ECNL National Playoffs – Standout Goalkeepers – Elite Edition

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>USE THE PROMO CODE almasin30 for a discount on your first subscription</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The ECNL Girls National Playoffs in San Diego, CA, was not only fun to see high-powered offenses power through the tourney, but on some top-level teams the goalkeeper play was nothing short of EPIC. The goalkeepers put blood, sweat, and tears aside to make challenges and stops while putting themselves on the line to help their team advance to the next round(s). For some, they literally put their team on their shoulder and made the necessary stops to get them the “W.” Those outstanding goalkeepers are <strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='112166' first='Avellina' last='Saunders']</strong><a href="https://prepsoccer.com/player/avellina-saunders/"></a> </strong><a href="https://prepsoccer.com/player/avellina-saunders/"></a> (2029) of <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/program/utah-royals-fc-az/"><strong> </strong></a><strong><a href="https://prepsoccer.com/program/utah-royals-fc-az/"><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='283510' first='Utah' last='Royals FC-AZ']</strong></a> </strong> ECNL G09, <strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='176460' first='Brooke' last='Derby']</strong><a href="https://prepsoccer.com/player/brooke-derby/"></a> </strong><a href="https://prepsoccer.com/player/brooke-derby/"></a> (2028) of <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/program/slammers-fc-2/"><strong> </strong></a><strong><a href="https://prepsoccer.com/program/slammers-fc-2/"><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='283476' first='Slammers' last='FC']</strong></a> </strong> ECNL G10, Areya-Sol Garcia (2028) - [program_tooltip program_id='278033' first='MVLA' last='ECNL'] G10, and <strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='111094' first='Sophia' last='Malloy']</strong><a href="https://prepsoccer.com/player/sophia-malloy/"></a> </strong><a href="https://prepsoccer.com/player/sophia-malloy/"></a> (2028) – <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/program/mvla-ecnl/"><strong> </strong></a><strong><a href="https://prepsoccer.com/program/mvla-ecnl/"><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='278033' first='MVLA' last='ECNL']</strong></a> </strong> G09, <strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='146256' first='Molly' last='McBride']</strong><a href="https://prepsoccer.com/player/molly-mcbride/"></a> </strong><a href="https://prepsoccer.com/player/molly-mcbride/"></a> (2027) – <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/program/san-juan-sc/"><strong> </strong></a><strong><a href="https://prepsoccer.com/program/san-juan-sc/"><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='278036' first='San' last='Juan SC']</strong></a> </strong> G09, and last but not least, <strong><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='19625' first='Kai' last='Beary']</strong><a href="https://prepsoccer.com/player/kai-beary/"></a> </strong><a href="https://prepsoccer.com/player/kai-beary/"></a> (2027) – <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/program/so-cal-blues-sc/"><strong> </strong></a><strong><a href="https://prepsoccer.com/program/so-cal-blues-sc/"><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='283479' first='So' last='Cal Blues SC']</strong></a> </strong> G08.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='112166' first='Avellina' last='Saunders']</strong><a href="https://prepsoccer.com/player/avellina-saunders/"><strong></strong><strong></strong></a><a></a>&nbsp;(2029) –&nbsp;<a href="https://prepsoccer.com/program/utah-royals-fc-az/"><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='283510' first='Utah' last='Royals FC-AZ']</strong></a>&nbsp;ECNL G09 – The youngest of the group plays up 2 levels. She was simply amazing. She's a top level goalkeeper and she might have been the best in the tournament. Her ability to make stops at all angles of attack sets her apart from the rest. She and her team will be playing in Virginia as the Elite Eight. Also, Avellina earned a spot on the U.S. Under-15 Girls' National Team which travelled to the Netherlands and Germany for an international training camp and matches just prior to the tournament. They are matched up against&nbsp;<a href="https://prepsoccer.com/program/mvla-ecnl/"><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='278033' first='MVLA' last='ECNL']</strong></a>&nbsp;G09 which features&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='111094' first='Sophia' last='Malloy']</strong><a href="https://prepsoccer.com/player/sophia-malloy/"><strong></strong><strong></strong></a><a></a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<strong>[player_tooltip player_id='111087' first='Anneliese' last='Braun']</strong><a href="https://prepsoccer.com/player/anneliese-braun/"><strong></strong><strong></strong></a><a></a>&nbsp;as the MVLA goalkeepers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1940294129432633853","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1940294129432633853 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Areya-Sol Garcia (2028) - [program_tooltip program_id='278033' first='MVLA' last='ECNL'] G10 - She and split halves goalkeeper Vivian Baker only gave up 3 goals in the 4 matches in the tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["206658"],"_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-686f4313ac97f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">She is not afraid to make 1v1 challenges when the opposition is making hard runs in the box. Her ability to cut off angles helps her to make runners take wide shots or