ECNL Boys and Girls Regional League 2026 Playoffs: South Region Recap

ECNL RL Boys U18/19 South Champions: Dallas Texans
Most Outstanding Player: Alejandro Archan, Dallas Texans

Both Dallas Texans and Avanti SA were sensational throughout the group stage of the ECNL Regional League Playoffs – South to earn their spots in the championship game.

Dallas Texans went 3-0 on their path to the final, outscoring their opponents 18-3, and picking up a clean sheet in their opening match. In their group stage finale, Dallas Texans defeated FC Dallas 4-2 to clinch the group and their spot in the championship game.

On the other side, Avanti SA also went 3-0 in the group stage, outscoring their opponents 8-2, and recording clean sheets in their first two games. In their final group stage game, Avanti defeated Tulsa SC in a hard fought 3-2 battle to win the group and earn their spot in the final.

In the opening half of the championship game, Avanti’s defense held up against waves of pressure from the Dallas Texans, but in the final minutes of the first half the Texans found the breakthrough goal. Off a set piece, a second ball fell to Alejandro Archan who lofted a perfectly placed shot over the keeper to give Texans the 1-0 lead going into the halftime break.

Avanti battled and created chances throughout the second half, but with about 10 minutes remaining in the game it was Archan who struck again, receiving a pass inside the box that he settled and then slotted home with his left foot to double the Texans’ lead.

In the final moments, Texans pushed forward with a final counter attack as Noble Bradley played a ball to Jonathan Kassa, who lifted a close range shot over the goalie to tack on the third and clinch the U18/19 ECNL Regional League South Championship for Dallas Texans.

With his two goals in the game, Archan was named the Most Outstanding Player.

ECNL RL Girls U18/19 South Champions: FC Wichita
Most Outstanding Player: Rhyan Galyon, FC Wichita

FC Wichita earned the club’s first-ever ECNL Regional League Championship with the club defeating FC Dallas 2-1 in the ECNL Regional League Playoffs – South Girls U18/19 Championship match Tuesday.

The first half was defined by midfield play, as neither side was able to find the back of the net in the first 45 minutes. Both teams worked the ball up and down the field, but defenses stood strong, and both sides learned it was going to take great effort to finally break through.

The 0-0 score held until midway through the second half, when FC Dallas earned a corner kick. The service came into the box, and both teams battled for the ball. Inside the six-yard box, midfielder Sophie Beracochea was in the right place at the right time, knocking the ball across the goalline to take a 1-0 lead for FC Dallas.

Minutes later, FC Wichita was able to equalize on a corner kick of their own. Coming in from the left side, Rhyan Galyon snuck behind the FC Dallas defense and headed home a shot to even the score at 1-1.

In the 75th minute, FC Wichita then gained the lead, once again thanks to the play of Gaylon. Gaylon corralled a ball at midfield, and raced down the right side of the pitch and into the 18-yard box. Drawing a defender over, Gaylon sent a cross to a teammate at the left post. Her pass deflected off an FC Dallas defender and past the goalkeeper, giving FC Wichita a 2-1 lead.

For the final 15 minutes, FC Wichita continued to control possession, but a late attack gave FC Dallas an opoportunity to draw even once again. A shot from the top of the box was on frame, but the FC Wichita goalkeeper got over in time to make the save and maintain the lead.

At the final whistle, FC Wichita earned the 2-1 win, claiming the South Girls U18/19 Championship, and with her stellar play in the final, Gaylon earned the Most Outstanding Player.

Teams Advancing to ECNL Regional League Finals

ECNL RL Girls U13: FC Dallas and Solar SC
ECNL RL Girls U14: DKSC and Lonestar SC
ECNL RL Girls U15: FC Dallas and Oklahoma Celtic
ECNL RL Girls U16: Lonestar SC and Solar SC
ECNL RL Girls U17: DKSC and Lonestar SC

ECNL RL Boys U13: Houstonians FC and Solar SC
ECNL RL Boys U14: HTX South and Houstonians FC
ECNL RL Boys U15: Houstonians FC and MAFC Guerreros Houston STXCL
ECNL RL Boys U16: HTX South and FC Westlake
ECNL RL Boys U17: Houstonians FC and FC Dallas