Best uncommitted forwards and midfielders at ECNL Houston

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The ECNL National Events are one of the best scouting opportunities for players. With dozens of college coaches in attendance at many games, there is a lot of opportunities for players to catch the eye of a coach or scout. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The upcoming ECNL National Event in Houston is likely going to be a key weekend for many of the remaining uncommitted 2024s. Below is a scouting report on some of the best high school juniors attending the event. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["20687"],"_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_0_evaluation":"Kotzker might be the most exciting forward at the event among the uncommitted players in the 2024 class. She has the quality to be an contributor at the Division I level early on. She is a winger or a support striker at the youth level. Surprisingly, she is a good finisher with either foot, which already makes her an enticing option as a left winger for the next level. She has breakaway pace (5.1 second time at the 40-yard sprint) and showed that on the field during the ECNL this season. She played on the right wing against Real Colorado National earlier in the campaign, which was a good example of how she can make an impact even against top recruits from the 2024 class. She gets off a cross with little space and has quick feet to evade challenges. Kotzker should be a target for programs looking at impact forwards from the 2024 class.rnrnu003ca href=u0022https://public.totalglobalsports.com/public/event/2710/schedules/16720u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noopeneru0022u003eKotzker's ECNL Houston Schedule u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63ec14d195ef1"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14888041/636bc0c05caa7105080c7663' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63ec14d195f53"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["47685"],"_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_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='26743' first='Grace' last='Smith'] earned a spot in the National Selection Game on Saturday so there should be plenty of eyes on this uncommitted talent. She is listed among the midfielders but there is a small part of me that believes she could be an outstanding center back in the future. For now, she is a dominant force in the center of the field. She was a standout for Challenge against Beach FC during the ECNL National Event in Phoenix. She dictated where that game was played on the field with her physical approach and sharp passing. Smith should shine bright in the NSG (and is my pick to be the MVP of the game) because she thrives in competition and will raise her level to match everyone.rnrnu003ca href=u0022https://public.totalglobalsports.com/public/event/2710/individual-team/25/20382/9u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noopeneru0022u003eChallenge SC 06 ECNL Houston Schedule u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63ed45826a475"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNZehVws7hc","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tNZehVws7hc </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["26980"],"_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_0_evaluation":"I don't think Razo will be among the uncommitted list for much longer. It seems like more and more scouts are aware of her quality by the day. For the few uninformed, she is a center midfielder who I think is at her absolute best when she is given tactical freedom. When Razo quarterbacks the side, she is everywhere but always in the right spots. It takes the right program to let her flourish in that role so hopefully she finds a coach that immediately puts their faith in her.rnrnShe showed at ECNL Phoenix that she is an influential player from the midfield as she positions herself to cut out passes and shut down attacks. She will put in the work to chase down attackers as well and adjust her position to be in the right spots to help secure the defense. She has a lot of quality on the ball, but she is more of a deep playmaker than a player who will constantly make runs into the attacking third.rnrnRazo is another player who will be in the National Selection Game at ECNL Houston.rnrnu003ca href=u0022https://public.totalglobalsports.com/public/event/2710/individual-team/37/12268/9u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noopeneru0022u003eDallas Texans ECNL Houston Schedule u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["28030"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Abigail Dombrow is one of those players playing with a ton of confidence right now. She recently scored a goal on an overhead kick during club play. She is getting in the right spots and carrying that swagger into putting together multiple goal performances.rnrnThe midfielder from Northwest Elite 06 ECNL has some of the fastest feet in the ECNL. She skated around and past defenders with ease during the ECNL National Event in Florida. That type of quality should be on display again in Houston. She is an attacking midfielder or a winger at the next level. She has the type of game-breaking ability to be a stat-stuffer at the next level.rnrnu003ca href=u0022https://public.totalglobalsports.com/public/event/2710/individual-team/737/66432/9u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noopeneru0022u003eNorthwest Elite FC 06 ECNL Houston Scheduleu003c/au003ernrnu0026nbsp;","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":2,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63ed45826a531"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/4069829/63be417715f64008d058ecd0' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63ed45826a585"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["28083"],"_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_0_evaluation":"Arri King is the best center forward on this list. The one knock on her is that might not be her best position. She is probably a false nine or an attacking midfielder in the right system at the next level. The reason to believe that she could be developed into a center forward is that she already has the breakaway quality to finish chances when she is past the defense. Improving on how she presses and when she presses will make a big difference in getting her onto the field earlier in her college career.rnrnKing is another player to watch from the ECNL National Selection Game on Saturday.rnrnu003ca href=u0022https://public.totalglobalsports.com/public/event/2710/individual-team/1643/19791/9u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noopeneru0022u003eSeattle United ECNL Houston Schedule u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63ed45826a5e5"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmhbnJqAjH0","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmhbnJqAjH0 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["26436"],"_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_0_evaluation":"Williams is a midfielder with Sting Black 06 ECNL in the uber-competitive Texas division. She is capable of playing any of the three midfield spots, but likely a No. 6 at the next level. There is a five-second clip in her highlights from the ECNL event in Florida that is the perfect example of the type of player that she is. She is trailing on a play and out-pacing the player that she