SoCal 2031s - ECNL Early Season Report Card

The ECNL Southwest Conference is underway with some of the top teams in the nation making a statement through the first few weekends of action. The talent in Southern California comes from all over. Below is a run down of a few of the 2031s who have stood out from the games in August and September.    A tall midfielder/forward with skill on the ball, Schuetz is an intriguing prospect from the LAFC 2012/2013 ECNL team. Her player profile lists her as a midfielder/defender. She looks to be playing as a more advanced role at the start of the season - perhaps that is matchup-dependent.   She is comfortable and confident on the ball. She's got a flair for the skills on the dribble and can get past players with the ball at her feet. She wants touches and will hunt the ball out at every opportunity. It feels like she can drift some when she plays a more advanced role in order to get touches on the ball if its not finding her. Schuetz being so ball hungry suggests a future in a midfield role. She had some excellent moments at the point of the attack against Eagles recently including an assist on a goal.     Weinstein is not a 2031, but she is playing alongside the 2031s. She is playing up an age group for the LAFC 2012/2013 ECNL team. She is a 2014. Based on early reviews, she looks like she is going to be on the list of top 2014s in the country.   She plays as a defensive midfielder for LAFC. She has lightning quick feet, keeps close control of the ball, and has excellent vision with her passing. Weinstein has the trademarks of a midfielder who can dominate the game for a long time. She already stands out from the game film while playing up age group.   Weinstein is one to watch for the future. The way she checks her shoulders off the ball and the movement she makes to create space suggest a player with international qualities. She's going to be making noise in Southern California for a long time.     Seetal is a box-to-box midfielder for the LAFC 2012/2013 ECNL team. She has an endless engine and the attitude to carry that effort from whistle to last whistle. She scored a great goal against Eagles, which showcased the strengths of her game. The speed on a long sprint, the ability to finish from a tight angle, and the vision to recognize the play a step before the opponent. Seetal hits a great cross when she drifts out wide. With her endurance and competitiveness, she might have a future as outside back as well.     Monsefi had some nice moments in the second half against Eagles. She's good on the ball as a winger and can create chances. She has a good move with her pause and go that deceived defenders consistently. She was also good at creating space with her body feints. She was unlucky not to find the back of the net on the day.     Baker had a spectacular solo effort on a goal in the second half in the win over LAFC So Cal. The forward got onto a 50/50 ball. She managed to escape a plethora of defenders with a big, progressive touch. She used her speed and skill to burst past the defense. She cut back inside and tucked in her shot inside the post.     Zuniga is listed as a defender on her player profile because that is where she plays with the Youth National Team and how she is listed on those rosters. She's an outside back with elite shutdown qualities.   However, she is playing in the midfield for her Eagles 2012/2013 ECNL team. She is all over the field. She is getting touches in different spots on the field and being forced to impact the game in a variety of ways. Zuniga had some strong moments against LAFC So Cal. There is still more room for her to add her impact on the game - and she certainly has the skill and quality to do it at the ECNL level.     Boyd is the goalkeeper on the Eagles ECNL 2012/2013 team. She had some great saves in the win over LAFC So Cal. She has the frame to cover the whole goal and the athleticism to make any save. She plays with confidence off her line.   Boyd also stood out for her distribution. She can ping the dropkick to her forward and immediately start the counter.

The ECNL Southwest Conference is underway with some of the top teams in the nation making a statement through the first few weekends of action. The talent in Southern California comes from all over. Below is a run down of a few of the 2031s who have stood out from the games in August and September.