ECNL TX U15: FC Westlake and FC Dallas compete hard in 1-1 tie

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2026-2027 ECNL Girls League is nearing its winter break, and a lot of high-level soccer has been played around the country since the opening weekend at the end of August.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For another season, Prep Soccer Texas continues to follow all the action in the Texas Conference, covering the games with match reports, positional standouts and photo galleries.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>On Sunday, November 8, we completed our weekend trip to Austin by attending the U15 match between [program_tooltip program_id='342634' first='FC' last='Westlake'] and [program_tooltip program_id='283648' first='FC' last='Dallas'] at Hill Country Middle School. It was an intense battle, which had both teams competing until the final whistle and ended in a 1-1 tie.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='342634' first='FC' last='Westlake'] U15 vs. [program_tooltip program_id='283648' first='FC' last='Dallas'] U15 - <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2026/11/ecnl-tx-u15-fc-westlake-vs-fc-dallas-photos/">Photos</a></strong></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.instagram.com/p/Dfr6NjLIDck/?img_index=1","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"instagram","responsive":true} --> <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/Dfr6NjLIDck/?img_index=1 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The visiting [program_tooltip program_id='283648' first='FC' last='Dallas'] went into the halftime break with an advantage after forward [player_tooltip player_id='338279' first='Giuliana' last='Mercurio'] concluded a play on the right with a nice cross shot in the 37th minute. [program_tooltip program_id='342634' first='FC' last='Westlake']'s equalizer didn't happen until the 79th minute, when, after intense pressure, forward [player_tooltip player_id='385818' first='Phoenix' last='Covault'] picked up the rebound and sent it home with a left-footed shot.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Players of the Game</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["353359"],"_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-6af717bb187d4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sanders had an excellent performance in central midfield, combining remarkable intensity and quality on the ball. She was very active in front of the team's backline, working hard to stop opponents and showing great defensive instincts to get her feet on the ball and dispossess them. Sanders also did good work in possession, taking great care of the ball and moving it intelligently into the final third. In the second half, when [program_tooltip program_id='342634' first='FC' last='Westlake'] pushed forward looking for an equalizer, she was more present in the attacking half and made good plays with her ability to drive the ball forward through defenders and attempted shots from outside the box.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:image {"id":419386,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/11/2J4A2525.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-419386" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["410600"],"_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-6af723ba1e121"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Baker played next to Sanders in midfield and had a more defensive role than her teammate. Her ability to win the ball and stop plays was invaluable for her team, and at times, her presence in front of the backline forced [program_tooltip program_id='283648' first='FC' last='Dallas'] to play long or through the wings. Baker was excellent at dispossessing opponents, using her ability to read the game to anticipate plays and showing impeccable timing with her actions. He also did well in possession, efficiently keeping the ball under pressure and moving intelligently to be an option.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:image {"id":419406,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/11/2J4A2683.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-419406" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["385814"],"_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-6af723ba1e1d0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mankin formed a strong center-back duo with [player_tooltip player_id='385811' first='Valkyrie' last='Harris'], and the two worked very well together to contain [program_tooltip program_id='283648' first='FC' last='Dallas']' offensive plays. Mankin played more to the left and stood out for her excellent positioning, which allowed her to react to everything happening inside and around the penalty box. Very mobile, Mankin did a good job when intercepting passes, but also thrived in duels, making firm actions for the ball. The center back was very comfortable on the ball, navigated pressure well and connected nice passes out of the back.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:image {"id":419408,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/11/2J4A2708.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-419408" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["385818"],"_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-6af723ba1e253"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Covault scored [program_tooltip program_id='342634' first='FC' last='Westlake']'s late equalizer in what was a reward for her good performance. She was used in a two-forward system and did a good job of drifting wide on both wings to make runs on the ball and send crosses into the box. Covault appeared more centrally on some occasions, making the most of her physical tools to keep possession of the ball and combining with her teammates. She also did a good job of getting into the box to finish chances, and on one of the times she made that movement, she got to the right place at the right time to pick up a rebound and score her team's goal.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:image {"id":419422,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/11/2J4A2825.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-419422" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["419530"],"_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-6af723ba1e2b9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Nichols was very good in the center of the pitch for [program_tooltip program_id='283648' first='FC' last='Dallas'], making nice plays on both sides of the ball. Her size helped her win physical duels for the ball and made it very hard for opponents to dispossess her. Nichols worked hard off the ball, showing determination to win duels and good timing for her tackles. The midfielder also offered significant support to the offense by making strong runs through the center and delivering accurate passes in the attacking half.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:image {"id":419393,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/11/2J4A2575.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-419393" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["343816"],"_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-6af723ba1e31e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Coffman anchored [program_tooltip program_id='283648' first='FC' last='Dallas']' backline and played a key role in keeping [program_tooltip program_id='342634' first='FC' last='Westlake'] scoreless for nearly the entire match. She played as a left-sided center back and adjusted well to the two central defense partners she had throughout the match, showing nice adaptability and understanding of the game. Coffman was very active defensively, stepping up to make stops and blocking what could have been dangerous shots inside and around the box. The defender was always very calm and composed in possession and efficiently moved the ball out of the back.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:image {"id":419420,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/11/2J4A2814.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-419420" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["419534"],"_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-6af723ba1e39b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Synatzske played the second half of the match and helped [program_tooltip program_id='283648' first='FC' last='Dallas'] navigate their most difficult moment of the game. With [program_tooltip program_id='342634' first='FC' last='Westlake'] controlling possession and pushing for an equalizer, the goalkeeper was constantly asked to work, and she responded well, making multiple saves. Synatzske had to make some difficult interventions and showed a solid combination of reflexes and technical skills to handle them efficiently. She couldn't stop Covault's shot in [program_tooltip program_id='342634' first='FC' last='Westlake']'s goal, but had performed a great save a couple of seconds earlier in that same play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:image {"id":419410,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/11/2J4A2725.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-419410" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["419536"],"_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-6af723ba1e419"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Elliott played as a left back and was another important piece in [program_tooltip program_id='283648' first='FC' last='Dallas']' backline. She had more of a defensive role with the team and fulfilled it well, providing good stability in her zone. Elliott was frequently matched up with [program_tooltip program_id='342634' first='FC' last='Westlake']'s dynamic forward [player_tooltip player_id='338298' first='Shamia' last='Sanders'] and did a good job of limiting her options with her strong play and remarkable work. The left back didn't push forward very often, but helped the team's offense by delivering accurate long passes out of the back.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:image {"id":419396,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2026/11/2J4A2594.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-419396" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image -->