ECNL Playoffs Players to Watch

It's about that time. World Cup fever has American's soccer crazed and much less productive at their jobs (myself included.) It really is a special time to be playing soccer for these kids. Let's see who shines and who does enough to win an ECNL National Championship. I am glad that we only have to do it in one trip this year as opposed to two the previous two years. Very smart move by ECNL. I continue to say that you will find some of the best young female talent on the planet at these events. Because unlike the men in this country the women are proven to be the best in the world. The ECNL league is the best youth league in this country therefore you do the math. These girls have worked all year for the opportunity to compete for an ECNL National Championship. Here are a few of them who you should keep an eye on:    Lomeli is a star attacking midfielder for [program_tooltip program_id='283257' first='Bay' last='Area Surf']. So sharp technically. You can build an offense around her. If you give her speed to pass to she can carve through balls through any defense. Definitely one to get on your radar for next recruiting cycle.     Best pure defender in her class and extremely composed on the ball, you rarely see a bad a pass from this one. Fundamental queen with exquisite short sharp footwork. Her defensive posture is elite and she can change direction on an absolute dime. The Bay FC Academy Prospect is an incredible player with an insanely bright future.     The silkiest first touch you'll see at this event. Vast move library on the dribble. Would love to see her embrace contact and draw more fouls because she could be the most fouled player in the country given her incredible change of direction with the ball. Siedel will no doubt be one of if not the most heavily recruited 2029 players in the country in this next cycle.     She is so dynamic. So fast and can strike a ball with real venom. Clinical finisher as well. Works her tail off pressing the opposition back line. I think her stock rises considerably at this event.     Ibsen is a top player and one that is smartly taking her time in her recruiting process. Her game continues to improve every time I watch her play. Technical, lethal, confident and fearless is how I would describe it. I think she's good enough to play anywhere in the country and may be good enough to forego college altogether. She's that good well worth a watch.     Star in the making. Macaulay recently verbally committed to USC. She has absolutely everything that a star striker needs to succeed at the highest level. She plays with no conscience and it's beautiful completely free of structure which makes her almost impossible to guard. If you want to watch a show watch this young lady play.     Harrington just re-classed into 2028 and it was a fantastic decision. She is a dominant presence physically and has technical class that you don't see very often in such a tall frame. Her hold up play is phenomenal and she links up with her teammates exceptionally well. Has a bit of Jude Bellingham about her game.     The defensive stalwart just committed to UCLA whom I think is quietly having one of if not the best times recruiting when it comes to the 2028 class. A handful of top players have committed their futures to the blue side of Los Angeles. Karson will have a lot of work to do defending against one of the best attacks in the country in game 1 against SD Surf.     Byers has distribution that most boy goalkeepers her age would be proud of. She commands her defense with utter most confidence giving her an elite presence between the pipes. Her shot stopping is very savvy and I wouldn't be surprised if National Team call-ups happened in the near future.     Pintard will be playing for [program_tooltip program_id='283641' first='De' last='Anza Force'] at this event. The center back does a great job dribbling into space and can ping a long ball with exceptional accuracy. Tough as nails, loves a 50-50 challenge and very good defensive footwork.     Will be playing in the last 8 of ECNL RL this kid is a special young talent. I haven't seen a more technically gifted player in her age group in the entire country. Obviously a little early to start recruiting her but if you want to watch someone whom I believe can be on the full national team one day she is well worth a watch.     The Northwestern commit and World Class FC talent is headed into this tournament as one of the country's elite attacking talents. She has elite athleticism and precise finishing ability. Plays with her heart on her sleeve and presses the opposition's backline like a bat out of hell.     Recently committed to one of the most up and coming programs in the country Texas Longhorns this past week. Braun is the top rated goalkeeper in California for a reason. She is as solid as they come. Fundamentally very sound makes every save she is supposed to make, great distribution, good with her feet, and can pull of an exceptional save when her team needs her.     Looking to repeat last years success with another ECNL National Championship. Miller heads into this tournament full of confidence recently committing to the University of North Carolina very early on during recruiting. Her MVLA side has been in this position before and they are built on defense with Miller at the heart of it.

It's about that time. World Cup fever has American's soccer crazed and much less productive at their jobs (myself included.) It really is a special time to be playing soccer for these kids. Let's see who shines and who does enough to win an ECNL National Championship. I am glad that we only have to do it in one trip this year as opposed to two the previous two years. Very smart move by ECNL. I continue to say that you will find some of the best young female talent on the planet at these events. Because unlike the men in this country the women are proven to be the best in the world. The ECNL league is the best youth league in this country therefore you do the math. These girls have worked all year for the opportunity to compete for an ECNL National Championship. Here are a few of them who you should keep an eye on: