooltip program_id='277214' first='XF' last='Academy ECNL']. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["27192"],"_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-686c8f826ffcc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sting Black recorded four shutouts in four games in San Diego. Liner also added a goal and assist in the Round of 16 win over Bethesda. Liner finished the week with a goal and two assists overall. She was a dominant force on the field on both ends. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jaylynn Traver and Tyller Grimes were also considered for the Best XI from Sting Black. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["25672"],"_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-686c8f8270016"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Penn Fusion won three games with 21 goals scored and only one conceded, but a scoreless draw in the Round of 16 and a subsequent PK shootout loss means the end of the season for the squad. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mills had a great week in San Diego. The right center back was especially impressive against San Diego Surf. She was kept close contact with the dynamic attackers and got stuck into challenges when the opportunity was there. She was a major reason for three shutouts from the four games. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='25715' first='Ava' last='Pascarella'] and [player_tooltip player_id='25856' first='Kate' last='Kemmerley'] were also considered for the Best XI from Penn Fusion. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["144757"],"_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-686c8f827005d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I enjoyed watching the Slammers team play. They're a competitive bunch that played for each other. Drago was a top performer at center back. She's a smart defender. The Slammers offside line was sharp and showed well against Slammers Koge in the Round of 16 tilt. She had other moments in that game that proved she's one of the top defenders in this age group. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='112419' first='Ava' last='Voss'] and Bria Moriarty were also considered for the Best XI from Slammers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["265554"],"_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-686c8f82700a3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">It was hard to watch Eagles play in San Diego and not take note of Hogan. It felt like she was all over the field. She covers for teammates, she gets into passing lanes, and she has an endless supply of energy. She has the versatility to be a star in a number of roles at the next level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='82759' first='Kaitlyn' last='Wright'] was also considered for the Best XI from Eagles. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["94676"],"_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-686c8f82700e9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sometimes watching McMurtrie play makes it seem like there are eyes in the back of her head. There is no way she saw the run of Alison Ernst on the opening goal from Hawks in the Round of 16 win, but she still perfectly executed the cutback pass to her teammate for a gorgeous assist. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nina Laba was also considered for the Best XI from Hawks. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["110426"],"_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-686c2fdbda546"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Amireh stood out from the ECNL playoffs for her intelligent play. She was an attacking visionary for her side. She created so many chances with her play - both on and off the ball. Amireh's skill and inspired play helped lead her side to a spot in Richmond. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brennan Moore and Eva Forster were also considered for the Best XI from NC Courage. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["102057"],"_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-686c8f827014b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The PDA midfielder had a terrific performance in the Round of 16 game against the previously unstoppable Penn Fusion side. Chrnelich's play was instrumental in how PDA pressed and dictated the early stages of that game. It ended in a scoreless draw with PDA advancing following a penalty kick shootout. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Amanda Thornton and Anastasia Showler-Little were also considered for the Best XI from PDA. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["82414"],"_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-686c17e3a6c5b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Malinoski is a winner and does all the things that make her team one of the favorites in this age group. In the lone close game of the event for Slammers Koge, Malinoski was instrumental in wasting time and running out the clock late in the contest. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prior to that, she created a handful of chances for her team with her passing. She's a brilliant midfielder who lifts the level of her team with her consistent play. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='112412' first='Jada' last='Faison'], [player_tooltip player_id='82599' first='Kai' last='Fontenot'], and [player_tooltip player_id='19499' first='Ireland' last='Churchill'] were also considered for the Best XI from [program_tooltip program_id='283476' first='Slammers' last='FC'] HB Koge. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["27636"],"_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-686c17e3a6cb6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">McKeen had a terrific showing in San Diego. The VDA forward had four goals for her side to lead the way. She was excellent in the press and dictate the play for her side. She showed the quality to get behind the defense. She was also impressive with her hold-up play and let the wingers have stellar showings around here. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gracie Bobak and Kyndal Shuler were also considered for the Best XI from VDA. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["23525"],"_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-686c2fdbda64a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">DiMaria was the top attacking talent at the event. The SLSG star unleashed seven goals during the three games of group play. An early red card in the Round of 16 tilt was decisive in ending the run for her team, but she still left a big impression on scouts in attendance. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->