California's class of 2026 shows great versatility

This group of 2026 players from California is showing what it means to be versatile. You have dynamic defenders and keepers, players that can move to different levels of the field and midfielders that can play all three positions. This group is incredibly versatile and talented.   [player_tooltip player_id='82736' first='Sophia' last='Canepa'], Central Defender, Connections Academy, Class of 2026   Canepa is a De Anza force 2008 ECNL player, who has really challenged herself this winter to grow and compete against top-tier teams and players. She was hurt in the fall and faced a tough road to recover this winter as her resilience and determination were put to the test. Canepa overcame her frustrations and the setbacks and committed to the rigorous physical and mental training to regain her place on the pitch. Her determination would not allow this setback to define her season. At the ECNL Showcase in Florida, Canepa put her skills on display against elite competition. She has become better conditioned and more physically prepared to perform after her strength training routine that helped her get healthy, and has showed excellent ball control and creativity since returning as well as a very good first touch. Canepa will continue to work hard and get even better.   [player_tooltip player_id='112297' first='Alannah' last='Gonzales'], Forward, Etiwanda, Class of 2026   Gonzales is a talented sophomore from Etiwanda High, a top program in California, and plays club for the Legends FC 2008 ECNL team. She is a hard-working player who acts as an example for her teammates. She showed great ability to create scoring chances, both for herself and her teammates, as she is very unselfish and does not simply go for goal. She's very fast and can transition from attacking to tracking back, quickly. She uses both feet well to get up and down the line and is great at serving the ball into the box, or shows her agility by cutting in and looking for the shot. She's growing technically and is becoming more confident and has a ton of composure with the ball at her feet.   [player_tooltip player_id='19164' first='Avarie' last='Gonzalez'], Keeper, Los Alamitos, Class of 2026   Gonzalez is one of the best keepers in the state of California, and is only a sophomore at Los Alamitos. She plays club at Slammers HB playing for the Koge ECNL team. She captained a very good Los Alamitos team to very good showings in the Southern Section and in the SoCal Regional playoffs, showing the ability to come up with critical, game-changing saves. She was first team all-league in the Sunset League and made the All-CIF Southern Section team as well. Gonzalez shows great shot-stopping ability and is excellent when faced with a 1v1 situation. She positions herself very well. She also organizes and directs well because she is a fantastic communicator.   [player_tooltip player_id='112490' first='Paige' last='Mouw'], Midfielder/Defender, Ontario Christian, Class of 2026   Mouw is a versatile player who can play in the midfield or move back and play defense. She was quite a force as a sophomore at Ontario Christian, leading the Ambassador League in goals as the team won the league and had 20 wins on the season. Mouw plays club with the Legends FC 2008 ECNL team and is looking to get even better. Already great pushing up, she's looking to be even more aggressive on the attack, and because she is unselfish wants to help her club team win the Southwest Division and advance in the ECNL playoffs.   [player_tooltip player_id='20206' first='Sloane' last='Phillips'], Midfielder, Temecula Valley, Class of 2026   Phillips will be a highly sought after recruit in the class of 2026. She plays at City SC and is a Temecula Valley High player, and has been an impact player at the school since she was a freshman. She can play all three midfield spots and is just a dangerous player. She is always dangerous and always creating opportunities. She was a big part in her City SC team doing well in their league and at the Champions Cup as the team went undefeated in Norco, CA in December as Phillips had two assists that led to game-winning goals and also scored a game-winner herself. She is equally skilled with either foot and is a threat whether it be shooting, passing, taking a corner or a free kick. She works hard, has an engine that does not quit and will do anything to help the team. She is also a threat no matter what midfield spot she is playing, as she can cover ground and take on defenders from anywhere. Phillips plays with an ease and a confidence on the ball and she shows an advanced knowledge of the game. She's a supportive player and a great teammate who displays leadership.

This group of 2026 players from California is showing what it means to be versatile. You have dynamic defenders and keepers, players that can move to different levels of the field and midfielders that can play all three positions. This group is incredibly versatile and talented.