ECNL San Diego National Event: Standout Performers

If you weren't at Surf Sports Park this past weekend, you missed something special. The ECNL San Diego National Event wasn't just another showcase—it was a statement. Over 220 teams across the U12-U15 age groups converged on one of the premier youth soccer venues in the country, and what unfolded from October 11-13 was a masterclass in competitive youth soccer at its highest level.   For the Youngers in the ECNL community, this event represents far more than bragging rights. This is where futures are shaped. This is where college coaches, scouts, and evaluators get their first real look at the next generation of elite talent. These players aren't just competing for wins—they're competing for opportunities, for visibility, for the chance to prove they belong among the best. The intensity was immeasurable. The stakes were real. And for those who rose to the occasion, the dividends will be felt for years to come.   I spent the weekend doing what I do best—watching, evaluating, and identifying the players who didn't just show up, but set the tone. The ones who embodied the gold standard we talk about. The ones who made me stop, rewind my notes, and pay closer attention. What follows are my observations on six players who stood out not just because of their talent, but because of how they compete, how they think, and how they impact the game.    Finnley served as the tactical heartbeat of her backline this weekend, and it was clear from the first whistle that her team trusts her with the ball in critical moments. She's the type of center back who doesn't just defend—she orchestrates. Time and again, she received the ball under pressure, absorbed it calmly, and used it to shift her team's direction or reset possession with purpose.   What impressed me most wasn't just her technical ability, but her composure. She never looked rushed. She never panicked. Even when opponents pressed aggressively, Finnley adjusted her body shape, scanned her options, and made the right decision. Her understanding of spacing and timing is well beyond her age group, and she consistently drew pressure before releasing the ball to open teammates—a sign of tactical maturity that can't be taught easily.   Finnley plays with patience, but it's not passive. It's calculated. She knows when to circulate, when to switch the point of attack, and when to play forward. Her ability to play short combinations in tight spaces while maintaining possession control allowed her team to dictate tempo and build confidently out of the back.   Strengths:   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Technically sound with both feet — Comfortable receiving and distributing from either side, which makes her unpredictable and versatile in buildup</li>   <li>Reads pressure exceptionally well — Constantly scanning and adjusting her positioning to stay one step ahead of opponents</li>   <li>Plays with patience and purpose — Never forces passes; always looking for the right option, not just the quickest</li>   <li>Trusted facilitator — Teammates consistently look for her to initiate possession and reset rhythm</li> </ul>   Areas to Develop:   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Disguising passes — Adding deception to her distribution will make her even harder to read and allow her to unlock defenses more effectively</li>   <li>Quicker transitions from defense to attack — Recognizing moments to accelerate the tempo and catch opponents off balance</li> </ul>   Bottom Line: Finnley Maskrey is a center back with a high soccer IQ and the technical toolkit to back it up. She's not flashy, but she's effective—and at this level, that's what wins games. Keep an eye on this one.     Lilia Abeling is the kind of attacker who makes defenders uncomfortable before she even touches the ball. Her movement, her timing, her awareness—it all works in perfect harmony. She doesn't just run into space; she calculates it. She doesn't just react to the game; she anticipates it. And that's what separates good players from elite ones.   Throughout the weekend, Lilia consistently found herself in dangerous positions, not by luck, but by design. Whether she was checking back to receive in tight windows or timing runs to exploit gaps behind the backline, her off-ball intelligence was on full display. She manipulates defenders with her movement, forcing them to make decisions—and then punishing the wrong ones.   But it's not just her brain that makes her special. Lilia has the physical tools to execute at a high level: speed, strength, and stamina that allow her to stay dangerous for 80 minutes. She's comfortable taking defenders on 1v1, but she's equally effective combining with teammates in tight spaces. She draws multiple defenders, which opens up opportunities for others—a hallmark of unselfish, team-oriented attacking play.   What stood out most to me was her decision-making in the final third. She doesn't force bad shots. She doesn't panic. She plays with maturity and composure that you don't often see at this age. Lilia competes with intent, intelligence, and an edge that elevates everyone around her.   