<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Standouts from California, Illinois, Nevada, and Texas</h1>   USE THE PROMO CODE almasin30 for a discount on your first subscription   The Fall ECNL Phoenix just recently concluded, and a bunch of talented teams and players took center stage.  Especially for the class of 2028, the stakes are high, and they really went out and put on some of the best performances at the event.    On hand were college level scouts and coaches looking for their future stars.  A wide range of programs as well as the “Power 4” conferences booked their trip to the desert.  The recruitment year for the 2028 players are now in full swing as coaches/scouts were able to see first hand which players they would be interested in for a June 15th call.   This is Part 1 of a 2-part series, as Part 2 will feature the Player of the Match in the National Selection Game.  Players featured in this article are:   [player_tooltip player_id='199882' first='Vivian' last='Baker'] - #34 in CA, #4 GK, and #187 in the Nation - C/O 2028   Danica Meller - #24 in IL and #11 Midfielder - C/O 2028   [player_tooltip player_id='275950' first='Luna' last='Diaz'] - WL, WL, - Forward - [program_tooltip program_id='283405' first='Marin' last='FC'] - C/O 2028 - CA   [player_tooltip player_id='272200' first='Brooklyn' last='Baskin'] - Sting North Texas - Defender - C/O 2028   Alayna Malloy - LV Heat Surf ECNL - C/O 2028 - Forward - NV   Player #1 - [player_tooltip player_id='199882' first='Vivian' last='Baker'] - High School: Archbishop Mitty, CA - Club:  MVLA  - GK   Vivian is part of a top-level MVLA 14-0-2 team, which recorded a 2-0-1 record at ECNL Phoenix.  They went up against some of the best teams in the nation.  She also was part of the National Selection Game on Team West.  She is by far one of the best 2028 goalkeepers I've seen up close, as I've previously evaluated her 7 times, during high school as well as ECNL competition.  Vivian and her team shut out the defending champs, the Michigan Hawks, and came away with a 2-0 victory.  She is always fearless in the box, calculates/anticipates well, and has the athletic abilities to make tough stops.    Vivian is part of a top-level MVLA 14-0-2 team, which recorded a 2-0-1 record at ECNL Phoenix.  They went up against some of the best teams in the nation.  She also was part of the National Selection Game on Team West.  She is by far one of the best 2028 goalkeepers I've seen up close, as I've previously evaluated her 7 times, during high school as well as ECNL competition.  Vivian and her team shut out the defending champs, the Michigan Hawks, and came away with a 2-0 victory.  She is always fearless in the box, calculates/anticipates well, and has the athletic abilities to make tough stops.    <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/1992281642132713670?s=20 </div></figure>   Player #2 - Danica Meller - High School: Libertyville, IL - Club: Eclipse Select SC - Forward   Danica played a big part in her team's 2-1 record and 4-2 win against Mustang SC at ECNL Phoenix.  In that match, she recorded a brace and an assist.  Meller is known for her ability to fire long-range shots while picking her spots.  She has great vision and excels in the attacking third.  As a playmaker or finisher, she operates comfortably around the 18 and finds open players making runs to the box or finds open pockets to dribble past defenders for close-range shots. As a freshman, she scored 18 goals and provided 5 assists.  She's a top-level player who will definitely make an impact on any team.    Danica played a big part in her team's 2-1 record and 4-2 win against Mustang SC at ECNL Phoenix.  In that match, she recorded a brace and an assist.  Meller is known for her ability to fire long-range shots while picking her spots.  She has great vision and excels in the attacking third.  As a playmaker or finisher, she operates comfortably around the 18 and finds open players making runs to the box or finds open pockets to dribble past defenders for close-range shots. As a freshman, she scored 18 goals and provided 5 assists.  She's a top-level player who will definitely make an impact on any team.    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.instagram.com/p/DRIJ2_njjY2/ </div></figure>   Player #3 - [player_tooltip player_id='275950' first='Luna' last='Diaz'] - High School: Branson, CA - Club: [program_tooltip program_id='283405' first='Marin' last='FC'] - Forward   Luna has been a player on my radar for the past few months.  I've seen her with her previous club team, and it's great to say that with [program_tooltip program_id='283405' first='Marin' last='FC'], the sky's the limit.  She is able to play her natural position and score in bunches, like she did at ECNL Phoenix.  