ECNL Girls Conference Cup Best XI named after Team Central wins inaugural event

After two days of high level competition between 90 of the top ECNL Girls athletes from around the country at the ECNL Girls Conference Cup, four teams remained standing with an opportunity to lift the inaugural ECNL Girls Conference Cup trophy at the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center in California. (View Rosters)

Teams Central, Northwest, North, and Southwest advanced as the top four teams out of group play and faced off in a four team bracket for the Conference Cup Championship.

In the first semifinal game, the Central took on the Northwest with both teams looking to claim a spot in the championship game.

Despite a number of good chances, both sides remained scoreless throughout the first half of the game. It didn’t take long for the Central to breakthrough in the second half though.

Just moments into the second half, Madeline DiMaria (SLSG Navy) fired home the opening goal to put the Central on top 1-0. DiMaria proceeded to add in two more goals in the second half, giving her a hat trick for the game, and sending the Central into the championship game.

In the second semifinal, the North and Southwest played to a scoreless draw during regulation and the game went to penalty kicks to decide who would be taking on the Central in the championship game.

In the penalty kick shootout, North goalkeeper Julia Zaldarriaga (PDA Blue) made two key saves to help propel the North into the championship game.

In the championship game, DiMaria continued her offensive show for the Central team. DiMaria scored the first goal of the game to put the Central on top, before providing a great assist to Reese Canada (Michigan Hawks) for the second goal of the game.

The Central was able to hold onto their 2-0 advantage the rest of the way and lifted the inaugural Conference Cup Championship trophy.

Following the championship game, the Best XI throughout the entire week were recognized for their standout performances.

The Best XI was selected by the technical staff at the ECNL Girls Conference Cup and is listed below.