Strengths:   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Exceptional spatial awareness and off-ball movement — Constantly finding pockets of space and exploiting defensive weaknesses</li>   <li>Strong acceleration and physical presence in duels — Uses her body effectively to shield the ball and win challenges</li>   <li>Smart decision-making in buildup and finishing — Rarely forces low-percentage plays; always looking for the highest-quality option</li>   <li>High work rate and consistent energy — Competes for 80 minutes without dropping intensity</li>   <li>Reads defensive shape and adjusts accordingly — Adapts her positioning based on how opponents set up</li> </ul>   Areas to Develop:   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>First-touch control under pressure — Continuing to refine her ability to receive and turn in tight spaces will make her even more dangerous</li>   <li>Finishing with both feet — Building confidence with her weaker foot will make her nearly impossible to defend</li>   <li>Vocal leadership in the attacking third — Encouraging more communication to organize teammates and dictate attacking sequences</li> </ul>   Bottom Line: Lilia Abeling is a complete forward—intelligent, athletic, and competitive. She plays the game the right way, and she makes everyone around her better. This is a player who sets the tone in the attack and embodies the gold standard we look for in elite prospects.     Kylie Meza is a fearless goalkeeper who plays with the kind of athleticism and intensity that can change the momentum of a game. She's a pure competitor—the type who thrives under pressure and doesn't back down from physical challenges. Watching her over the weekend, it was clear she has the mentality you want between the posts.   Game 1 tested her. She faced adversity, but instead of letting it shake her confidence, she responded with maturity. Game 2? Clean sheet. That's the mark of a goalkeeper who understands the mental side of the position. She didn't dwell on what went wrong—she locked in, focused on the next opportunity, and delivered when it mattered.   Kylie's reaction time is elite for her age. Her low saves are instinctive and explosive, and she's quick off her line when the situation calls for it. She doesn't hesitate in 1v1 situations; she attacks the ball with confidence and courage. Her energy is contagious, and you can see how it lifts the intensity of the entire team. When your goalkeeper competes like that, it sets a standard.   What will take Kylie to the next level is using her voice. She has the best view on the field, and her defenders need to hear from her. Being vocal isn't just about yelling—it's about organizing, directing traffic, and making sure everyone is on the same page. Once she starts commanding her box and her backline with the same intensity she shows in her athleticism, she'll be a complete goalkeeper.   Strengths:   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Fast reflexes and confident diving saves — Her reaction time on low shots is explosive, and she attacks the ball with conviction</li>   <li>Strong mental recovery and game-to-game consistency — Bounced back from adversity with a clean sheet performance, showing maturity beyond her years</li>   <li>Brave in 1v1 situations and quick off her line — Doesn't hesitate to challenge attackers; plays with courage and aggression when needed</li>   <li>High energy and competitive spirit — Brings intensity that elevates the entire team's focus and defensive effort</li> </ul>   Areas to Develop:   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Increase communication with defenders — Needs to be more vocal in organizing the backline and directing positioning; her view of the field is an advantage she should use to lead</li>   <li>Sharpen timing on aerial balls and crosses — Continue refining her judgment on when to come off the line and command the box on service</li>   <li>Build consistency in ball distribution under pressure — Work on composure and decision-making when playing out from the back in tight situations</li> </ul>   Bottom Line: Kylie Meza is an athletic, fearless goalkeeper with elite reflexes and the mental toughness to bounce back from adversity. She competes with intensity and courage, and once she adds vocal leadership to her toolkit, she'll be a force to reckon with. This is a keeper who sets the tone from the back.     Let me be clear: Ty'Reahna Shine is a jaw-dropping talent. The kind of player who makes you stop mid-conversation and say, "Wait, how old is she again?" Her physical maturity and athleticism are 2-3 years ahead of her peers, and when she hits top gear, the separation she creates is simply elite. Defenders don't just struggle to keep up—they get left behind.   Her acceleration is explosive. Her ability to maintain control at full speed is rare at any level, let alone at 12 years old. But what sets Ty'Reahna apart isn't just her physical gifts—it's how she uses them. She plays with confidence, creativity, and a fearless edge that you can't coach. She's shifty in tight spaces, navigates traffic like it's second nature, and absorbs contact without losing possession. That's a trait you almost never see at this age.   