Mercy Karson Player of the Match - ECNL National Selection Game

A star in the making shines bright at ECNL Phoenix - November 2025   USE THE PROMO CODE almasin30 for a discount on your first subscription   If you are an ECNL soccer fan and haven't already heard of [player_tooltip player_id='199883' first='Mercy' last='Karson'], this article will give you a brief introduction of what she has accomplished, how she has impacted the game, and where she plans to go.  I've covered Mercy in 7 previous articles, and it is always exciting to see her in top-level competition, as she always delivers and adds more and more to her already exceptional range of skills and abilities.   My first evaluation was back in March 2025.  During my first evaluation, Mercy was somewhat of a field general. She was ranked as the #10 player in the nation, #12 in CA, and #5 in position. Commanding the back line, providing a vocal leadership role, and leading by example were the things that stood out the most. Her ability to direct players to the points of attack was a sight to see. Karson dominated the backline by making long clears, cutting off running lanes, and making counter runs from the back. Her passing skills are top-notch, but it was her vision and ability to anticipate open pockets on the pitch and make timed runs that caught my eye. She had an overall solid game, and it's safe to say that her #10 ranking in the nation was spot on.   [player_tooltip player_id='199883' first='Mercy' last='Karson'], 2028 - Prep Soccer's #10 ranked in the Nation, #12 in CA, and #5 in position dominated the backline   <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/1904040981332377840?s=20 </div></figure>   My second evaluation came the day after at the COPA X Racing Louisville Talent ID Event in Oakland, CA.  The event featured some of the best soccer players in the state, with some of them playing at the youth national level. The partnership of COPA and Racing Louisville FC, the groundbreaking initiative that leverages objective player data paired with live high-level talent, was about to be tested. Many top-performing players had some of the best COPA scores, while others proved their mettle on the pitch.   Female players aged 15-22 with aspirations to play professional soccer were the key focus.  Each player attending the event earned their spot at the Pro Pathway Event with <a href="https://www.instagram.com/racinglouisvillefc/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@racinglouisvillefc</a> through the <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/copascore/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">#COPAScore</a>—an objective, data-driven assessment. Their skills and potential were objectively measured and profiled versus professional standards. Then, the best 30 were invited to compete on the field in front of college, pro, and U.S. youth national team scouts during 3 x 25 minute games.   It was at Match #3. Where players brought the most intensity, as they knew that time was about to expire. Every player hoped to be the chosen one, but the verdict was about to be passed down. After 3 intense, highly competitive, and evenly matched squads, [player_tooltip player_id='199883' first='Mercy' last='Karson']was chosen for the trial invite with Racing Louisville. Mercy is very deserving of this opportunity, as she has demonstrated her ability to play at a very high level. She was the youngest player of the group but definitely one of the most skilled and fittest; she had one of the highest COPA scores in the group.   COPA Talent ID Pro Pathway - Trial Invite 2025 with Racing Louisville - [player_tooltip player_id='199883' first='Mercy' last='Karson'] - Mustang SC G10   <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/1905135733116960772?s=20 </div></figure>   Another event in which Mercy stood out, or, well, to be more accurate, where she made her presence known as one of the best players in CA and possibly in the nation, was at the COPA ID DAY on July 23, 2025.  This was again a top-notch event offering high-level players opportunities to showcase their skill sets and teamworking abilities, as well as correlate them to their COPA assessment score. The format for this time around was 4 quarters of 20-minute 11v11 games. Coaches and scouts were on hand to evaluate their talents and compare them to their COPA assessment score.   Mercy picked up where she left off, commanding and starting counterattacks from the back. She looked stronger and more assertive and showed an increased fitness level. Another part of her game that stood out was her ability to scan and find players in open pockets.  Her crisp and precise passes from the backline and over-the-top long ball passes were a sight to see.  Mercy continued to show her progression as an elite player. During that event, she was a recent USYNT U-15 call-up. Also, she previously competed with her ECNL club team in the National Playoffs as well as participated in the Racing Louisville pro trial. Although she is identified as one of the best players in her age group, it will be great to see her continue to develop and earn more opportunities to wear the Red, White, and Blue.   Player Spotlight - [player_tooltip player_id='199883' first='Mercy' last='Karson'] - Winner of a free trial with Racing Louisville at the previous COPA Pro Pathway event earlier in March - COPA TALENT ID Day - July 23, 2025   <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/1949139150038512003?s=20 </div></figure>   Fast forward to Mercy's Player of the Match performance at the ECNL Phoenix National Selection Game.  I wish I was there to see it for myself.  Yet, based on my previous live observations, I'm sure she put on a great showing.  This article was done primarily to give credit where credit is due.  Mercy has a bright future ahead of her.  She is now ranked as #8 in the nation, #3 in CA, and #3 in position for the class of 2028. Whichever college team is lucky enough to sign her will definitely get an instant impact player.  She will definitely get more opportunities to wear the red, white, and blue.  With the talent and abilities to play even further, Mercy is on the pro pathway, and she might get there sooner rather than later.   The ECNL Phoenix National Selection Game, presented by Continental Tire, delivered in the desert — with [player_tooltip player_id='199883' first='Mercy' last='Karson'] from Mustang Soccer Club 2009 leading the way.   <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/DREDGbTkWpB/?utm_source=ig_embedu0026amp;ig_rid=e2a01ccf-d301-42a3-a01e-30996b1f670c </div></figure>   I was fortunate to have Mercy share some insights on the national selection match and share some information on her soccer journey.  It's always a bonus when players take time out of their busy schedule to support players in preparing for interview questions.  It also gives the scouts and coaches a glimpse of who the player is and who they aspire to be.   5-Questions and Mercy's Responses:   1. What is your most memorable moment at the National Selection Game in Phoenix?   “The most memorable moment for me at the national selection game in Phoenix was when I was awarded player of the match.”   2. Who were other players at the event who impressed you the most? (2-3 players)   “Other players at the event that impressed me were [player_tooltip player_id='19123' first='Ashley' last='Dodson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='111128' first='Venina' last='Moodie'].”   3. Who is the person you look up to for inspiration or support, as either an upper-classman, club player, collegiate, or Pro player?   “A person that I look up to for inspiration or support is my coaches at Mustang and my older siblings.”   4. What are your soccer goals for the next 6 months?   “My soccer goals for Some of the people I would like to thank for supporting me on my soccer journey is my family, my coaches, and my incredible team! The next six months are to continue playing to my fullest and make the next United States youth women's national team roster.”   5. Who are some of the people you would like to thank for supporting you on your soccer journey?   “Some of the people I would like to thank for supporting me on my soccer journey is my family, my coaches, and my incredible team!”   Player Spotlight: [player_tooltip player_id='199883' first='Mercy' last='Karson'] - Player of the Match - ECNL National Selection Game   <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/1999739460435738931?s=20 </div></figure>

A star in the making shines bright at ECNL Phoenix - November 2025