Three SoCal Teams Reach ECNL 2012 Elite Eight as Stars Shine

The ECNL Champions League playoffs had the Round of 16 games in the 2012 age group on Monday. From the eight teams that advanced to the Elite Eight, three of them come from Southern California. Check out some of the top individual performances from those games of the Round of 16.    [player_tooltip player_id='335244' first='Ariah' last='Dominguez'] - Dominguez scored the early goal for her side. The attacking midfielder has a game-breaking quality that makes her side so dangerous. She can score from distance with her exquisite technique on the ball. She also showed excellent timing on her pass with her combination play and runs off the ball. Dominguez scored the game and then immediately contributed a key pass to generate another chance moments later. Surf has the ability to steamroll the game with the aggressiveness in the attack Dominguez brings with her playmaking and finishing. Heck of a goal.       [player_tooltip player_id='335245' first='Stella' last='Fallis'] - Fallis put on a tutorial on how to play defensive midfielder in the game on Monday. The San Diego Surf star did a bit of everything to help her team win. The variety of passing really left an impression. She was quick to recognize where to go with the ball next - including when to spring a quick attack over the top of the defense. She was also excellent at picking out the line splitting pass to [player_tooltip player_id='335244' first='Ariah' last='Dominguez'] too. Perhaps underrated was her defensive ability. She put in a tackle in the open field to toe-tap the ball away from the opponent. She has a full kit in her arsenal of skills and fits in perfectly at the No. 6 spot.      [player_tooltip player_id='335238' first='Stella' last='Boyd'] - Boyd deserves the spotlight for her quality in the saves. She made a early block on a breakaway to turn away Athletic Club Florida. The other aspect of her game that was on display was her distribution. She was hitting passes to her outside backs that showcased her quality and asset in the Surf possession-style. She is very confident with the ball at her feet.     [player_tooltip player_id='294980' first='Kensington' last='McGrath'] - McGrath is a game-changer and was utilized off the bench. The way she can stretch the defense is immediately noticeable. She is so clever with her movement and pops up in pockets that make the defense have to adjust on the fly. She was quick to impact the game on Monday with her play in the final third.     [player_tooltip player_id='381429' first='Emma' last='Northrop'] - Northrop had the assist on [player_tooltip player_id='335240' first='Charlie' last='McTheny']'s goal. The quick thinking and instant reaction combined with the perfect weight on the pass was impressive from the Slammers Koge attacking midfielder.     [player_tooltip player_id='335240' first='Charlie' last='McTheny'] - I thought McTheny's assist on Slammers' third goal was more impressive than her goal, which is saying something considering the difficulty of the finish. The Slammers forward was at her best again on Monday against a good Ohio Premier side. She was got on the end of a chance off a pass from Northrop in the transition moment of the game. She was gifted another chance with her pressure leading to a giveaway. She showed incredible skill and composure to get past the defender and then put the golden chance on the doorstep for Teagan Callahan to finish.     [player_tooltip player_id='381430' first='Alexandria' last='Navarro'] - The [program_tooltip program_id='283476' first='Slammers' last='FC'] Koge defense has recorded two shutouts in a row to start the playoffs. This is a testament to the whole team, but Navarro sets the tone in the midfield. She's an exceptional player in the counter-press, which certain scouts are going to absolutely love. She almost seems like she has an extra lung with her ability to cover so much ground at a sprint at all times. She's quick to spring the attack when she wins possession too. Navarro has star qualities.     Anna Schroer - Schroer's side came up short on Monday, but I thought the Ohio Premier midfielders was one of the best players on the field. She was influential all over the field. Strong in the tackle and fearless in the duel, Schroer had two-way impact that left a mark against one of the best teams in the country.     [player_tooltip player_id='379418' first='Kenley' last='Douglas'] - Douglas nabbed the opener for So Cal Blues in the game against Michigan Hawks. Blues prevailed in the tilt after the penalty kick shootout. Douglas had a great first touch off the assist from [player_tooltip player_id='335216' first='Fei' last='Fabiola Garcia'] and then hammered home the opener.     [player_tooltip player_id='381432' first='Rylynn' last='Bell'] - Bell did an excellent job protecting the back line with her positioning and read for the game. The defensive midfielder cut out a ton of passes. She also left no doubt when she had the ball about getting it out of danger. She has excellent ball striking technique. She showed that off with her shot from the spot to clinch the win for her side.

The ECNL Champions League playoffs had the Round of 16 games in the 2012 age group on Monday. From the eight teams that advanced to the Elite Eight, three of them come from Southern California. Check out some of the top individual performances from those games of the Round of 16.