Her footwork is sharp, her attacking IQ is high, and she's relentless in her drive toward goal. She probes defenses constantly, looking for gaps to exploit, and when she finds them, she attacks with purpose. Ty'Reahna doesn't shy away from the moment—she embraces it.   Here's the thing: if she sharpens her finishing consistency and refines her shot selection under pressure, she's going to be on the radar of top programs long before she steps foot in high school. The raw tools are there. The mentality is there. Now it's about polishing the final product and making sure every opportunity inside the box counts.   Strengths:   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Elite athleticism and physical maturity — Built like someone 2-3 years older; combines size, speed, and strength in a way that's rare for her age group</li>   <li>Explosive speed and separation from defenders — When she accelerates, she creates gaps that defenders simply can't close</li>   <li>Confident, creative dribbling in tight spaces — Navigates congested areas with ease; shifty footwork and quick changes of direction make her nearly impossible to contain</li>   <li>Strong on-ball balance and resistance to contact — Absorbs challenges without losing possession; plays through contact with poise and strength</li>   <li>High attacking IQ and relentless drive toward goal — Constantly probing defenses, searching for openings, and attacking with purpose</li> </ul>   Areas to Develop:   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Improve finishing efficiency inside the box — Continue working on converting high-quality chances with consistency; the opportunities are there, now it's about capitalizing</li>   <li>Refine shot selection under pressure — Develop better decision-making on when to shoot versus when to create for teammates in tight situations</li>   <li>Build composure in final third decision-making — Keep refining the mental side of attacking play; knowing when to be patient versus when to pull the trigger</li> </ul>   Bottom Line: Ty'Reahna Shine has the raw tools and mentality to become a game-changer. She's the kind of talent that draws attention, turns heads, and demands respect. With focused development on her finishing and decision-making, she's on a trajectory that could lead to early D1 attention. This is a player worth watching closely—her ceiling is sky-high.     Madylen Werner is a standout talent whose leadership and technical ability make her a central figure in everything her team does. She's athletic and agile, which helps, but what truly separates her is her soccer IQ. Madylen doesn't just play the game—she understands it. She reads situations before they develop, positions herself intelligently, and consistently makes the right decisions with the ball at her feet.   Throughout the weekend, Madylen was everywhere. She made herself available in tight windows, dictated tempo when her team needed control, and created space for others with smart movement and clean touches. Her ability to stay composed in traffic and deliver accurate passes under pressure is a rare trait at 14. She doesn't panic. She doesn't force. She processes quickly and executes with precision.   What impressed me most was her two-way impact. Madylen is equally effective in defensive and attacking roles, which makes her incredibly valuable. She tracks back, wins balls, and transitions her team forward seamlessly. She's not just a passenger in the midfield—she's the engine. And she does it all while communicating and organizing those around her. That's leadership.   Madylen is already showing signs of a player who could thrive at the collegiate level. Her tactical awareness, composure, and ability to influence the game in multiple phases make her a complete midfielder. If she continues developing her ability to take risks in the final third and unlock defenses with creative plays, she'll be a name that college coaches remember.   Strengths:   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>High soccer IQ and tactical awareness — Reads the game exceptionally well; positions herself intelligently and anticipates plays before they develop</li>   <li>Composed and creative in possession — Stays calm under pressure, delivers accurate passes in tight spaces, and makes smart decisions with the ball</li>   <li>Strong leadership and communication — Vocal on the field; organizes teammates and takes ownership of the midfield</li>   <li>Effective in both defensive and attacking roles — Contributes in all phases; tracks back to defend and pushes forward to create</li>   <li>Adjusts positioning intelligently — Constantly scanning and adapting her position based on the flow of the game</li> </ul>   Areas to Develop:   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Take more risks in the final third — Encourage her to be more aggressive in attacking situations; look