Luna's impressive 5 goals in 2 matches showed her abilities as a striker to finish in traffic.  During previous evaluations, I noticed her speed and tenacity in the attacking third.  Her brace in the first match was followed up by a hat trick in game #2.  I'm definitely looking forward to evaluating her and [program_tooltip program_id='283405' first='Marin' last='FC'] during the spring season.    Luna has been a player on my radar for the past few months.  I've seen her with her previous club team, and it's great to say that with [program_tooltip program_id='283405' first='Marin' last='FC'], the sky's the limit.  She is able to play her natural position and score in bunches, like she did at ECNL Phoenix.  Luna's impressive 5 goals in 2 matches showed her abilities as a striker to finish in traffic.  During previous evaluations, I noticed her speed and tenacity in the attacking third.  Her brace in the first match was followed up by a hat trick in game #2.  I'm definitely looking forward to evaluating her and [program_tooltip program_id='283405' first='Marin' last='FC'] during the spring season.    <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qN3vufMvgM4u0026amp;feature=youtu.be">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qN3vufMvgM4u0026amp;feature=youtu.be</a>   Player #4 - [player_tooltip player_id='272200' first='Brooklyn' last='Baskin'] - High School: Highland Park - Club: Sting North Texas - Defender   Brooklyn was previously evaluated by one of our lead scouts a year ago as a top talent to watch in the 2028 class in Texas.  If you haven't heard of her yet, this might be her breakthrough match, and I doubt this won't be the last.  She is listed as a defender but also played big on the offensive side.  She scored the winning goal on day 3 and helped her team secure an undefeated run at the tournament with a 2-0-1 record.  She also provided an assist as well as made tough stops on the defensive end.  She's a versatile player that can make an impact on both ends of the field.    Brooklyn was previously evaluated by one of our lead scouts a year ago as a top talent to watch in the 2028 class in Texas. If you haven't heard of her yet, this might be her breakthrough match, and I doubt this won't be the last. She is listed as a defender but also played big on the offensive side. She scored the winning goal on day 3 and helped her team secure an undefeated run at the tournament with a 2-0-1 record. She also provided an assist as well as made tough stops on the defensive end. She's a versatile player that can make an impact on both ends of the field.    <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=0CIi7pIo_kw </div></figure>   Player #5 - Alayna Malloy - High School: Centennial, NV - Club: Las Vegas Heat Surf ECNL 2010 - Forward   Alayna scored her first goal on a beautiful cutback from the left corner to push the ball to her right, then she went to the far right upper corner over the goalkeeper's arms. The buildup was almost as impressive as the goal, as 4 other players made and received the ball before getting it to her. Her second goal was another example of her team's chemistry in team effort and finding a scorer in a high-percentage scoring position. Hoping to see Alayna and her team in upcoming ECNL tournaments.    Alayna scored her first goal on a beautiful cutback from the left corner to push the ball to her right, then she went to the far right upper corner over the goalkeeper's arms. The buildup was almost as impressive as the goal, as 4 other players made and received the ball before getting it to her. Her second goal was another example of her team's chemistry in team effort and finding a scorer in a high-percentage scoring position. Hoping to see Alayna and her team in upcoming ECNL tournaments.    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.instagram.com/p/DRFiRnKj7_x/ </div></figure>   As a bonus, I was able to ask Vivian and Luna a few questions for them to answer. Hope you enjoy this segment as I feel that players should always be ready to share their responses on these key questions.   Questions for Vivian   1.  What is your most memorable moment at the ECNL Phoenix Showcase?   I would say playing under the lights at the National Selection Game was something I will never forget. I remember watching this game at my first ECNL showcase over four years ago, and seeing how fast the pace was and how old the players seemed. Being out there in Phoenix with such talented players was a dream come true. Plus, saving the last-minute set piece shot was pretty fun!   2.  Who were other players at the event who impressed you the most? (2-3 players)   One of our wingers, Sloane came out all three of our games ready to play and destroy the other teams. She brought energy and intensity to our team and played a huge role in our offensive attack with her aggressiveness.   