Eight ECNL Standouts to Watch in Virginia’s 2030 Class

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Prep Soccer state rankings for the Virginia 2030 class will be updated next week. Prior to the release of the rankings, check out a scouting report on eight players in the ECNL who have been key to their team's success so far this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["416937"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ae39f92bcda1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Morris is a forward on the Virginia Union U15 ECNL team. She has been part of the Gotham Center of Excellence ID events in the past. She's a multi-sport athlete (field hockey). She's a fierce competitor on the soccer field. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Morris is among the best scorers in the region. Morris is a full-force forward. She runs at full-speed at all times. She also dribbles with the same conviction. She gets after the defense at every opportunity. The enthusiastic approach creates opportunities and makes the opposition uncomfortable at all times. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When Morris gets a chance, she puts it away. She has excellent composure in front of the goal and reads the goalkeeper well. Morris is a top talent to watch in the ECNL Mid-Atlantic. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["417196"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ae39f92bce01"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Payne is a defender on the [program_tooltip program_id='283449' first='Richmond' last='United'] U15 ECNL team. She can play as an outside back or a center back. She's also versatile enough to play either side of the formation. She's got a lot of strengths to her game that make her an asset in either role. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Payne doesn't come off the field. She can play those roles and can fit in anywhere so she's always going to find a spot to help her team. She's also an elite athlete with impressive fitness. She has the range to cover forwards all over the field. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Payne's best trait is probably her decision-making. She's smart on the ball and doesn't force a pass when it isn't on. She helps her side retain possession and is a weapon in the build-out. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Payne is a top defender in this class with her strong all-around game and her ability to impact the game in a variety of positions. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["417195"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ae39f92bce4b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Brandenburg is a forward/midfielder on the [program_tooltip program_id='283449' first='Richmond' last='United'] U15 ECNL team. She can play as one of the two forwards on her side or she can play in an attacking midfield role. She is a bundle of energy on the field. She's immediately noticeable with her approach. She wants to get touches on the ball and works her tail off to get opportunities. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brandenburg's defensive instincts is a part of her game that stands out. She has a knack for anticipating the next pass of the opposition and sneaking up on the player if they fail to check their should. She's quick to react in the transition moments and does a good job creating chances for her side. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bradenburg also does well using her body. She shields defenders with excellent technique. She can get a shot off quickly and shows good understanding of tactical positioning for her role within the team. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There's a lot of her game that suggests she will be a top attacking talent in the future in the region. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["416934"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ae39f92bce93"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Luher is a goalkeeper on the Fairfax Virginia Union U15 ECNL team. She's one of the top goalkeepers in the country. She's been part of the id2 team as well as called into US Soccer Talent ID events. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She's got a well-rounded game for the position. She's comfortable with the ball at her feet and makes good decisions in possession. She's capable of pinging a pass over distance to her teammates. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She's also an excellent shot-stopper with a long wingspan and strong hands. Her quick reflexes and decisiveness off the line are two of her strengths that set her apart from her peers. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["417201"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ae39f92bced7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Madaras is a midfielder on the [program_tooltip program_id='283449' first='Richmond' last='United'] U15 ECNL team. She can play in the attack or midfield. I think her best moments have been in the center of the field as a box-to-box midfielder. She has a remarkable engine. She covers a ton of ground and makes quick reads on the game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Madaras is a consistent contributor for her side. She has popped off in every game this season for her side. She's one of those players who just finds ways to impact the game in a variety of ways. She has a good shot with strong technique on ball-striking. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Madaras' unlimited range and cleverness makes her one of those midfielders who should be playing this game at a high level for a long time. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["417206"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ae39f92bcf1a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bartlett is a midfielder on the Fairfax Virginia Union U15 ECNL team. I don't see any Youth National Team Talent ID Center call-ups in her player history, but she has been playing at that level this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She's technically clean on the ball, checks her shoulders, and has good game awareness. She has played the defensive midfield spot at a really high level during the club season and seems to be off to a flying start at the high school level as well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["416965"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ae39f92bcf58"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lawless is one of the talented goalkeepers on the [program_tooltip program_id='283514' first='VDA' last=''] U15 ECNL team. The [program_tooltip program_id='283514' first='VDA' last=''] U15 ECNL team is stacked in every position and goalkeeper is no exception. The two shot-stoppers on the [program_tooltip program_id='283514' first='VDA' last=''] squad both have high level qualities that suggest top tier potential. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lawless has excellent hands. She secures the ball with confidence and rarely lets up an unnecessary rebound. She's good with the ball at her feet and often operates as the starting point of the attack for her squad. She's got the frame, mentality, and technique to reach the top levels. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["338443"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6ae39f92bcfa6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Johnson is a left center back on the [program_tooltip program_id='283514' first='VDA' last=''] U15 ECNL team. She has been US Soccer Youth National Team mini-camps and Talent ID Events in the past. She's a key part of the defense that ranks among the best in the ECNL this season in terms of goals allowed. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Johnson and her [program_tooltip program_id='283514' first='VDA' last=''] teammates are excellent at breaking the pressure from the opposition. Typically, it is the defenders who are in for a long game when the scouting report comes out. But [program_tooltip program_id='283514' first='VDA' last=''] flips the script on that. The [program_tooltip program_id='283514' first='VDA' last=''] defenders are fearless on the ball and will beat the pressure off the dribble consistently if the opposition is lazy or negligent in their effort. When she beats the first wave, she is great at finding the advantage and pinging a pass into a teammate. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She's a rock-solid defender and can take on any forward at the youth level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->