to unlock defenses with penetrating passes and creative plays</li>   <li>Build endurance for sustained high-tempo play — Continue developing fitness to maintain her influence for a full 80 minutes at elite pace</li>   <li>Continue developing chemistry with forwards — Sharpen timing and understanding with attacking players to create more dangerous scoring opportunities</li> </ul>   Bottom Line: Madylen Werner is a complete midfielder with the IQ, composure, and leadership to excel at the next level. She controls tempo, influences both sides of the ball, and plays with maturity beyond her years. This is a player who sets the tone in the middle of the park and embodies the gold standard we look for in elite midfielders. College coaches should have her on their radar now.     Kayla Ricks delivered a quietly dominant performance from the wingback position, showing maturity and control that's well beyond her age. In a role that demands both defensive discipline and tactical awareness, Kayla was rock solid. She stayed composed during moments of high pressure, never panicking or overcommitting—traits that separate good defenders from great ones.   Her recovery speed was a standout. Time and time again, she tracked back to shut down attacks before they became dangerous, and she rarely allowed her side to be exposed. What impressed me most was her ability to contain threats without conceding corner kicks. She consistently guided attackers wide, won the ball cleanly, and eliminated dangerous situations before they escalated. That's smart, mature defending.   Kayla reads the game well and positions herself intelligently, balancing her defensive responsibilities with occasional forward support. She understands when to step, when to drop, and when to hold her line. Her athleticism gives her the edge in 1v1 situations, and she's developing into a reliable, consistent presence on the flank—the kind of player coaches trust in critical moments.   As she continues to grow, the next step for Kayla is gaining confidence in her attacking contribution. She has the speed and technical ability to be dangerous going forward, and once she starts overlapping with more conviction and supporting the attack with intent, she'll become even more valuable. Defensively, she's already there. Now it's about unlocking the other side of her game.   Strengths:   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Excellent recovery speed and tracking ability — Consistently gets back to shut down attacks; rarely caught out of position</li>   <li>Calm and composed under pressure — Doesn't panic in tight situations; makes smart decisions and avoids unnecessary risks</li>   <li>Smart positioning to avoid conceding corners — Guides attackers wide and wins the ball cleanly, eliminating dangerous set-piece opportunities</li>   <li>Strong in 1v1 defensive duels — Uses athleticism and timing to win challenges; defenders struggle to beat her wide</li>   <li>Maintains defensive shape and discipline — Understands her role and executes with consistency; reliable in all phases of defending</li> </ul>   Areas to Develop:   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>Increase confidence in overlapping runs and attacking support — Encourage more aggressive forward movement to provide width and create numerical advantages in attack</li>   <li>Be more vocal in organizing the defensive line — Use her understanding of the game to communicate and direct teammates; leadership will elevate her impact</li>   <li>Continue refining timing on tackles and interceptions — Sharpen decision-making on when to step versus when to contain; small adjustments will make her even more effective</li> </ul>   Bottom Line: Kayla Ricks is a quietly dominant defender with the maturity, athleticism, and defensive IQ to excel at the next level. She defends with discipline, composure, and intelligence—traits that are foundational for elite wingbacks. Once she adds more attacking confidence to her game, she'll be a complete player on the flank. This is a defender who sets the tone with consistency and smart play.    Final Thoughts   The ECNL San Diego National Event delivered exactly what it promised: elite competition, high stakes, and a stage for the next generation to announce themselves. These six players didn't just participate—they set the tone. They competed with purpose, intelligence, and a standard that separated them from the rest.   This is what development looks like. This is what the gold standard demands. And this is why events like ECNL San Diego matter.   More to come as we continue to identify and highlight the players who are shaping the future of the game.   Stay locked in. The journey is just beginning.

If you weren't at Surf Sports Park this past weekend, you missed something special. The ECNL San Diego National Event wasn't just another showcase—it was a statement. Over 220 teams across the U12-U15 age groups converged on one of the premier youth soccer venues in the country, and what unfolded from October 11-13 was a masterclass in competitive youth soccer at its highest level.