SoCal’s Rising Stars: Inside the Elite U13 ECNL Talent Pool

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>First and foremost, I want to give background on my experience and knowledge as it pertains to the following featured players, their families, and the Southern California girls soccer landscape. Some of these players I know personally through the soccer community, while others I've recognized through my experience creating content in the youth girls soccer market with KS Sports Network.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This past calendar year, our page expanded heavily into the boys side of the game, especially through MLS NEXT coverage. But during the first half of this season, we spent a large amount of time around ECNL girls soccer before the seasonal hiatus shifted our attention toward MLS NEXT events and tournaments.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With ECNL playoffs approaching, KS Sports Network will once again be heavily involved in the girls game. I'll personally be attending playoffs to film content, scout players, and continue writing editorial pieces surrounding the next generation of talent in the Southern California ECNL landscape.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I firmly believe ECNL currently has the deepest and most competitive pool of girls talent in comparison to Girls Academy. The amount of powerhouse clubs associated with ECNL is overwhelming, and many of these programs operate similarly to MLS academies on the boys side. They act as developmental cornerstones and recruiting hubs for top college programs across the country.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>And when it comes to girls soccer, California is the most elite market in America..</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This article is intended to highlight players primarily competing in the U13 ECNL age group. That said, there are two wildcard exceptions that deserved recognition because of the level they are competing at relative to their age.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of those players is naturally still U13 eligible, but has chosen to play up with a U14 side at Beach FC after previously starring for HB Køge Slammers. Playing up an age group at a national powerhouse is extremely difficult in the girls game because of the physical and developmental differences that begin to emerge at this stage. Earning meaningful minutes in that environment says a tremendous amount about her upside and long-term value.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The second wildcard is technically still a U12 player competing in the U13 age group. Despite being younger than most players on the field, she has become one of the most impactful players on arguably the hottest U13 ECNL team entering playoffs. [program_tooltip program_id='283395' first='Legends' last='FC']'s U13 side has been in tremendous form since the league resumed, and her influence on matches has been impossible to ignore. In my opinion, she fully earned the right to be featured among the top U13 players to watch heading into ECNL playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Zoey Horton ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2031","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'3u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"103","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Alta Loma","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"HBK Slammers KOGE","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a03eb5eba657"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Zoey Horton is a highly regarded prospect from powerhouse ECNL girls program HB Køge Slammers. Slammers has established itself as arguably the premier girls club program in the country after winning the overall club championship last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>From what I've seen and the research I've done, Zoey possesses a tremendous blend of speed, creativity, and technical ability. Her game-breaking pace immediately stands out, but what separates her is how comfortable she is operating in tight spaces. A lot of that creativity appears to come from her futsal background through Toque Futsal, an environment that has consistently developed technically gifted players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">There's a clear culture within Toque that translates directly into the field game. Zoey shows that in both transition moments and combination play situations. One of the clips below highlights her pure speed in open space, while another shows her ability to combine quickly off a give-and-go before finishing the sequence.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXDKLdqgShK/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"instagram","responsive":true} --> <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/reel/DXDKLdqgShK/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXlF6sfjG5d/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"instagram","responsive":true} --> <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/reel/DXlF6sfjG5d/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":374988,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Kali jennings ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2031","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'8u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"100","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Stanford Middle School ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"HBK Slammers KOGE","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a03eb5eba788"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kali Jennings is, in my opinion, the best goalkeeper in the U13 class locally, and arguably one of the top young keepers in the country based on the amount of soccer I've watched.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her size, athleticism, technical ability, and composure immediately stand out. She has the kind of presence that gives confidence to an entire back line. While HB Køge Slammers is loaded with talent, Kali has absolutely earned the responsibility of protecting the net for one of the premier teams in the country.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I have yet to attend one of her matches and leave unimpressed. She consistently makes difficult saves look routine, and her positioning allows her to control games at a high level for her age.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The save below against Legends reflects exactly why she brings so much extra value to the Slammers program during a title race that has included clubs like [program_tooltip program_id='283395' first='Legends' last='FC'] and San Diego Surf.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.instagram.com/reel/DO7WNkwiSOG/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"instagram","responsive":true} --> <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/reel/DO7WNkwiSOG/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":375000,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Sofia Tatar","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2031","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'4u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"103","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Diegueno Middle School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"San Diego Surf","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a03eb5eba8a6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>From everyone on this list, there may not be a single player who puts in more extra work than Sofia Tatar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her technical foundation is elite for the age group, and much of that comes from the environments she's consistently surrounded herself with. Sofia has extensive guest play experience with top select teams, most notably La Masia, one of the premier girls select programs in the country. The program, founded in part by her father alongside respected community members and coach Jay Sonthalia, has become known for placing girls into elite competitive environments, including boys tournaments.