FC Dallas Outlasts Surf in ECNL 2010 Quarterfinal Thriller

One of the marquee matchups from Tuesday at the ECNL Champions League playoffs was in the 2010 age group with Texas powerhouse [program_tooltip program_id='283648' first='FC' last='Dallas'] taking on Southern California juggernaut San Diego Surf. The game was a tightly contested affair with each team trying to breakdown the stout defense of the opposition. [program_tooltip program_id='283648' first='FC' last='Dallas'] entered the game with only one goal conceded from the previous two games in Seattle. San Diego Surf had relied more on a potent attack with five goals scored from the previous two games to get to the quarterfinal tilt.   Tuesday's game saw some nerves with crowded sidelines and a trip to the semifinals on the line. The play opened up as the game progressed, but neither team could find the magic to breakthrough the opposing goalkeeper.   [program_tooltip program_id='283648' first='FC' last='Dallas'] prevailed in the penalty kick shootout to clinch a spot in the semifinals. Below is a look at some of the top individual performances from the game.    It's easy to forget, but Harrington is playing up an age group - and has reclassified to the 2028 class. She looked like the best attacking player on the field for most of the game. She's continued to develop her game and shown the quality on the ball to handle playing as a No. 9 just as well as she can star in the No. 10 role.   She created chances with her hold-up play with her back to the goal. She has a great first touch and always seems to scanning the field for the runs of her teammates. Harrington also recognized when she should take over. She had a couple of chances from distance that just narrowly missed.     Hendrix was unreal in the second half against Surf. There was a five minute spell when she went 1v1 in tracking a center forward over 30 yards and then put in a perfectly timed slide tackle to clean win possession of the ball. She followed that up with a last-second block on a chance in the box that stopped what looked like it would be a sure goal for the opposition.   She was everywhere. And doing everything to help her team win. There is a reason she is one of the best center backs in the nation - and she has shown that in Seattle especially in the game against Surf. [player_tooltip player_id='351206' first='Daniella' last='Fregoso'] was also a standout at center back for [program_tooltip program_id='283648' first='FC' last='Dallas'].     Fuller had some remarkable saves in the game against [program_tooltip program_id='283648' first='FC' last='Dallas']. She wasn't busy in goal as the Surf defense held on well, and the Surf midfield kept control of the game. However, there is an argument that it is even harder to play goalkeeper when the action isn't frequent.   Fuller kept her focus and rose to the occasion when the moment called for her to make the save. She was also a standout with her distribution.     Pizarro is listed as a defensive midfielder on her player profile, but she was playing as the right center back in this game. The Colombian Youth National Team player, who earned her way onto the ECNL team after previously playing for her club's ECNL-RL squad, had a great game. She was sharp on the ball and connected passes to the midfielders. She stood up to challenges and organized the defense. She was a key reason for the shutout.     Ward was excellent in this game. Nothing she did is going to make the scoresheet - given the lack of goals - but her positional play showed the brilliance she offers to her side. Her quick decisions showcased the quality she brings in the attack. She is the catalyst for the [program_tooltip program_id='283648' first='FC' last='Dallas'] playing style. The attacking midfielder gets into passing lanes and thrives in the transition moments of the game. She created chances with her vision on Tuesday.

One of the marquee matchups from Tuesday at the ECNL Champions League playoffs was in the 2010 age group with Texas powerhouse FC Dallas taking on Southern California juggernaut San Diego Surf. The game was a tightly contested affair with each team trying to breakdown the stout defense of the opposition. FC Dallas entered the game with only one goal conceded from the previous two games in Seattle. San Diego Surf had relied more on a potent attack with five goals scored from the previous two games to get to the quarterfinal tilt.