ECNL Texas Standouts Part 1

It was a hectic weekend at ECNL Texas in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. The Toyota complex grass fields were deemed unplayable due to weather on days 1 and 2 with games being moved to Beacon Park about 30 minutes Northeast in Melissa, Texas. On day 1 games were first shortened and then ultimately cancelled at around midday due to dangerous weather conditions and lightning in the area. The weather got much better in days 2 and 3 although the wind never really subsided which isn't ideal playing conditions. Over the coming days I will talk about players who stood out at this event and had the scouts talking.    Cruz really impressed me in her game against the Minnesota Thunder on day 1. She is a very athletic, tall and technical player. Excellent 1 v 1 defender and has solid positioning. Very brave in the tackle and when winning headers. Her future is very promising and I'm sure the Power 4 will be calling come June 15th.     Mcwain flashed excellent technical ability. Her touch and vision were very impressive as she found gaps well and advanced the ball exceptionally. She was up and down the field in her central midfield role showing excellent toughness defensively. Very solid player with a lot to accomplish moving forward.     Charley was very impressive against Oregon Surf on day 1. Really good decision making on the ball to go along with a very advantageous physical profile. She has really fluid hips and can change direction on a dime. She really thrived in her Left Center Back role.     Olenek had an excellent showing against NC Courage on Day 2. She has very safe hands whether that's claiming balls out of the air or with her shot stopping. She was pivotal in earning her side a shutout on their way to a 2-0 win against the NC Courage.     Morroquin was a bright spot for the NC Courage albeit in defeat against the Rockford Raptors. She seemed to be playing a false 9 role which is becoming more and more popular in youth soccer. Her ability to drop deep and advance the ball towards the oppositions goal was very impressive. She has excellent hold up play and thrives with her back to goal. She created a ton of chances for her team in this match.     The Northwestern commit now with World Class FC scored a stunning goal on Day 2 against Saint Louis Scott Gallagher Navy to tie the game. Her speed, athleticism and technical prowess are easy to see. It's her leadership and work rate that stand out most to me. She never stops at any point in the game.     She was on my players to watch list coming into this showcase and she did not disappoint. Harrington scored two stunning goals against Arlington on day two that helped secure the win for her [program_tooltip program_id='283648' first='FC' last='Dallas'] side. Both goals from outside the box. Very rare to see such a tall, powerful athlete having such a strong technical base. She has a very bright future indeed.     Ladd is an absolute stud in the center of midfield for [program_tooltip program_id='283648' first='FC' last='Dallas']. She has everything that a big time midfielder needs to thrive at the next level. Amazing engine, great vision, shows excellent grit on the defensive end and very dependable in possession. Big time player.     Collins created a ton of chances for her [program_tooltip program_id='283648' first='FC' last='Dallas'] side as she wreaked havoc up and down the right wing. She is fast, strong, and works her tail off on both sides of the ball. She presses defenders relentlessly and is very direct when she gets a 1 on 1 opportunity. Her end products was consistent and she was able to create a ton of turnovers.     Giametta did a great job at Left Back for [program_tooltip program_id='283648' first='FC' last='Dallas'] in both games I watched. Very reliable on the ball and was able to intercept a ton of passes. Her crossing delivery was consistently strong and although she is a late developer (a little on the smaller side) she plays big. She was able to out muscle girls who were much bigger than her. Her timing on her tackles was excellent. Definitely one to keep an eye on in the future.

It was a hectic weekend at ECNL Texas in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. The Toyota complex grass fields were deemed unplayable due to weather on days 1 and 2 with games being moved to Beacon Park about 30 minutes Northeast in Melissa, Texas. On day 1 games were first shortened and then ultimately cancelled at around midday due to dangerous weather conditions and lightning in the area. The weather got much better in days 2 and 3 although the wind never really subsided which isn't ideal playing conditions. Over the coming days I will talk about players who stood out at this event and had the scouts talking.