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>That background matters because Sofia fully understands preparation. She's played up in age groups, experienced different soccer cultures, and consistently challenged herself against higher-level competition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her best trait is her maestro-like quality on the ball. Very few players at this age combine technical ability, composure, and physical upside the way she does. She also possesses a tremendous shot and continues to work relentlessly on every aspect of her game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">As long as she stays healthy, I believe she has the potential to eventually surpass nearly everyone on this list in terms of long-term upside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXr06jriRpo/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"instagram","responsive":true} --> <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/reel/DXr06jriRpo/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":374997,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Ayella Adams ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2031","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'4u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"103","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Eastlake Middle School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"San Diego Surf","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a03eb5ebac10"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ayella Adams is another standout prospect from San Diego Surf and forms a dynamic duo alongside Sofia Tatar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Where Sofia thrives through rhythm and technical orchestration, Ayella's game is centered more around athleticism, explosiveness, and direct attacking ability. Her lean frame allows her to glide past defenders and create separation quickly, and as players continue physically maturing, that athletic edge could become even more dangerous.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>What makes Ayella especially valuable is that her game is not purely dependent on speed. She has balanced tools that should allow her development curve to continue climbing over time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">At the end of the day, she's one of the better players on one of the strongest teams in the country, and she contributes consistently. That alone tells you she's worth paying attention to heading into ECNL playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQTLfaPEYyO/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"instagram","responsive":true} --> <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/reel/DQTLfaPEYyO/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Julie Velasquez ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2031","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'3u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"101","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Stauffer Middle School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"[program_tooltip program_id='283395' first='Legends' last='FC']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a03eb5ebad7d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Juju Velasquez is the defensive anchor for the [program_tooltip program_id='283395' first='Legends' last='FC'] U13 side and one of the most intelligent defenders in the age group.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her ability to close down space reminds me of defensive pursuit techniques taught in American football. She progressively takes away angles and space instead of recklessly diving into tackles. That patience and control make it extremely difficult for attackers to create separation against her.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One detail that stands out is how she changes stride lengths while defending. She knows when to accelerate, when to shorten her feet, and how to stay square while approaching attackers. Her tackling mechanics are extremely clean.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Beyond the physical defending, she also shows composure. There are moments in her tape where she reads passing lanes, intercepts possession, and calmly transitions into dribbling instead of panicking.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">She combines aggression with technical ability at a very high level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.instagram.com/reel/DO-IBO_Dv5d/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"instagram","responsive":true} --> <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/reel/DO-IBO_Dv5d/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":374995,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Bella Antonopoulos ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2031","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'2u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"102","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Homeschool","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"Beach FC","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a03eb5ebaed5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bella Antonopoulos may currently be the most valuable long-term U13 prospect in the state, and possibly the country, based on the developmental path she has already chosen.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bella previously starred for HB Køge Slammers before making the decision to leave and play up with Beach FC's U14 side. That move alone says a tremendous amount about both her mentality and upside.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Playing up in girls soccer is difficult. Physicality changes quickly at these ages, and clubs do not move players up simply to sit on the bench. Earning a role in an older age group means you are already surpassing players in that existing pool.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bella embraces difficult environments. She plays with a physical edge, has a low center of gravity, and possesses what I'd describe as a hunter mentality around goal. She consistently contributes offensively and has already shown a willingness to prioritize development over comfort.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">On paper, she feels extremely ahead of the curve.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.instagram.com/reel/DM9G9H9pLfI/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"instagram","responsive":true} --> <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/reel/DM9G9H9pLfI/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Makayla Argueta ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2032","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"102","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Elite Sports Institution ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"[program_tooltip program_id='283395' first='Legends' last='FC']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a03eb5ebb04a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Makayla “MJ” Argueta is one of the most naturally entertaining players in the U13 age group and also one of the more intriguing long-term NIL prospects on this list.