Playmakers: Exceptional passers from ECNL PHX

PHOENIX, Arizona - The ECNL National Event at the Reach 11 Complex wrapped up on Sunday. The event has been a highlight of the club soccer season as it is an opportune time for ambitious coaches coming off the whirlwind college season to get a look at their recruits (or potential recruits) playing against top level competition. This year's event featured some of the best teams in the country in the 06/07, 08, and 09 age groups.   Below is a look at the players from the midfield who stood out for their ability to create chances with exceptional passing and clear vision.    Scott, an ECNL All-Conference selection from last season, impressed on Saturday with her exceptional passing. The center midfielder from Wilmington Hammerheads is right footed. She is capable of playing a pass over the top of the defense with consistency. She also splits defenders with accurate passes through the windows between the center and outside back. Her vision and skill were standout aspects of her game against a talent Sting squad on Saturday. She had a pass with her left foot early on against Sting to create a chance for her side, which showed her dexterity and confidence for her weaker foot.      Brundage impressed in the Sting win over Wilmington Hammerheads on Saturday. She showed great quality in checking her shoulders before receiving the ball. She also did well in putting the correct pace on the pass to get her wingers in behind the flat backline. Brundage had a good first touch that set her up for success in the center of the field. The Sting midfielder is one to watch.      Moody was outstanding in the midfield for Real Colorado in a losing effort to Phoenix Rising. The defensive midfielder was all over the field and earned a number of touches early on in the game. She was making incisive passes between the lines that opened up the opposition and created chances for her team. She was comfortable on either foot and silky smooth on the ball. On the rare chance she lost the ball, she quickly sprung into defense and made plays to earn the ball back for her team.      Hayward is a rare midfielder. She is capable of doing it all. She can be a defensive midfielder who is a deep playmaker, but she is just as capable of taking on the attacking midfield role and creating chances in the final third. She was excellent against Real Colorado. I was really impressed with how she played with pressure on her back. She plays with the confidence and swagger that is rarely seen at the youth level, but it's all backed up by her sublime skill and exquisite playmaking qualities.      Leyendecker is a tidy midfielder who does an excellent job progressing the ball up the field. She is a good decision-maker in possession and keeps clean retention of the ball under pressure. She made a key pass on the opening goal for Midwest United on Saturday.      Galvan was outstanding in the win over Nationals. She was so good on the ball against one of the best teams in the nation. She created chances for her team, but she also never lost possession of the ball for her side. She was smart, calm, and brilliant. Galvan is a real star of the ECNL.      <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-medium"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/11/GabriellaSzczuka-Pateadores09.jpg?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-272170"/></figure>   One of my favorite players of the weekend, Szczuka was on the losing side on the day, but her play in the midfield dictated where the game was played and how many chances her team generated from the game. Szczuka is a player with high upside who influences the game with her smart decision-making and skill.      <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-medium"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/11/SydneyHewuse-FCWisconsin09.jpg?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-272171"/></figure>   Hewuse was a standout for the FC Wisconsin side. She is a very good box-to-box midfielder. She can shuttle the ball up the field with her passing and she also did well taking on players off the dribble through the center of the pitch. She created chances with her play for FC Wisconsin.      Sabus immediately jumped out from the action for her play. She is a creative attacking talent who can play as an attacking midfielder or a forward. She had an excellent cross early in the game. It was also her movement off the ball that set her apart. She did well creating space with the timing of her runs and her effort in making the long runs to open up the field for her side.      The Nationals 08 defensive midfielder was a bright spot for her side on Sunday. She was outstanding earlier in the event as well. She dictated the play against GSA. Landstra is a bright talent at defensive midfield.      <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-medium"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/11/SophiaCanelopoulos-Hawks09.jpg?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-272172"/></figure>   Canelopoulos was one of the best players at the event in any age group. An outrageous talent in the defensive midfield position. She does everything well and made play after play to help her team end the event with a victory.      Chang was impressive once again for Beach. The midfielder had a wonderful assist to [player_tooltip player_id='112151' first='Nico' last='Shin'] in the game against Solar. She impressed throughout the weekend with her skill and passing prowess.

PHOENIX, Arizona - The ECNL National Event at the Reach 11 Complex wrapped up on Sunday. The event has been a highlight of the club soccer season as it is an opportune time for ambitious coaches coming off the whirlwind college season to get a look at their recruits (or potential recruits) playing against top level competition. This year's event featured some of the best teams in the country in the 06/07, 08, and 09 age groups.