ECNL Phoenix: Five PNW Teams & Matches to Check Out

The PNW ECNL clubs are about to head south for warmer weather to showcase their talents amongst the top clubs in the country. This will be a much-needed break from the rain and wind that the NW has forced upon almost every athlete during every match this spring.   The ECNL Phoenix Spring showcase is always well attended by hundreds of college coaches and all the top collegiate programs. This is the place to be seen! Just like every ECNL showcase, these athletes will be bringing their 'A' game and hoping to catch an eye of a prospective college program. It won't just be one big play, acrobatic save or banger goal that will solidify the opportunity to play at the next level. It will be the body of work that these athletes put together over years of showcases, league matches and perseverance that will open doors. Emails, DM's and Texts to college coaches as well as Social Media presence, can also be the edge that gets an athlete that 'extra' look.   Coaches cannot possibly know every top player on every ECNL club in the country. That is the responsibility of the individual athlete to make these coaches aware of who you are and why you are ready to play at their level. If you can't combine elite talent and ability with stellar marketing and communication ... the path may be difficult.   As the ECNL Playoffs approach and the ECNL showcase season begins to fade, the opportunities to shine are limited. Every athlete traveling to the Grand Canyon state will come ready to play and look to make a name for themselves and officially get on a college programs radar!   Here are five PNW teams and matches to watch at ECNL Phoenix as well as some standout athletes to keep your eyes on:   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">XF Academy G12 ECNL v. Slammers FC HB KOGE G12 ECNL</h2>   The battle of two 1st place teams in their respective conferences is always a match you cannot miss. This XF Academy squad is a very young and talented group that has an attacking prowess mixed in with a stout defensive back line. One of those leaders to keep tabs on this match will be GK [player_tooltip player_id='284292' first='Hadley' last='Winn']. Her and her defensive backfield have only allowed 4 goals against and have registered 8 shutouts in 11 matches. Look for the talented forward, [player_tooltip player_id='284293' first='Malia' last='Ostrom'], to get going and help set the tone against the Slammers. If this match becomes a battle of set pieces, XF's [player_tooltip player_id='284294' first='Isla' last='Jones'] will thrive. Jones has a special ability to play the ball right where it needs to be to allow her teammates to be successful. However, Slammers FC will be ready. They boast an undefeated record of 15-0 and do not plan on making it easy on anyone. The Slammers FC HB KOGE program has historically been one of the top ECNL programs in the country ... no matter the age group. The defensive minded, Emmalyn Hughes, is one of the powerhouses in the middle of the pitch. Any goal scoring attempts will have to go through her. The goal scoring ability of Sienna Forrester is undeniable. She has the ability to slice though defenses and place the ball beautifully on frame. XF will have to lock her and her talented squad down if they want to be successful on Saturday.   Game Information: 4/5/25 @ 10am on Field #3 - Scottsdale Sports Complex   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[program_tooltip program_id='283435' first='Portland Thorns' last='Academy'] G09 ECNL v. Santa Rosa United G09 ECNL</h2>   The Portland Thorns are having a solid season filled with tons of tight games. They will be looking to separate themselves and rise above the draws and hopefully put up some convincing wins in Arizona. Leading that charge will be [player_tooltip player_id='284304' first='Olivia' last='Bunke'], the powerful forward out of Banks HS. She has an eye for goal and possesses a great finish. Santa Rosa will have their hands full with her up top. Locking it down on the back line is [player_tooltip player_id='25542' first='Charlotte' last='Lenarduzzi']. This center back plays lights out and first to ball consistently. She is difficult to beat and is a physical presence on the pitch. Santa Rosa is not going to just give up. They have struggled this season but have all the confidence that they can go toe to toe with the best. Santa Rosa has a very talented forward in Leilanie Delgado who is a relentless athlete that can make a difference when she is in the match. She will have to be at her best if she and her teammates are to upset the Thorns.   