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She has embraced social media and content creation at a young age, documenting both her futsal and 11v11 experiences. When people think of Toque Futsal within this age group, her name immediately comes to mind. She's built visibility naturally through her style of play and personality.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In today's landscape, that matters. College programs are taking branding and content more seriously than ever before, and athletes who understand how to build audiences around themselves may benefit tremendously from NIL opportunities in the future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On the field, MJ plays with flair and creativity. She scores goals in a variety of ways, whether through long-range strikes, volleys, or moments of improvisation inside the box. Her instincts around goal feel extremely natural.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Everyone in this age group who follows girls soccer on Instagram has likely heard her name at some point.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.instagram.com/reel/DEkyat_yEZ5/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"instagram","responsive":true} --> <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/reel/DEkyat_yEZ5/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":374992,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Delilah Andrade ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2032","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'2u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"103","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Stauffer Academy","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"[program_tooltip program_id='283395' first='Legends' last='FC']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a03eb5ebb1ae"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Delilah Andrade is technically still a U12 player, but she has arguably become the most impactful player on [program_tooltip program_id='283395' first='Legends' last='FC']'s U13 side.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her value cannot be understated. Legends is one of the hottest teams entering playoffs, and Dee has been central to that success. In a recent battle to retain first place, she scored a long-range winner with just minutes remaining to secure a massive result for her team.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She is also beginning to understand the value of content creation, branding, and NIL potential. While soccer remains her primary focus, her personality and online presence have already helped her build recognition among players and families throughout the community.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Most importantly, she backs it up on the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her training environments are elite. Dee trains within programs connected to respected coach Sam Al-Basaith, whose reputation within Southern California player development circles is extremely strong. She also dual rosters with Premier Touch's 2014 side alongside several future [program_tooltip program_id='283671' first='LA' last='Galaxy'] academy players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Like several others on this list, she is deeply connected to the Toque futsal culture — technical, fearless, and creative.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">For someone still technically U12, her maturity and impact level are remarkable.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.instagram.com/reel/DYIxCNfPJRp/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"instagram","responsive":true} --> <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/reel/DYIxCNfPJRp/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":374990,"_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Hazelle Gravois ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2031","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'3u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"103","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Santiago Charter School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"So Cal Blues","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a03eb5ebb2f9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">In my opinion, SoCal Blues has had a more difficult year in comparison to some of the other powerhouse programs in the region. But within that, there is still a diamond in the rough prospect worth paying attention to: Hazelle Gravois.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hazelle was a major reason for the team's success last season and quickly established herself as one of the primary attacking threats within the age group. Her speed is game changing, and she has shown the ability to score from almost anywhere — long-range shots, transition moments, pressing defenders, or pure athletic takeovers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She is still relatively new to high-level soccer compared to many others on this list, which arguably makes her upside even more intriguing. Her raw athletic profile is elite.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hazelle also carries herself with humility and determination. Despite opportunities to move elsewhere, she remained committed to helping the Blues compete through a transitional season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I believe she has a strong chance to become one of the more valuable risers entering next year, especially if the Blues restructure the roster or if she eventually begins playing up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">She has star-level athletic traits and remains one of the more underexposed prospects in the California market.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPhB3I6lPO1/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"instagram","responsive":true} --> <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/reel/DPhB3I6lPO1/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Final Thoughts</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's been a little while since we've consistently covered the girls ECNL landscape due to our recent focus on MLS NEXT and boys academy soccer. But these are the notes we left off on, and this is where our attention shifts heading into ECNL playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Southern California continues to set the standard for girls soccer in America. The depth of talent, quality of environments, and competitive level across these powerhouse clubs is unmatched. While there are countless players deserving recognition throughout the age group, these are the individuals that consistently stood out to me through both live evaluation and continued observation over time.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Some players on this list are already highly recognized. Others are still building their name and waiting for their breakout moment. That's part of what makes playoffs special. New stars emerge, narratives shift, and players create moments that elevate their value moving forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As KS Sports Network returns to covering the ECNL girls landscape more consistently, expect continued player features, playoff coverage, highlight content, and scouting editorials throughout the postseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->