ECNL Playoffs Standouts Day 5

Crunch time here in Seattle with only a couple more days to go here at ECNL Playoffs. It was Semi-Final day for the 2009-2011 age groups and they did not disappoint. There were tears of joy and sadness from these players who have worked so hard to get to this point in the season. The margins are incredibly small. A play here and a play there decide it with only 2 teams advancing to the final on Friday. Here were some standout performances from today's matches.    The Alabama commit had an impressive display today against Richmond United. She scored her teams only goal which was a well taken right footed finish across the goal after a very well timed run. Lewis is a powerful athlete who can run in behind or drop deep and facilitate equally well. Excellent touch, footwork and vision. She has everything you would want in a top class striker.     This [program_tooltip program_id='283245' first='Arizona' last='Arsenal'] team has a dynamic duo up front. Gardner is more of a winger than Lewis and you don't know which way she is going to go because she is very two footed. Really fast burst of speed, is excellent technically and loves to be out in space in 1 v 1 situations. Her end product is consistent delivering sumptuous crosses for her teammates to attack and rattled off some powerful shots that forced the opposing goalie into some good saves.     She got herself on the scoresheet for her Richmond United side and played well throughout the game. She connected a lot passes and had a ton of energy on both ends of the field. The Villanova commit has a ton of upside, I think you could play her anywhere on the field and she would be just fine.     Garvin put in an amazing shift in midfield for [program_tooltip program_id='283245' first='Arizona' last='Arsenal'] in their penalty shootout win against Richmond United. I love a midfielder who wants the ball and Garvin is just that. Never hid always made herself available and made good choices on the ball. Her off ball movement was very active and tactical. Her athletic profile is excellent and I would not be surprised if she verbally commits to a power 4 school very soon.     An absolutely crazy game between VDA and Select that ended in a 6-5 loss for Morell's side. She scored the first goal of the game with a lovely volley into the bottom right corner. She is a dynamic playmaker with an incredible engine. Her technique is top drawer whether that be passing, controlling, dribbling or striking the ball. She can do it all out there.     She was everywhere for Select today against VDA. She scored at least two goals in her sides 6-5 win and caused a ton of problems with her well taken set pieces. Loughnane's ability to read the game and get the ball in pockets of space was easy to notice on the sideline.     Cowen had an excellent outing against [program_tooltip program_id='283648' first='FC' last='Dallas'] in the Semi Final today. Creating chance after chance and getting a well deserved assist. She has a wicked left foot and unleashed a handful of powerful shots on goal. This game went down to the wire and Cowen played a huge role for the Hawks and has a chance to repeat their National Championship success from last season.     Always a really fun watch. Chinyadza scored a fantastic goal in the second half that seemed to ice the game for her Hawks team. She went on a great dribble on the left hand side and then smashed the ball into the roof of the net from close range. She is so deceptive and has an insane first step.     I think the Hawks should really thank their Goalkeeper after todays win. After they went up 1-0 there was an absolute onslaught by [program_tooltip program_id='283648' first='FC' last='Dallas'] on her goal and Rankin was the savior to kept them at bay. She made 4 or 5 world class saves to keep her team's lead. Big time performance from the Michigan Hawks shot stopper.     Playing a year up at this tournament the 2029 midfielder certainly didn't play like she was one of the younger ones out there. She made so many things happen for her [program_tooltip program_id='283648' first='FC' last='Dallas'] team showing up everywhere on the field. Making penetrating passes breaking up the oppositions play and running her socks off all game long.     Absolute beast at the back today for the Michigan Hawks. Going up against a high octane [program_tooltip program_id='283648' first='FC' last='Dallas'] offense Landefeld stood strong back there and made so many positive plays for her team. Winning headers, chasing down through balls, successful challenges and intercepting passes Landefeld did everything needed from her on the way to victory and will be headed to another national championship game for the Hawks on Friday.     Battled til the very end for her [program_tooltip program_id='283648' first='FC' last='Dallas'] team. Got on the ball and did her best to make things happen creating a couple of really good chances that were stifled by Rankin in the Hawks goal. Harrington is an incredible player with physical and technical gifts that are extremely rare. But what is even more uncommon is her ability to lead. She is constantly encouraging her teammates, directing traffic, giving them high fives, and rallying the troops in team huddles you just love to see that in such a talented player.     She was unlucky not to get a goal contribution today against Real Colorado. She played a couple of lovely through balls and a had a handful of shots that came close. Her presence in midfield is one of extreme calm and calculated. She can beat you with one or two touch passing or a more delayed dribbling approach to create space. Ohm's off ball movement and space recognition gave her more time on the ball then her counterparts. Really high IQ player.

Crunch time here in Seattle with only a couple more days to go here at ECNL Playoffs. It was Semi-Final day for the 2009-2011 age groups and they did not disappoint. There were tears of joy and sadness from these players who have worked so hard to get to this point in the season. The margins are incredibly small. A play here and a play there decide it with only 2 teams advancing to the final on Friday. Here were some standout performances from today's matches.