Utah Royals and MVLA earn a spot in the Elite Eight - ECNL G09

USE THE PROMO CODE almasin30 for a discount on your first subscription   This was by far the most exciting tournament I've been a part of.  Imagine being a player at this EPIC event.  They are so close at achieving one of the highest awards in youth soccer. Each group started with 44 teams and now it is down to the final eight teams competing for a National Title.  I've seen a lot of soccer, but this is definitely on the top of my soccer list.  Super excited and grateful to have covered these two teams this season on multiple occasions.  Both teams have the talent, drive, and determination to win the NATTY!   With the top-level talent on each side, it is easy to forget that a lot of their success is due to the commitment and sacrifices their coaches and trainers made to get them to this point. Many of the players are ranked in the top 25 in both California and Arizona. Some are even ranked in the top 10 nationally. A few are national team call-ups. Their style of play also factors into each team's success. Mainly the goalkeepers on both sides are some of the best I've seen in the tournament and in prior matches. MVLA only gave up one goal in group play. The dynamic duo of Anneliese and [player_tooltip player_id='111094' first='Sophia' last='Malloy'] is a force to be reckoned with. [player_tooltip player_id='112166' first='Avellina' last='Saunders'] of the Royals played lights out against a highly rated VDA team. She literally won that game for her team and is a huge part of getting them to the final rounds.    The Utah Royals advanced to the Elite Eight by winning their 7/1/25 match against Solar SC by a score of 3-1.  In group play they were (2-0-1).   <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/1940230544819957859 </div></figure>   Standouts for the Royals are [player_tooltip player_id='112158' first='Kate' last='Edrington'], [player_tooltip player_id='278046' first='Kylie' last='Tang'], [player_tooltip player_id='112166' first='Avellina' last='Saunders'], and [player_tooltip player_id='112243' first='Maryn' last='Pratt'].  They await seeding and an Elite Eight Schedule.   [player_tooltip player_id='112158' first='Kate' last='Edrington'] continues to improve every game. Her ability to take and execute feedback from her coaches is what makes her a solid player. She is part of the defensive backline which kept their team in every match of the tournament. Kate is a smart player with a high soccer IQ. She can anticipate the attack and place herself in the best angle for stopping runs into the 18. She can make clean tackles in or around the box and she isn't afraid to make contact when challenging 50/50s. Edrington is a high level player who combines technique, scanning, and determination as her keys to success.    [player_tooltip player_id='112158' first='Kate' last='Edrington'] continues to improve every game. Her ability to take and execute feedback from her coaches is what makes her a solid player. She is part of the defensive backline which kept their team in every match of the tournament. Kate is a smart player with a high soccer IQ. She can anticipate the attack and place herself in the best angle for stopping runs into the 18. She can make clean tackles in or around the box and she isn't afraid to make contact when challenging 50/50s. Edrington is a high level player who combines technique, scanning, and determination as her keys to success.    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/KateEdrington/status/1939186581296075126 </div></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='278046' first='Kylie' last='Tang'] (2028) plays as box-to-box midfielder. Although she can track back to make win backs, her strength is on the offensive side of the pitch. Her ability to make cutbacks and slice through defenses helps her team to get into scoring positions. She finds open pockets in the defense and makes precise passes to runners taking diagonal and overlapping runs. She seems comfortable playing up a level and her competitive drive is what stands out as she plays at a high level on both ends of the pitch.    Plays as box-to-box midfielder. Although she can track back to make win backs, her strength is on the offensive side of the pitch. Her ability to make cutbacks and slice through defenses helps her team to get into scoring positions. She finds open pockets in the defense and makes precise passes to runners taking diagonal and overlapping runs. She seems comfortable playing up a level and her competitive drive is what stands out as she plays at a high level on both ends of the pitch.    [player_tooltip player_id='112166' first='Avellina' last='Saunders'] (2029) is simply amazing. She's a top level goalkeeper and she might be the best in the tournament. Her ability to make stops at all angles of attack sets her apart from the rest.    [player_tooltip player_id='112166' first='Avellina' last='Saunders'] of the Royals played lights out against a highly rated VDA team. She literally won that game for her team and is a huge part of getting them to the final rounds. She's a top level goalkeeper and she might be the best in the tournament. Her ability to make stops at all angles of attack sets her apart from the rest. She can also go up high to make clears as well as take on players in 1v1's in the box.    <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/1940294129432633853 </div></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='112243' first='Maryn' last='Pratt'] (2028) is another key player on the defensive side. She plays well with the other CB ([player_tooltip player_id='112158' first='Kate' last='Edrington']). They seem to have a type of chemistry usually seen with players having played together for more than 5 years. She is ranked #1 in AZ and #1 in Position as a defender. She can also make transitional runs to boost the offense. Maryn was called to the U15 USYNT earlier in October for Camp in Portland, OR. She is definitely a key piece to the Royals success on defense and it will be great to see her get opportunities for team USA.    Maryn is another key player on the defensive side. She plays well with the other CB ([player_tooltip player_id='112158' first='Kate' last='Edrington']). They seem to have a type of chemistry usually seen with players having played together for more than 5 years. She is ranked #1 in AZ and #1 in Position as a defender. She can also make transitional runs to boost the offense. Maryn was called to the U15 USYNT earlier in October for Camp in Portland, OR. She is definitely a key piece to the Royals success on defense and it will be great to see her get opportunities for team USA.    The MVLA Gunners have an impressive record of (21-1-8). Their record in Group Play was (2-0-1). They won their match against [program_tooltip program_id='283395' first='Legends' last='FC'] on 7/1/25.   <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/1940234565765013588 </div></figure>   Standouts for the Gunners are [player_tooltip player_id='111097' first='Chloe' last='Miller'], [player_tooltip player_id='111087' first='Anneliese' last='Braun'], [player_tooltip player_id='111090' first='Teagan' last='Kaefer'], and [player_tooltip player_id='146242' first='Allison' last='Park'].   [player_tooltip player_id='111097' first='Chloe' last='Miller'](2028) played rock solid throughout the group stage and when it mattered most. Her strengths are in making clean tackles in or near the 18, cutting off runs to the box, and for commanding the backline. She is not only the #1 in CA, the #1 in position, but she is also ranked #1 in the nation by Prep Soccer. I look forward to seeing her have a breakout season as a sophomore at Archbishop Mitty and hope to see her on future USYN teams sooner rather than later.   [player_tooltip player_id='111087' first='Anneliese' last='Braun'] is one half of the dynamic duo with [player_tooltip player_id='111094' first='Sophia' last='Malloy']. Both players also split time in the goal when playing on the Saint Francis Varsity soccer team. Both players have similar styles of shot blocking abilities and both can go up high and make horizontal diving saves when needed. Both are in the USYNT pool and they should have many opportunities in the future in wearing the red, white, and blue.   Teagan Kaeger is another key component to the MVLA backline. She works well with [player_tooltip player_id='111097' first='Chloe' last='Miller'] and can make key stops near the 18 and in the penalty area. I've also covered her in a few ECNL matches as well as during the high school season, where she was a standout at Los Gatos High School. She is kind of like a field general; she is always making sure her teammates are focused and ready to stop.   [player_tooltip player_id='146242' first='Allison' last='Park'] played consistently throughout the opening round. She is one of the team's top scorers. When she's not in a position to score, she will make a clean pass for the assist. I really like her motor which seems to be running at 3rd gear, but easily can get to 4th and 5th with a quick switch. Her change of pace is what makes her stand out. She is always ready to make hard runs at goal and fire off rocket shots when an opening presents itself. Her ability to score in tough situations will be needed for her team to continue to advance.    She played consistently throughout the opening round. She is one of the team's top scorers. When she's not in a position to score, she will make a clean pass for the assist. I really like her motor which seems to be running at 3rd gear, but easily can get to 4th and 5th with a quick switch. Her change of pace is what makes her stand out. She is always ready to make hard runs at goal and fire off rocket shots when an opening presents itself. Her ability to score in tough situations will be needed for her team to continue to advance.

