ECNL Playoffs – 2009 Champions League Best XI

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Group Stage and Round of 16 games from the 2025 ECNL Playoffs wrapped up this week from San Diego. The final eight teams advance to the next stage of the postseason in Richmond, Virginia later this month. Check out all of the Prep Soccer exclusive ECNL coverage here. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Below is the Best XI from the 2009 age group. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["112587"],"_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"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6866c2fa92ba1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lola-Iris and the [program_tooltip program_id='283648' first='FC' last='Dallas'] 09 defense went through group play with 0 goals conceded in three games. They came up short of advancing to Richmond as they were knocked out in a penalty kick shootout in the Round of 16. [player_tooltip player_id='112587' first='Lola-Iris' last='Ta'] made a penalty kick save in the Round of 16 game during the run of play. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The [program_tooltip program_id='283648' first='FC' last='Dallas'] shot stopper was terrific last season during the playoffs, and she continues to get better. Her excellent play was on full display in San Diego. Her distribution with her footwork was especially impressive. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='112590' first='Ryleigh' last='Albin'], [player_tooltip player_id='112731' first='Jordyn' last='Heathcock'], and [player_tooltip player_id='112582' first='Trinity' last='Morrow'] were also considered from [program_tooltip program_id='283648' first='FC' last='Dallas'] for the Best XI. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["148431"],"_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"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6866c2fa92c40"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">In an event when fatigue and cramps certainly played a role in results, Sexton seemed to only get stronger with every game in San Diego. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Sting center back contributed on both ends of the field. Her ability in the slide tackle - both in stopping the attacker on the dribble and in blocking shots - is remarkable for a player of her height. She possesses elite athleticism. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sexton's passing helped create chances for her team and resulted in assists throughout the competition. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='112669' first='Kyleigh' last='Pete'] was also considered for the Best XI from Sting Royal. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["157991"],"_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"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6866c2fa92cb9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Deservedly in the discussion for the Best Player of the Playoffs, Martin had stellar game after stellar game in San Diego. The ability to break pressure off the dribble and the game awareness are elite traits. She plays the game with a sophistication, but the toughness still shows and she's always going to leave an impact on the game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Martin's performance against [program_tooltip program_id='283648' first='FC' last='Dallas'] was certainly a highlight, but she was all around brilliant and now gets the chance to play in front of home crowds for a shot at the national championship. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Reese Breckenridge and Alexis Newman were also considered for the Best XI from [program_tooltip program_id='283449' first='Richmond' last='United']. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='317115' first='Kinsley' last='Bremer']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"101","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"[program_tooltip program_id='283476' first='Slammers' last='FC'] HB Koge 09","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6866c2fa92dc4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Slammers exited the competition following the Group Stage. However, the Southern California squad did not suffer a defeat during the event. The one win and two draws were not enough points to advance. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bremer still shined in the event against the best competition. The left center back is an agile, aggressive defender. She has the instincts of an outside back and the passing range of a center back. She was one of the new names from the event who impressed scouts the most. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='147278' first='Karis' last='Buehler'] was also considered for the Best XI from [program_tooltip program_id='283476' first='Slammers' last='FC'] HB Koge. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["111097"],"_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"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6866d3843e47c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Miller continues to prove she is among the best of the best in the 09 age group. The rare qualities she brings to the center back position make the MVLA side so effective in possession. She's basically like having another deep-lying playmaker for her side on the field. Her instincts in passing unlock the game for her side. She was the key catalyst for the win over Legends, which clinched the spot in Richmond. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='111093' first='Katherine' last='Lu'] and [player_tooltip player_id='111184' first='Sophie' last='McCarthy'] were also considered for the Best XI from MVLA. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["147416"],"_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"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6866c2fa92e5c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">McMurrey was the Player of the Playoffs, for me. She was outstanding in the Surf midfield. The quality on the ball was fantastic - quick decisions, great first touch, and playing with her head up. