ECNL TX U17: Albion win the H-Town Derby with furious comeback

The ECNL Boys League has had some exciting first weeks of its 2026-2027 season, as the best teams in the league get on the field to face their regional rivals in Conference Play.   The Texas Conference is one of the strongest in the entire country, and Prep Soccer Texas will be following the season as it unfolds, supporting the Lone Star State teams with high-level coverage that will include match reports, photo galleries and social media posts.   On Saturday, September 19, we attended the H-Town Showdown between [program_tooltip program_id='283243' first='Albion' last='Hurricanes FC'] and Rise SC in the U17 age group at Campbell Road Sports Park. Playing at home, Albion triumphed 2-1 thanks to a quick and strong comeback in the second half.   <ul class="wp-block-list"> <li>[program_tooltip program_id='283243' first='Albion' last='Hurricanes FC'] U17 vs. Rise SC U17 - <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2026/09/ecnl-tx-u17-albion-hurricanes-fc-vs-rise-sc-photos/">Photos</a></li> </ul>   <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/p/DdjbP1qjizb/?img_index=1 </div></figure>   Rise got their goal in the 11th minute of the first half, when defender Max Mullervy got to the end of a corner kick and scored. The visitors managed to preserve their lead until the final portion of the match, when Albion scored twice in two minutes to turn things around. The first goal was scored by midfielder Giovani Torchia after a corner in the 37th minute of the second half, while forward Ian Rodas capitalized on a quick transition play one minute later to score the game-winner.   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Players of the Match</h2>    Torchia made a big impact for Albion in central midfield and was one of the team's consistent players throughout the match. He did a good job moving the ball upfield, showing solid technique and vision, and was very important in the first half, when his team struggled to make plays. Torchia showed great intelligence with his off-the-ball movement, creating spaces for his teammates to explore and dropping back to occupy the space vacated by the defenders when they pushed forward. The midfielder did very well in attacking the back post in a corner kick and scored the team's equalizer with an easy finish.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/09/2J4A0004.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-411266" /></figure>    Flores-Martinez led the Albion backline that didn't give up much to Rise outside of a set-piece goal. He played in the center of their back three and was very successful in the air and on the ground, thriving with his excellent positioning inside the box. Flores-Martinez had a big role in his team's buildup and showed good quality on the ball to move it out of the back with accurate passes. The defender also created some chances by providing good service from set pieces.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/09/2J4A0095.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-411296" /></figure>    Rodas came off the bench during the match and provided an energy boost to Albion's attack. The forward moved consistently in the final third, often drifting wide from the center of the field, and kept Rise's backline under constant pressure. He was excellent when scoring the game-winning goal, needing very little time on the ball to finish and firing a very good shot. Rodas also contributed defensively, pressing Rise's defenders when they had the ball.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/09/2J4A0063.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-411285" /></figure>    Another piece of Albion's back three, Anani contributed to the team's defensive solidity in the match. He played on the right side of their back three and was very good at challenging opponents out wide, blocking their crosses and intercepting passes. Anani's mobility was invaluable, as, with the team trailing for most of the match, he used it to track opponents down and stop transition plays. The center back also showed confidence on the ball, taking the space in front of him and stepping into the attacking half to deliver passes.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/09/2J4A0058.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-411283" /></figure>    Mullervy scored Rise's only goal in the match and was one of the team's top performers. The left-sided center back was dominant in the penalty box, using his height and positioning to win aerial duels and clear crosses. Mullervy also showed great ability to read plays, often stepping up to intercept passes with quick, clean moves. A lefty, he distributed the ball well out of the back, showing calm and nice vision in possession.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/09/2J4A0085.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-411292" /></figure>    Primarily a midfielder, Garcia played in central defense and formed a solid duo with Mullervy. The two worked very well off each other and, outside for two minutes in the second half, did a good job of containing Albion's offense. The quicker of the two, Garcia often appeared covering his teammates on both sides of the box and delivered a couple of well-timed sliding tackles in dangerous spots. He was a big part of the team's buildup, too, showing calm on the ball and delivering short and long passes out of the back.    <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/09/2J4A0057.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-411282" /></figure>

The ECNL Boys League has had some exciting first weeks of its 2026-2027 season, as the best teams in the league get on the field to face their regional rivals in Conference Play.