Game Information: 4/6/2025 @1:30pm on Field #3 - Reach 11 Sports Complex   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">[program_tooltip program_id='283324' first='Eastside' last='FC'] G10 ECNL v. San Diego Surf G10 ECNL</h2>   Eastside has been on a tear as of late. Winning 8 of their last 9 matches with most of them in dominant fashion. They will need that same swagger when they take on a stacked San Diego Surf team. SD is known for scoring goals but with Eastside's skilled GK [player_tooltip player_id='284308' first='Hailyn' last='Marohnich'] in net, the task won't be easy. Hailyn and her robust back line have been racking up the shutouts all season. EFC isn't lacking in the scoring department either. With 36 goals this season they are leading the Northwest Conference in their respective age group. Hoping to bolster that attack is [player_tooltip player_id='274179' first='Alexis' last='Eng']. The Eastside forward is smooth with the dribble and takes quality chances with open windows. It will be hard to keep her off the scoreline if she steps on the gas. SD Surf is coming with their own stars. Kayleigh Cabigon is a baller with WYNT call up experience. She helps lead an aggressive attack that seeks goals early and often. Right behind her in the midfield is Ella Ahn who distributes with the best of them and has also had early success and experience at the top levels. Both teams are coming into this contest with double digits wins and this will most definitely be one of the premier matches of the weekend to watch.   Game Information: 4/6/2025 @ 1:30pm on Field #4 - Scottsdale Sports Complex   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">PacNW SC G11 ECNL v. San Juan SC G11 ECNL</h2>   PacNW has three quality matches scheduled against California teams this weekend. One being against the always tough San Juan SC program. This will be the final match of the showcase for the NW team, and they will be looking to end their weekend on a high note. The shot stopping abilities of GK [player_tooltip player_id='284354' first='Austin' last='Zedilar'] will be on full display working to keep the San Juan scoring at bay. Zedilar is a skillful keeper that continues to improve every match. She has the potential to be one of the top GK's in the region. Talented midfielder, [player_tooltip player_id='284352' first='Leilah' last='McClaskey'], is a game changer. She uses her quick feet, ball skills and fantastic field vision to open the field for the attack. San Juan will have their hands full with the ODP star. San Juan SC has their own standout GK in Lauren Jones. She uses her commanding presence in the box to thwart the point of attack. Everything is big with her. Big clearances, big saves, big 1v1 challenges. PacNW will look to find a weakness they can exploit to end the showcase with a victory.   Game Information: 4/6/2025 @ 11:40am on Field #2 - Scottsdale Sports Complex   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Oregon Surf G08 ECNL v. Tampa Bay United G08 ECNL</h2>   Oregon has been stacking up the points down the stretch and have been getting some quality results. Though they have many great athletes, two names could make the difference in this match versus TB. Defender [player_tooltip player_id='284380' first='Claire' last='Egusa'] can lock down the outside edge and does a stellar job of controlling dangerous attacks. Tampa will have a tough time on whatever side she is roaming. On the attacking side of the pitch, [player_tooltip player_id='25599' first='Lucy' last='Hays'], can make magic happen. The highly capable forward can cross you up with her foot work and place accurate and powerful snap shots on goal at will. If she is not on the ball, Hays is moving into space to receive or to finish a timely deflection. TB United has their own star power. University of Central Florida commit, Jasmyn Mitchner, is a menace. She can take on entire defenses solo and is deadly accurate when placing shots on frame. Accounting for Mitchner and her elite abilities will be the key to Oregon's success for this match.   Game Information: 4/6/2025 @ 1:30pm on Field #11 - Reach 11 Sports Complex   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Final Words:</h2>   There will be hundreds of coaches attending ECNL Phoenix this weekend! Make sure to communicate with them affectively through email, socials, texts and in person (Don't forget that your response may depend on your age!). Lastly, don't forget that you are not only representing yourself but also your team and your Conference. While you're on the sidelines, during pre- and post-game and at your hotels, someone is always evaluating you. Make sure that your best self is seen!   Good Luck!!   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The PNW ECNL clubs are about to head south for warmer weather to showcase their talents amongst the top clubs in the country. This will be a much-needed break from the rain and wind that the NW has forced upon almost every athlete during every match this spring.