At our MVLA  game versus SLSG Navy, Aleah Carvajal was on fire, contributing to two early goals. She came out ready to play!   At our MVLA game vs. Michigan Hawks, when Aleah got hurt, Stella Walton was put in. She absolutely killed it, stepping to the ball and just being a major menace in the midfield. She was a huge contributor under immense pressure. I was so happy for her.   3.  Who is the person you look up to for inspiration or support, as either an upper-classman, club player, collegiate, or Pro player?   I love Alyssa Naeher for obvious reasons. What a legend!! But anytime I watch Stanford, I keep my eyes on Lizzy Boamah and how she defends. I have had the chance to play with her at the Stanford ID Camps and I love her work ethic, enthusiasm and kindness.   4.  What are your soccer goals for the next 6 months?   I definitely want to get back into the flow of being invited to US Camps. I mean, that is the ultimate goal. But for the day to day, I want to continue to refine my through balls and communication. And my MVLA team is really like a family, so I want to do anything I can to support our path towards playoffs. Everyone on my team works so hard so I want to support them any way I can on and off the pitch.   5.  Who are some of the people you would like to thank for supporting you on your soccer journey?   I feel like I have so many amazing people who support my journey. Of course my dad and mom, brother, and entire family. I wouldn't be at MVLA if Coach Esteban didn't take a chance on me. I am so grateful he keeps pushing me to be my best self. My mental health coach Chris Thomas keeps me focused, Goalkeeping Coaches Jonathan, Matias, and Robert teach me how to play my best. My Strength Coach Carlisle and footwork Coach Felipe. And oh my gosh, Coach Garrett and Coach Kory from ODP. They believed in me when I didn't even believe in myself. Plus all my past coaches, like Coach Mitchell, my recruiting Coach Iman, and my High School Coach JT. Everyone has impacted me and I am so blessed to have them in my life. That is a lot!!! But it shows how many people help me learn, grow, develop, and support me through my journey.  Lastly, I also add Coach Bob,  He was my first GK coach and taught me how to love to fly.   Questions for Luna   1. What is your most memorable moment at the ECNL Phoenix Showcase?   My most memorable moment was the first goal I scored in the first game, because it set the tone for the tournament and gave our team momentum.   2. Who were other players at the event who impressed you the most? (2-3 players)   I was able to watch our [program_tooltip program_id='283405' first='Marin' last='FC'] 09 team play, and [player_tooltip player_id='111118' first='Nora' last='Snearly'] showed good ball control and vision throughout the game. Additionally, Ava McMahon on my team fed me two great assists from set pieces for my two headers on goal. I also saw a few minutes of former team member [player_tooltip player_id='266746' first='Milan' last='Evans'], from [program_tooltip program_id='283257' first='Bay' last='Area Surf'] 10G, and she was creating lots of dangerous opportunities.   3. Who is the person you look up to for inspiration or support, as either an upper-classman, club player, collegiate, or Pro player?   I look up to Alyssa Thompson who uses her speed and soccer IQ to not only score but create opportunities. I like to model my play after her, because we have similar attributes and style of play. I am also inspired by Washington Huskie goalie, Mia Hamant, who just lost her battle to kidney cancer. She played for [program_tooltip program_id='283405' first='Marin' last='FC'], and I remember watching her play in high school when I was a little girl.   4. What are your soccer goals for the next 6 months?   My soccer goals for the next six months are to continue to build the [program_tooltip program_id='283405' first='Marin' last='FC'] team along with my teammates. I am hoping to get more opportunities to play with the Puerto Rico Youth National team, and I will continue to showcase my skills at college soccer ID camps.   5. Who are some of the people you would like to thank for supporting you on your soccer journey?   I would like to thank Tyler Gottschalk (Branson HS coach and ECNL director/coach for [program_tooltip program_id='283405' first='Marin' last='FC']), Coach Garrett Morgan and Coach Kory (ODP), Ben Swann (Branson HS coach and [program_tooltip program_id='283405' first='Marin' last='FC']), Shane Kennedy (current [program_tooltip program_id='283405' first='Marin' last='FC'] coach).  I'd also like to thank Joe Talley (Puerto Rico YNT coach) and Karla Dejardin (Puerto Rico YNT director), and my personal trainers Tristan and Travis Bowen (former MLS players). And of course I'd like to thank my parents.