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This was by far the most exciting tournament I've been a part of. Imagine being a player at this EPIC event. They are so close at achieving one of the highest awards in youth soccer. Each group started with 44 teams and now it is down to the final eight teams competing for a National Title. I've seen a lot of soccer, but this is definitely on the top of my soccer list. Super excited and grateful to have covered these two teams this season on multiple occasions. Both teams have the talent, drive, and determination to win the NATTY!

With the top-level talent on each side, it is easy to forget that a lot of their success is due to the commitment and sacrifices their coaches and trainers made to get them to this point. Many of the players are ranked in the top 25 in both California and Arizona. Some are even ranked in the top 10 nationally. A few are national team call-ups. Their style of play also factors into each team's success. Mainly the goalkeepers on both sides are some of the best I've seen in the tournament and in prior matches. MVLA only gave up one goal in group play. The dynamic duo of Anneliese and Sophia Malloy Sophia Malloy GK Saint Francis | 2028 State #140 Nation CA is a force to be reckoned with. Avellina Saunders Avellina Saunders GK #5 Nation AZ of the Royals played lights out against a highly rated VDA team. She literally won that game for her team and is a huge part of getting them to the final rounds.

The Utah Royals advanced to the Elite Eight by winning their 7/1/25 match against Solar SC by a score of 3-1. In group play they were (2-0-1).

Team Spotlight: Utah Royals FC-AZ - G09/U16 - Advances to the Elite Eight - Record in Group Play (2-0-1) - They won Solar SC in the Round of 16 - Next up is a 7/18/25 match at the ECNL Finals in Richmond, VA. pic.twitter.com/TQMNYjMgAf
— Robert Almasin (@BayAreaSocScout) July 2, 2025

Standouts for the Royals are Kate Edrington Kate Edrington 5'8" | D Mountain Ridge | 2027 State AZ , Kylie Tang Kylie Tang 5'7" | M/F Punahou School | 2028 State #62 Nation AZ , Avellina Saunders Avellina Saunders GK #5 Nation AZ , and Maryn Pratt Maryn Pratt D State #166 Nation AZ . They await seeding and an Elite Eight Schedule.

Kate Edrington Kate Edrington 5'8" | D Mountain Ridge | 2027 State AZ continues to improve every game. Her ability to take and execute feedback from her coaches is what makes her a solid player. She is part of the defensive backline which kept their team in every match of the tournament. Kate is a smart player with a high soccer IQ. She can anticipate the attack and place herself in the best angle for stopping runs into the 18. She can make clean tackles in or around the box and she isn't afraid to make contact when challenging 50/50s. Edrington is a high level player who combines technique, scanning, and determination as her keys to success.

Kate Edrington

AZ #17

D #7

HEIGHT 5'8"

POS D

CLASS 2027

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Kate Edrington

State: Arizona

School: Mountain Ridge

Club: Utah Royals FC-AZ ECNL G09

Highlights

🏆 Sunday - game 3 of #ECNLplayoffs vs @SeattleUnited 💪 #defense #UtahRoyals #lovemyteam @UtahRoyalsFC @ECNLgirls @PrepSoccer @TopPreps @hpu_wsoc @TopDrawerSoccer @TheSoccerWire @ImYouthSoccer @nxt1sports @Sports_Recruits @SportPrepX @SunilSportsNews @SoCalGirlSoccer… pic.twitter.com/GqwCY8op94
— Kate Edrington • 2027 ECNL (@KateEdrington) June 29, 2025

Kylie Tang Kylie Tang 5'7" | M/F Punahou School | 2028 State #62 Nation AZ (2028) plays as box-to-box midfielder. Although she can track back to make win backs, her strength is on the offensive side of the pitch. Her ability to make cutbacks and slice through defenses helps her team to get into scoring positions. She finds open pockets in the defense and makes precise passes to runners taking diagonal and overlapping runs. She seems comfortable playing up a level and her competitive drive is what stands out as she plays at a high level on both ends of the pitch.

Kylie Tang

M/F

HEIGHT 5'7"

POS M/F

CLASS 2028

View Player

Kylie Tang

State: Arizona

School: Punahou School

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Highlights

Avellina Saunders Avellina Saunders GK #5 Nation AZ (2029) is simply amazing. She's a top level goalkeeper and she might be the best in the tournament. Her ability to make stops at all angles of attack sets her apart from the rest.

