Scout’s View: Class of 2028 Standouts from the ECNL North Carolina National Event

The Spring 2026 ECNL Girls North Carolina National Event took place from May 30 – June 1, featuring top teams across the U15-U17 age groups.

ECNL North Carolina served as the final National Event of the 2025-26 regular season, providing a major opportunity for players to get seen by college coaches. (COLLEGE COACHES)

Longtime scout Jerry Penkala, owner and operator of JTF Academy, was on hand for the tournament, and compiled a list of some of the top players that he watched from the Class of 2028. These prospects are on the verge of entering their active recruiting period, and they turned in some strong performances in North Carolina.

See below for Penkala’s top performers.

Graduation: 2028

Mary Mac Brown

Forward

Atlanta Fire United

ECNL Girls

Playing up for Atlanta Fire United 2009, Mary Mac was often the player finishing the opportunities created by her teammate Portia Defehr, but her game extended well beyond finishing chances. Even as defenses began to double-team her, her field vision, movement, and soccer IQ allowed her to remain effective and keep defenders off balance. She consistently found ways to create danger and impact the game offensively.

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Addy Cheney | Forward
FC Stars Blue 2010 (MA)

Addy continues to impress at every stage of her development, earning recognition with both her former club and now FC Stars Blue. She has settled seamlessly into the FC Stars system and once again showcased her offensive impact. A hat trick highlighted her weekend, but beyond the goals, she was a constant threat and a handful for opposing defenses throughout the event.

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Ashleigh Bieser | Center Back
De Anza Force 2010 (CA)

Ashleigh was the anchor of one of the strongest defensive units I watched all weekend. Combining size, speed, composure, and toughness, she controlled the central areas of the field and consistently shut down attacks before they became dangerous. Calm under pressure and highly intelligent defensively, she kept the middle of the field locked down from 35 yards and in.

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Halley Jurnack | Forward / Midfielder
Concorde Fire 2009 (GA)

Halley displayed some of the best ball control and off-ball movement of any attacking player at the showcase. Her positioning and timing consistently created problems for opposing back lines. Whether drawing defenders to create space for teammates, holding up play with her back to goal, combining effectively in possession, or taking defenders on herself, she demonstrated a very high offensive soccer IQ throughout the weekend.

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Tatum D’Angelica | Forward
Marin FC 2009 (CA)

Tatum was the most dangerous 2028 attacking player I saw all weekend and possessed some of the purest goal-scoring instincts in the event. Quick, elusive, highly-technical, and always in the right place at the right time, she consistently found dangerous pockets inside the penalty area whenever her team entered the final third.

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Ava Burnside | Midfielder
GSA 2010 (GA)

Every time Ava stepped onto the field, she made a noticeable impact. Offensively, she demonstrated the ability to strike powerful shots from distance, including a rocket from over 35 yards that was right on target. Defensively, her relentless work rate, toughness, and 1v1 ability allowed her to influence both sides of the game at a high level.

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Zana Pinchotti | Winger / Defender
Arlington Soccer 2010 (VA)

Whether operating higher up the left flank or in a more defensive role, Zana consistently stood out. Smooth and composed on the ball, she combined technical ability with a fierce but disciplined defensive edge. What impressed me most was her ability to instantly transition from attack to defense, making her one of the most complete and versatile 2028s at the event.

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Makayla Head | Defender
Connecticut FC 2009 (CT)

Makayla controlled her side of the field as well as any defender I watched all weekend. Opponents repeatedly tried to shift play away from her side in search of opportunities, yet she still managed to provide excellent coverage and defensive support. Tough, intelligent, technically sound, and equipped with excellent field vision, she consistently made the right decisions.

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Taylor Spille | Forward
Ohio Elite SA 2010 (OH)

Taylor brought an impressive combination of attacking quality and relentless work ethic. She consistently pressed defenders, tracked back when possession was lost, and never stopped competing. Her off-ball movement was particularly impressive, with purposeful runs that created space and opportunities. She has all the tools to develop into an even more explosive attacking player.

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Portia Defehr | Midfielder
Atlanta Fire United 2009 (GA)

Portia was one of the most dominant attacking midfielders at the showcase, even while playing up in the 2009 age group. Her passing accuracy was exceptional, completing over 95% of her passes in the match I watched. She consistently created space, generated quality opportunities for teammates, and demonstrated the ability to put shots on frame from anywhere within 30 yards of goal.

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Vivian Beary | Outside Back
So Cal Blues 2010 (CA)

Vivian possesses a skill set that could allow her to compete in many college programs right now, despite being only a 2028. Fierce, patient, fearless, and technically excellent, she consistently shut down opponents in 1v1 situations. Her timing in tackles was outstanding, and her quickness allowed her to apply pressure and force attackers into uncomfortable situations all game long.

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Malin Peterson | Defender
Concorde Fire Premier 2009 (GA)

Malin was among the best overall athletes I saw all weekend, as a 2010 playing up with the 2009 team. Her combination of strength, toughness, competitiveness, and physical presence made her incredibly difficult to play against. She consistently imposed herself on matches and competed with an edge that stood out among a very talented field of players.

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