Best XI – ECNL National Finals – Champions League: Midfielders

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is the continuation of the BEST XI series highlighting the amazing performances during the 2026 ECNL National Finals Championship matches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As a reminder: 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 Championship matches for the Champions League tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are the midfielders that are being recognized for making up the<strong> BEST XI</strong> as well an Honorable Mention bonus that we could NOT leave off:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Midfielders of the BEST XI:</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["273114"],"_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-6a5c63242a86b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Fighting for every possession with strength and elite technical ability, was the name of the game for Louisa Cowen in this year's ECNL Championship match. She took on a talented Real Colorado National ECNL G10 team who was stingy on defense but had their hands full with the left footed Cowen. Anytime the ball was at her feet she was dangerous. Louisa's powerful strikes to switch the point of attack or take a chance on frame were beyond gorgeous. These were all attributes that made her a lock for the Best XI accolades. Last year's U15 ECNL National Champion did not finish the season with another trophy in 2026 but she is well on her way to adding more hardware as the years go on. This University of Michigan commit will be staying close to home and playing under the lights in Ann Arbor before she knows it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["110954"],"_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-6a5c63242a8a5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jordyn stood out as a physical playmaker for her Matchfit SURF ECNL G08/09 team during the championship game v. FC Dallas Youth ECNL G08/09. Her unyielding ability to fight and secure possession of almost every contested ball was impressive. Sullivan looked to play in a hybrid forward/attacking mid style position but with her speed and quickness, she consistently tracked back into the midfield and defensive third to provide additional numbers to build a counterattack. On set pieces she was first to attack with a strong aerial game and eye for goal. Jordyn is a special player that will fit in great at her next stop, Duke University!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["294980"],"_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-6a5c63242a8c8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kensington is a powerhouse on the pitch. In the ECNL Championship match versus [program_tooltip program_id='283476' first='Slammers' last='FC'] HB Koge ECNL G12, she overpowered her opponents with creative footwork, touch passes and striking authority. It was difficult to contain her, and she wasn't about to let anyone try. McGrath sports the flashy hair and attitude but backs it up with her relentless physicality and skill. Kensington earned her way onto the Best XI list because you couldn't help but realize that the success of that championship match was reliant on her ability to make plays happen. If she keeps developing, training and dominating, [player_tooltip player_id='294980' first='Kensington' last='McGrath'] is going places.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["275268"],"_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-6a5c63242a8e7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another athlete who plays your typical forward position but showed dominance while playing in a midfield type role during different situations in the ECNL Championship match v. Michigan Hawks ECNL G10. Anaya is an exceptional athlete with USYNT experience and the confidence of a tenured collegiate athlete. Bursey took shots on frame and attacked the goal from all angles of the pitch. Anaya has brilliant ball skills and silky-smooth touch on the dribble. She was too much to handle for last year's ECNL Champions and was an immediate selection for the Best XI when the final whistle blew. Penn State got themselves a dynamo.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Honorable Mention Midfielders:</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["335179"],"_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-6a5c63242a905"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Radha proved throughout her match versus San Diego SURF ECNL G12 that she came to play and deserved a mention amongst the Best XI. This goal scoring machine continued her ways in the ECNL Championship match with a goal late that put the SD SURF team on their heels. Sonthalia used her physical size and leverage to overpower opponents off the ball which helped her build numerous counter attacks. Radha and her [program_tooltip program_id='283476' first='Slammers' last='FC'] HB Koge ECNL G12 team came up just short from taking down their cross-town rivals, but she will be back and one athlete to watch in the coming years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Defenders &amp; Goalkeeper 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 -->