Avellina Saunders

POS GK

CLASS 2028

View Player

Avellina Saunders

State: Arizona

Club: Utah Royals AZ ECNL

Utah Royals and MVLA earn a spot in the Elite Eight – ECNL G09 Utah Royals and MVLA earn a spot in the Elite Eight – ECNL G09 of the Royals played lights out against a highly rated VDA team. She literally won that game for her team and is a huge part of getting them to the final rounds. She's a top level goalkeeper…

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Highlights

Player Spotlight: Avellina Saunders (2029) - Utah Royals FC-AZ - G09 - Saunders played lights out against a highly rated VDA team. She literally won that match by making more than 6 key stops. Her team has made it to the Elite Eight - 🥅 pic.twitter.com/Dd72GKXqBt
— Robert Almasin (@BayAreaSocScout) July 2, 2025

Maryn Pratt Maryn Pratt D State #166 Nation AZ (2028) is another key player on the defensive side. She plays well with the other CB ( Kate Edrington Kate Edrington 5'8" | D Mountain Ridge | 2027 State AZ ). They seem to have a type of chemistry usually seen with players having played together for more than 5 years. She is ranked #1 in AZ and #1 in Position as a defender. She can also make transitional runs to boost the offense. Maryn was called to the U15 USYNT earlier in October for Camp in Portland, OR. She is definitely a key piece to the Royals success on defense and it will be great to see her get opportunities for team USA.

Maryn Pratt

POS D

CLASS 2028

View Player

Maryn Pratt

State: Arizona

Maryn is another key player on the defensive side. She plays well with the other CB ( Utah Royals and MVLA earn a spot in the Elite Eight – ECNL G09 Utah Royals and MVLA earn a spot in the Elite Eight – ECNL G09 ). They seem to have a type of chemistry usually seen with players having played together for more than 5 years.…

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Highlights

The MVLA Gunners have an impressive record of (21-1-8). Their record in Group Play was (2-0-1). They won their match against Legends FC on 7/1/25.

Team Spotlight: MVLA Gunners - G09/U16 - Advances to the Elite Eight - Record in Group Play (2-0-1) - They won Legends FC in the Round of 16 - Next up is a 7/18/25 match at the ECNL Finals in Richmond, VA. pic.twitter.com/Wk6frDYb0U
— Robert Almasin (@BayAreaSocScout) July 2, 2025

Standouts for the Gunners are Chloe Miller Chloe Miller 5'9" | D/M Archbishop Mitty | 2028 State #11 Nation CA , Anneliese Braun Anneliese Braun 6'0" | GK Saint Francis | 2028 State #55 Nation CA , Teagan Kaefer Teagan Kaefer 5'6" | M/D Los Gatos | 2027 State #187 Nation CA , and Allison Park Allison Park M State #78 Nation CA .

Chloe Miller Chloe Miller 5'9" | D/M Archbishop Mitty | 2028 State #11 Nation CA (2028) played rock solid throughout the group stage and when it mattered most. Her strengths are in making clean tackles in or near the 18, cutting off runs to the box, and for commanding the backline. She is not only the #1 in CA, the #1 in position, but she is also ranked #1 in the nation by Prep Soccer. I look forward to seeing her have a breakout season as a sophomore at Archbishop Mitty and hope to see her on future USYN teams sooner rather than later.

Anneliese Braun Anneliese Braun 6'0" | GK Saint Francis | 2028 State #55 Nation CA is one half of the dynamic duo with Sophia Malloy Sophia Malloy GK Saint Francis | 2028 State #140 Nation CA . Both players also split time in the goal when playing on the Saint Francis Varsity soccer team. Both players have similar styles of shot blocking abilities and both can go up high and make horizontal diving saves when needed. Both are in the USYNT pool and they should have many opportunities in the future in wearing the red, white, and blue.

Teagan Kaeger is another key component to the MVLA backline. She works well with Chloe Miller Chloe Miller 5'9" | D/M Archbishop Mitty | 2028 State #11 Nation CA and can make key stops near the 18 and in the penalty area. I've also covered her in a few ECNL matches as well as during the high school season, where she was a standout at Los Gatos High School. She is kind of like a field general; she is always making sure her teammates are focused and ready to stop.

Allison Park Allison Park M State #78 Nation CA played consistently throughout the opening round. She is one of the team's top scorers. When she's not in a position to score, she will make a clean pass for the assist. I really like her motor which seems to be running at 3rd gear, but easily can get to 4th and 5th with a quick switch. Her change of pace is what makes her stand out. She is always ready to make hard runs at goal and fire off rocket shots when an opening presents itself. Her ability to score in tough situations will be needed for her team to continue to advance.