take their eyes off the ball in the most crucial moments. She reads the game well and uses her athleticism towards her advantage. She and split halves goalkeeper Vivian Baker only gave up 3 goals in the 4 matches in the tournament. This dynamic duo will be a force to be reckoned with in the finals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='176460' first='Brooke' last='Derby'] (2028) - [program_tooltip program_id='283476' first='Slammers' last='FC'] ECNL G10 - She is ranked by Prep Soccer as #60 in CA and #7 in Position. Brooke is a fearless goalkeeper who will make the challenge and Keep her team in close matches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["176460"],"_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-686f33cc408f4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Brooke is a fearless goalkeeper who will make the challenge and Keep her team in close matches. She can get to the edge or top of the 18 quickly to shut down runners going to goal. She can make the low diving saves as well as get up high to knock crosses or shots on goal in mid-air. Her athleticism and anticipation are her strengths.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1943113795435663590","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1943113795435663590 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='111094' first='Sophia' last='Malloy'] (2028) - [program_tooltip program_id='278033' first='MVLA' last='ECNL'] G09 - She and [player_tooltip player_id='111087' first='Anneliese' last='Braun'] only gave up 2 goals in 4 matches at the National Playoffs - They are in the Elite Eight and gunning for a NATTY! Standing in their way is the [program_tooltip program_id='283510' first='Utah' last='Royals FC-AZ']. I really chose MVLA to go all the way and The Royals for my upset team of the tournament. Hoping who ever wins this match goes all the way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["111094"],"_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-686f33cc409af"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I've covered Sophia a few times in the high school season. One of those times was during the CCS Girls D1 championship in which they won as well as a few other ECNL matches prior to this tournament. She seems to be getting taller, stronger, and more athletic. Her ability to shut down offenses are a sight to see. She and [player_tooltip player_id='111087' first='Anneliese' last='Braun'] only gave up 2 goals in 4 matches at the National Playoffs. They are in the Elite Eight and gunning for a NATTY! Standing in their way is the [program_tooltip program_id='283510' first='Utah' last='Royals FC-AZ'].</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1943029810101449057","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1943029810101449057 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='146256' first='Molly' last='McBride'] (2027) - [program_tooltip program_id='278036' first='San' last='Juan SC'] G09 - She and her team almost got past the Round of 16, but lost 3-2 in a close one. Molly is in the USYNT pool and attended the U-15 Training Camp in 2024.&nbsp; I can't wait to see her in the Red, White, and Blue again.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["146256"],"_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-686f33cc409fb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Her exceptional athletic abilities are some of the reasons she pushed her team to the Final 16. She made tough saves by taking on players in 1v1's in the box, going up high, and cutting off angles of attack.&nbsp; Molly is also rated as the second highest goalkeeper in the 2027 class. Her constant training sessions and participation in ID camps is definitely getting her on the radar of top D1 programs.&nbsp; Molly is in the USYNT pool and attended the U-15 Training Camp in 2024.&nbsp; I can't wait to see her in the Red, White, and Blue again.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1943121138323714229","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1943121138323714229 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='19625' first='Kai' last='Beary'] (2027) - [program_tooltip program_id='283479' first='So' last='Cal Blues SC'] G08 - She is ranked by Prep Soccer as #4 in CA and #2 in Position. Kai has recently trained with the U-17 USYNT in Georgia and I look forward to seeing her with more opportunities wearing the Red, White, and Blue.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["19625"],"_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-686f33cc40a48"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">She is the 5th ranked goalkeeper for the class of 2027.&nbsp; Her ability to cover a wide range of the net can be attributed to her 6'1” frame.&nbsp; She is good at making effective decisions while under pressure. Being a multi-sport athlete (flag football, track and field, and handball) definitely helps her with her goalkeeping skills.&nbsp; Kai has recently trained with the U-17 USYNT in Georgia and I look forward to seeing her with more opportunities wearing the Red, White, and Blue.<br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1943013918449774811","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/BayAreaSocScout/status/1943013918449774811 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>My next article should feature some of the Standout Goal Scorers from the tournament. The cover photo is of&nbsp;[player_tooltip player_id='111094' first='Sophia' last='Malloy']&nbsp;(2028) –&nbsp;<a href="https://prepsoccer.com/program/mvla-ecnl/"><strong>[program_tooltip program_id='278033' first='MVLA' last='ECNL']</strong></a>&nbsp;G09 and her team celebrating the their win after the Penalty Kick Shootout.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->