Scout’s View: Class of 2028 Standouts from the ECNL Girls RL Southeast Playoffs

The 2026 ECNL Girls Regional League Playoffs recently took place in the Southeast Region, featuring teams in the U13-U18/19 age groups.

While the U18/19 division crowned their Regional Champion, with Charlotte Soccer Academy winning it all on the girls side, the U13-U17 squads battled it out to see who would qualify for the ECNL Regional League Finals, which will showcase top regional finishers from all over the country.

Longtime scout Jerry Penkala ([email protected]), 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.

See below for Penkala’s top performers.

Katherine Graham | Defender
Alabama FC 2010 (AL)

While not the tallest player on the field, Katherine’s grit, toughness, and relentless work rate made her one of the best defenders I watched all weekend. She won 100% of her 1v1 tackles in the match I saw and consistently displayed outstanding defensive balance, positioning, and technique. She was simply a lockdown defender who shut her side of the field down all game.

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Allison Rae Forrester | Winger / Midfielder
Charlotte SA Blue 2010 (NC)

Allison was one of the most impactful midfielders at the event. Still adjusting to Charlotte SA’s system after coming from FC United Chicago, she continued to improve throughout the weekend, with her second and third matches being especially impressive. She combined endless energy, a feisty competitive edge, excellent vision, composure on the ball, and the ability to connect passes all over the field. She has the talent to be the player an entire game flows through and projects as a special college player.

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Ally Atkinson | Defender
Florida Kraze Krush 2010 (FL)

Ally was a physical, intelligent, and fearless outside back who embraced every 1v1 defensive battle. She consistently won those matchups while remaining calm and composed after regaining possession. Her passing accuracy was exceptional, and she has both the athleticism and technical ability to compete at the NCAA Division I level.

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Emily Falkner | Midfielder
Alabama FC 2010 (AL)

Emily was another standout midfielder who remained an offensive threat throughout the game. She combined creativity with intelligent movement off the ball, constantly finding dangerous spaces instead of making unnecessary runs. Defensively, she worked hard to win possession back, and once on the ball, she quickly transitioned into an excellent playmaker with precise passing. Smooth in possession, she consistently created scoring opportunities by either attacking defenders or picking out the right pass.

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Valentina Huertas | Midfielder / Winger
Sunrise Surf 2009 (FL)

I’ve watched Valentina play up an age group for over a year, and her quality continues to stand out. As a Colombian National Team player, she possesses exceptional technical ability, creativity, close control, and an outstanding understanding of the game. She combines her elite skill set with an outstanding work rate, making her one of the most complete players on the field.

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Katherine Tissue | Defender
Mandeville SC Lakers 2010

Katherine was another outstanding defender who might be a bit overlooked based on her skill set and high ceiling. She excelled in 1v1 situations and showed excellent decision-making when stepping over to double-team dangerous attackers without compromising her team’s defensive shape. Her toughness, work rate, and defensive awareness were consistently impressive.

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Eva Rodriguez | Goalkeeper
Sunrise Surf 2010 (FL)

Eva was one of the most technically sound goalkeepers I watched all weekend. She was an excellent shot stopper, remained calm and composed under pressure, and came off her line quickly and fearlessly. Her communication organized the entire defensive unit, and she tracked crosses exceptionally well, even those served from deep near the corner flag.

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Nadia Kawas | Midfielder/Winger
Coastal Rush 2010 (FL)

Nadia entered during the second half of a close match and immediately changed the tempo of the game. Her physicality, intensity, and nonstop work rate elevated both her team’s energy and overall performance. She also had several excellent defensive moments while playing as a holding midfielder. Her versatility is a major strength, as she can play holding midfield, attacking midfield, outside back, or left wing. Her strong left foot, technical ability, and powerful strike make her especially dangerous on the left side.

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Sophia Manisey | Forward / Midfielder
United Futbol Academy 2010 (GA)

Sophia was the most dangerous attacking player in the match I watched late in the weekend. She combined outstanding speed with intelligent off-the-ball movement, consistently making the right runs to create space and put herself in dangerous positions around the penalty area. She also worked tirelessly to recover defensively, showing both determination and competitiveness.

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Isabella Fullmer | Defender
Florida Kraze Krush 2010 (FL)

Isabella was one of the toughest defenders to beat all weekend. She played with a “clean mean streak,” organizing her back line exceptionally well while dominating 1v1 situations and controlling the central defensive area. She consistently cleaned up dangerous attacks before they became scoring chances and displayed a level of confidence, maturity, and composure that simply can’t be taught.

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