Three nationally ranked Dallas Texans process missing playoffs

To put it plainly, it was a challenging season for the Dallas Texans 2007 ECNL girls team. The squad was plagued by injuries, which every team can claim, but in this case one of the injuries was to 2025 Texas A&M commit Baily Cate who scored a majority of the team's goals the last few seasons. The Texans 07 team also dealt with a mid-season coaching change as it dealt with its fair share of adversity.   The team had some great results, keeping clean sheets against DKSC and Sting Black, two teams that qualified for the Champions League. They also held the two-time ECNL national champs, Solar's 2007 ECNL team, to a goal differential of two in their matchups, the best result of any team in the Texas conference. Despite these successes, the team unfortunately won't be heading to the playoffs in Seattle.   The Texans have three nationally ranked players according to PrepSoccer's rankings in 2025's [player_tooltip player_id='86006' first='Monica' last='Morales'] and [player_tooltip player_id='26667' first='Ellis' last='Kuntz'] as well as 2026 player [player_tooltip player_id='27206' first='Ryan' last='Fogel']. Some teams might worry about players leaving for greener pastures and new opportunities, but this team is bonded. This team is, well, a team. They are one of the few teams to have re-signed every single starting player for next season and the core of the team continues to stay together and fight for one another.   A challenging year like that would be enough to send many starting lineups scattering to other teams, but there is something special about this 07 Texans squad. One of the only teams to re-sign every single starting player for next year, the core of the team continues to come together and fight for each other.      <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/05/thumbnail_Facetune_29-04-2024-12-29-37-crop-658x432-1716950569.jpg?w=657" alt="" class="wp-image-176655" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Robert Schad</figcaption></figure>   Fogel is a versatile defender, because she can play as a No. 6 as well as play anywhere in the back four. She is a technically gifted defender who can possess, she can push up when needed and she's also a determined, hard-worker on the defensive end. The Texans are glad to have here and she's glad to remain.   “I have been a Texan since second grade. My heart is with this team," Fogel said. "We have won championships and we have had hard patches, and I wouldn't be the player or person I am today without both. When I commit to a college, I will be prepared to face any challenges that may come. I'm not a player you would find in the transfer portal after a hard year.”      <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/05/thumbnail_IMG_7931-crop-411x270-1716950625.jpg?w=410" alt="" class="wp-image-176657" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Robert Schad</figcaption></figure>   Kuntz, the crafty midfielder, is also remaining loyal and they are glad to have their co-captain, and a player that has been with the club for many years. The hard-working, speedy midfielder knows that the Texans 07 team is a good one.   “I know what our team is capable of," Kuntz said. "We have had a hard year, and it really stinks not to go to playoffs this year, but I know we will come back stronger next year. And we will know how to win with joy and lose with grace.”      Morales is a solid No. 6 who is another versatile player. She can play in defense as well, and she offers a bevy of ability. She can possess the ball well, switch play effectively, fill passing lanes and break up an attack as well as turn a defender and push forward.   "I'm a very competitive person and want to play at the highest level," Morales, a long time Texan said. "Yes, we had ups and downs this season but we have learned to take the challenges head-on and there is no team I would rather do it with. We did not end how we wanted but I know what we are capable of. I'm looking forward to continuing to help lead this team and am excited for what the future holds."    Morales was actually considering a change after this year, but she decided that she wants to remain with the Texans.    While the Texans will not be making an appearance in Seattle, they will be playing in the ECNL North Carolina Showcase from May 31-June 2. Their performance in ECNL Showcase play is a testament to the strength of the Texas Conference, as the Texans have lost only one of their six ECNL showcases matches this year.

To put it plainly, it was a challenging season for the Dallas Texans 2007 ECNL girls team. The squad was plagued by injuries, which every team can claim, but in this case one of the injuries was to 2025 Texas A&M commit Baily Cate who scored a majority of the team's goals the last few seasons. The Texans 07 team also dealt with a mid-season coaching change as it dealt with its fair share of adversity.