is marking. She recognizes that a player in a more advanced and dangerous position has drifted free of her mark. Williams speeds up, catches up to the other player, cuts out the pass with a slide tackle and clears the danger.rnrnIt's obvious that she takes her defensive responsibilities seriously, which is a trait that scouts appreciate from center midfielders. She is solid on the ball as well. She has a strong technical foundation. She is right-footed and a good passer. She will make a pass with either foot, but seems more comfortable on her right. She is not flashy in her approach, but she does well in connecting the simple pass consistently. She has the tools to be a contributor at the next level from a center midfield role.rnrnu003ca href=u0022https://public.totalglobalsports.com/public/event/2710/schedules/16720u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noopeneru0022u003eAllie Williams' ECNL Houston Schedule u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63ec14d195ff8"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGGNUSDOBHw","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGGNUSDOBHw </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["25390"],"_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_0_evaluation":"Bazan is a defensive midfielder who should be getting quite a bit of attention in Houston. Her highlight tape stood out from the dozens we saw prior to the event because she is a complete player for that role and does a bit of everything. The swiss-army knife approach to her game is something that should get her on the field early at the next level. She is an aggressive tackler in the center of the field - both in a slide tackle or staying on her feet with a body challenge. She is good at winning possession of the ball for her side and shines bright from disrupting outlet passes. She shows well in possession and has the quality to spring the break with a long pass over the defense. Bazan should be a target for a program in need of a defensive midfielder to contribute early on from the 2024 class.rnrnu003ca href=u0022https://public.totalglobalsports.com/public/event/2710/individual-team/106/20413/9u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noopeneru0022u003eGabriela Bazan ECNL Houston Schedule u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63ec14d196065"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpMI_yCQMv0","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GpMI_yCQMv0 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["88598"],"_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_0_evaluation":"Savannah Ruiz is a self-described free kick specialist and that is the best place to start with the scouting report on the midfielder. If Ruiz is on the field (and she is always on the field as the captain of her team), it's a good chance she will create a goal scoring chance with any free kick within 40 yards of goal. She has scored a few goals directly off of corner kicks as well. She is right-footed and can pick out the corner. She hits a variety of set-pieces from floated balls into the top corner to driven efforts to curling shots in the lower corner.rnrnRuiz is a smart player who has good game awareness. She sees passes that most midfielders don't see from field level. There is a moment in her highlight reel that showcases an assist for Ruiz on a one-touch layoff. It's a perfect example of her game. She has a feel for those around her and she can make an impact with just the slightest of movement or touch.rnrnRuiz would be a good fit for a possession-dominate style of play. She is technical on the ball and has excellent vision. She is probably a No. 8 or No. 10 at the next level.rnrnu0026nbsp;rnrnu003ca href=u0022https://x.com/savannahruiz06/status/1622842493258588161/photo/1u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noopeneru0022u003eSavannah Ruiz's ECNL-R Houston Showcase Schedule u003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63ed19941b3c4"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNuOuzhg1fE","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNuOuzhg1fE </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["18879"],"_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_0_evaluation":"Jones is a player I am familiar with prior to o the outreach for uncommitted players at this event. She plays for Oklahoma Energy, but she is from Arkansas. Her club team has been pretty successful in the past and Jones has been a key contributor along the way. She is self-described as a player who could play any role in the attacking trio, but she is probably a center forward or a support striker at the next level.rnrnThe best attribute about Jones' game is her knack for getting into the right spots. She reads the play well and drifts into spots to finish chances. She is comfortable using either foot and does not wait touches around the box. She was a dominant player at the high school level and scored some highlight-reel goals with smashing shots from outside of the box. She has the poacher's mentality, but she has the ball-striking skill to add to those instincts.rnrnu003ca href=u0022https://public.totalglobalsports.com/public/event/2710/individual-team/2133/59505/9u0022u003eTianna Jones' ECNL Houston Scheduleu003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63ed263ae7d62"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPQ0s6Jmb7I","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPQ0s6Jmb7I </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["93614"],"_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_0_evaluation":"Maddie Bell is a center midfielder for the Sting Austin 06 team. She is a No. 8 in the traditional sense as she has the attacking bite to be a No. 10 but the defensive instincts for a No. 6 as well. She has the work engine to cover the whole field so she plays as the box-to-box midfielder. Bell really does pop up all over the field. She likes to combine with her teammates with one or two touch play. She will put her foot on the ball and slow down the pace of the game when needed but she is at her most influential when pressing the opposition and creating in the transition.rnrnShe is a good fit for a program that needs a center midfielder who could contribute early on and also develop into an all-conference type of talent in the future.rnrnu003ca href=u0022https://public.totalglobalsports.com/public/event/2710/individual-team/1690/20411/9u0022 target=u0022_blanku0022 rel=u0022noopeneru0022u003eSting Austin 06 ECNL Houston Scheduleu003c/au003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63ed33357fb47"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11844631/63c862d63deb6610b80ecded' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63ed33357fb98"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["27290"],"_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_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='27290' first='Taylor' last='Person'] is one of the top players in the Texas rankings without a commitment heading into the event in Houston. She is a gifted attacking player (wide role) who should be in the spotlight during the National Selection Game. Person has Youth National Team appearances in her playing history and she can reach that level again. She is an excellent finisher with either foot and a joy to watch. She will be an impact player at a top program early on in her college career.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63ed45826a771"} /-->