Best XI – ECNL National Finals – Champions League: Forwards

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Congratulations to the following 2026 ECNL National Champions:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>~ <strong>[program_tooltip program_id='283476' first='Slammers' last='FC'] HB Koge ECNL G13</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>~ <strong>[program_tooltip program_id='278034' first='San' last='Diego Surf ECNL'] G12</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>~<strong> [program_tooltip program_id='278040' first='So' last='Cal Blues ECNL'] G11</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>~<strong> Real Colorado National ECNL G10</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>~<strong> FC Dallas Youth ECNL G08/09</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Amazing performances by all teams!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>During the 2026 ECNL National Finals, there was premier play from so many athletes in almost every match. Prep Soccer focused on finding the 'Best XI' during the Champions League Finals on Friday. Though we narrowed it down to a few, it was extremely difficult. EVERY SINGLE ATHLETE that participated in the ECNL National Finals in the Champions League should be SO proud of the work they put in to get to that point. Most ECNL players will NEVER play in an ECNL National Final! You accomplished what so many others did not or will not. No matter if you took home the coveted ECNL National Championship or came up just short as a finalist, if you go take a look in the mirror, you'll see an elite athlete that has big things ahead for them in their future!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Now to the fun stuff!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We have broken up this series into three parts focusing on each position group. Forwards, Midfielders and Defenders &amp; Goalkeeper. Using a traditional, balanced formation (4-4-2), each player profiled will fit into that formation model which will make up Prep Soccer's Best XI for the 2026 ECNL National Finals in the Champions League tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are the forwards that are being recognized for making up the<strong> BEST XI</strong> as well as some Honorable Mentions that we could NOT leave off:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Forwards of the BEST XI:</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["112580"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a5bd9dc0b73c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the more dominant forwards on the pitch during the ECNL National Championship matches was Layla. She was a problem in and around the box, taking on two to three defenders at a time while still keeping possession. Her size and strength set her apart from her peers and her relentless attacking mindset set FC Dallas Youth ECNL up for a late goal to secure the ECNL National Championship. If you're going to make the Best XI as a forward, you better believe you can score clutch goals. Layla did just that. Iglesias is committed to USC where she is destined for great things and should help the Trojans with their continued successes. Keep an eye on this one.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["186190"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a5c085c0fc0d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Nyashadzashe made our Best XI with her dynamic play and tenacity with that ball at her feet. She was strong on the ball and consistently beat defenders to goal. Though a tough Real Colorado National ECNL G10 defense kept the scoreline in their favor, Chinyadza ripped powerful shots from all angles and gave her Michigan Hawks a chance. Putting accurate shots on frame is something she is quite comfortable with. This was apparent when she scored a banger from about 20 yards out that the GK had no chance to get to. Her quickness and twitchy moves are dangerous when under pressure and Nyashadzashe has breakaway speed if not contained. This USYNT pool player is force to be reckoned with and will have many more accolades bestowed upon her throughout her soccer career.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Honorable Mention Forwards:</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["381510"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a5bdc4b3a47f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Haylie was at it again so she couldn't be left off the Honorable Mention list for the BEST XI. Helping lead her [program_tooltip program_id='278034' first='San' last='Diego Surf ECNL'] G12 squad to another ECNL National Championship, she was in her element once again. The pace and stamina she sustained up and down the pitch, didn't seem real. She has another gear that most of her peers do not. She found herself in the mix on multiple scores and shrugs it off like she's done it before, because she has. Jackson had a great Nationals and memorable finals match versus [program_tooltip program_id='283476' first='Slammers' last='FC'] HB Koge ECNL G12. This young and talented forward should be back this time again next year vying for another Championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["168998"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a5c085c0fc66"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The FC Dallas Youth ECNL G08/09 team had a hotly contested matchup with Matchfit SURF ECNL G08/09 and Mia Slater put all the pressure she could on their defense until it finally cracked. Mia had a superb vision for the field that allowed her to continually beat her defenders and place passes and crosses into dangerous spots on the pitch. Defenders had to double her which allowed others to run free. Slater had a great first touch on the ball throughout the match and showed her speed on the dribble often. She was an easy pick to make the Honorable Mention list for the Best XI. Mia will be an amazing asset to the University of Missouri in 2027!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Midfielders of the BEST XI will be up next!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Follow me on Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/prepsoccerpnw" id="https://instagram.com/prepsoccerpnw">@prepsoccerpnw</a> or on X: <a href="https://x.com/coldbrew25">@coldbrew25</a> for the latest rankings, news and articles about your favorite PNW High Schools, Club Teams and Athletes! DM's are always open for suggestions on which matches, athletes and teams I should watch and follow! Have a great High School season and as always, Keep Grinding!!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->