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It was how she played in those few moments without the ball that really stood out. She was quick in the press, and disruptive of the opposition. She won aerial duels on set pieces and cleared danger from the Surf goal. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Surf dominance on the home fields makes them the favorites in this age group heading to Richmond - and it's going to take a special effort to knock them off when they are playing at this high level. Much of that is the credit to the whole roster, but McMurrey certainly deserves the spotlight after her performances recently. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Brooke Volpp, [player_tooltip player_id='147435' first='Addison' last='Dean'], [player_tooltip player_id='112224' first='Lolly' last='Mirhashemi'], [player_tooltip player_id='146975' first='Citlalli' last='Reyes'], Ixchel Uscanga, and [player_tooltip player_id='146362' first='Felicity' last='Nguyen'] were also considered for the Best XI from Surf. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["278046"],"_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"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6866c2fa92ed2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Utah Royals AZ team is a joy to watch. A cohesive group that wants to win for each other way more than any player wants accolades for herself. The spotlight on Tang is the antithesis of that mantra, as most of the team deserves a shout on this Best XI. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The midfielder gets the attention this time because she made key plays in important moments in must-win games. Tang's passing created chances for her team. Her service into the box delivered the perfect assist for her teammates. She even chipped in with goals too. She was exactly the type of attacking midfielder who scouts desire for their team. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='112242' first='Maizey' last='Pratt'], [player_tooltip player_id='112166' first='Avellina' last='Saunders'], and [player_tooltip player_id='112164' first='Gianna' last='Sabato'] were also considered for the Best XI from Utah Royals AZ.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["112139"],"_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"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6866c2fa92f41"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Chang's play against San Juan sealed her spot on this Best XI. Her skill and effort in that game was the decisive factor in Beach taking down the Northern California competition and advancing to Richmond. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='112148' first='Grace' last='Murray'] was excellent for Beach FC as well. The duo plays off each other so well that allows both of them to shine the best parts of their games. Murray had a stellar game against Atlanta Fire. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ema Valiukevicious and Murray were also considered for the Best XI. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["110960"],"_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"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6866d3843e59d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Penn Fusion was another group that had quite a few players put stellar performances on game film from the playoffs. Berk's game against SLSG Navy - in a decisive final game from group play - sealed her spot on the Best XI. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Berk was everywhere in that game. She's breaking the press, spinning off defenders, and pinging cross field passes on a dime. She's making open field tackles - with a bite - and starting the quick counter. She's involved in all the key actions for her side to get a result so they could advance to the Round of 16 - and then seal the spot in Richmond. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='157168' first='Isabelle' last='Haag'] and [player_tooltip player_id='110959' first='Camryn' last='Bayly'] were also considered for the Best XI from Penn Fusion. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["163894"],"_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"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6866d3843e614"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Chapko was one of the top performers from the event in multiple games. She is a major reason why XF Academy will be playing in Richmond. She had a two-goal performance against Real Colorado in a must-win game during the last day of group play. She added another goal in the Round of 16. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chapko is an attack-minded midfielder with elite finishing skills. She influences the game in the final third. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='111352' first='Madison' last='Deal'] was also considered for the Best XI from XF Academy. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["150089"],"_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"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6866c2fa92faf"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hackler's impact is undeniable. Her prolific scoring was on full display with six goals and a couple of assists from the four games. She commands so much attention from the opposition that it opens up the game for her teammates. The best part is that Hackler isn't satisified in being a decoy or just commanding attention. She's going to score too. She works tirelessly to finish off chances. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='150128' first='Chloe' last='Guenther'] was also considered for the Best XI from KC Athletics. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Others considered: [player_tooltip player_id='112131' first='Ryan' last='Reynolds'] ([program_tooltip program_id='283395' first='Legends' last='FC']), [player_tooltip player_id='146239' first='Rhea' last='Moore'] ([program_tooltip program_id='278036' first='San' last='Juan SC']), Jordyn Sullivan (Match Fit), Anslei Knopinski (Real Colorado), Bridget Kopmeyer (Internationals), Quinlan Donahue (PDA), [player_tooltip player_id='148753' first='Zoe' last='Lawless'] (AHFC)</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->