ECNL Southwest – 2030s steal spotlight from opening weekend

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The ECNL action kicked off over the weekend for some clubs in the Southwest Conference. The action in the 2011/2012 age group is in the spotlight in this article as the 2030 class has new talent emerging from all over the state. Check out the standouts from a few of the games below. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["336796"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa881c4407a1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Continuing her top form from the summer where she won the Most Outstanding Player in the National Championship Game at the ECNL level, Green was a star in the midfield for her club team again over the weekend. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defensive midfielder is excellent in her positioning and game understanding. She is composed on the ball and makes good, quick-decisions with the ball. Her impeccable play was a standout in the win against a talent Utah Royals AZ side. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["410323"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa881c440805"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">La Croix-Elliott is a forward on the Legends 2011/2012 ECNL team. She was excellent in the opening game win over Eagles. La Croix-Elliott has been part of the Cal South ODP in the past. She also plays for Salsa Futbol. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>La Croix-Elliott is a player who I think has the quality to get looks from the Youth National Team scouts this season. She's got the physical frame to play as a No. 9. She's got good skill on the ball, quick feet, and plays with her head up. She had an excellent play for her first assist of the game. Used her body well to hold off a defender and then picked out a pass to [player_tooltip player_id='410324' first='Abriella' last='Gonzalez'] in the box for the assist. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["294980"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa881c440856"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">McGrath was outstanding for Surf in the opening game against Utah Royals AZ. She was immediately involved in the play as she is a tireless worker to get touches on the ball. One of the aspects of her game that can be overlooked due to the countless highlight goals she already has is her work away from the ball. She is always trying to find pockets of space to receive the ball. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Her ability to hold-up the ball and get her teammates involved is a strong point of her game, but she also has the quality to turn on the defender and get in on goal. She has the nose for goal and can finish chances. She was outstanding for Surf in the first game of the season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["410324"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa881c4408a3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gonzalez is a forward on the [program_tooltip program_id='283395' first='Legends' last='FC'] 2011/2012 ECNL team. She's a prolific scorer for her club team. She can score in a variety of ways. She's got excellent ball-striking technique and can score from outside of the box. She's also good at getting to the right spots to finish off chances. She scored two goals from the jump against Eagles with this impactful play. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["410331"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa881c4408f0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cruz is an attacking midfielder on the [program_tooltip program_id='283395' first='Legends' last='FC'] 2011/2012 ECNL team. She played for Legends ECNL-RL 2011 previously. She was named to the All-Regional League Southwest last season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cruz is another early season standout from this Legends squad. She's a tough player. She withstands tackles and keeps her cool even with dealing with persistent infringement. Cruz plays with her head up and displays excellent vision with the ball at her feet. She's quick to make decisions and does well playing 1-2 touch. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cruz is one of the players who is thriving with the new age groups for the club soccer. She's going to be a star in the ECNL this season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["410365"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa881c44093b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">German made a spectacular save against San Diego Surf in the game on Saturday. The Utah Royals goalkeeper made an excellent diving save on a volley off a cross. The reflexes and the strength to keep the shot out of the net were impressive. She had a few other saves in the opening half as well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["410334"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa881c440980"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bonomo is the left back on the [program_tooltip program_id='283395' first='Legends' last='FC'] 2011/2012 ECNL team. She put together an impressive highlight reel from the opening day victory for her side. She's an elite two-way player for her team. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>She's terrific in the tackle. Quick in her reactions, athletic in the slide tackle, and uses her body well, she has all the tools to be a top shutdown defender in this age group. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bonomo gets into the attack as well. She's almost got some wingback tendencies to her game - part of that was the game dictated her positioning as more advanced. With her placement in the attack, she regularly contributes with key passes. She provided an assist on Saturday with an excellent left foot cross. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.instagram.com/p/DdQCfPJS80g/","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"instagram","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.instagram.com/p/DdQCfPJS80g/ </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["410367"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa881c4409e8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hardman was a standout for Royals in the battle against Surf. The center forward was stuck on an island for the most part and she still found ways to be effective. She was good in the press and tried to create chances for her side with effort. She also had the pace to get in behind the opposition. Hardman is going to score a lot of goals during this season if she continues to play at that elite level consistently. [player_tooltip player_id='369689' first='Aubree' last='Hovis'] was also a star for the Utah Royals squad. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["410346"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa881c440a32"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Adams is a midfielder on the Eagles 2011/2012 ECNL team. She can play anywhere on the field so midfielder one game, might be a center back or center forward the next. She has the soccer smarts to fit in at any role. She also has the athleticism and competitiveness to meet the challenge asked of her in any spot as well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Adams was an early season stand out for her impact on the game. She has a booming right foot and a nose for the goal. She scored on a free kick from the opening game and also contributed with an assist. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["410369"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aa881c440a75"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Harvey had a few plays in the first half where she got to the right spot at the right second to stop a clear chance for Surf. She cut out the cross and cleared the danger with her defensive play. Harvey showed the elite instincts that earned her attention from US Soccer scouts in the past. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Vianney Mendoza, Ally Richardson, and Adrianna Tatone were also fantastic for Royals with their play on the defensive side. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->