ECNL Girls Playoffs 2025: Competition heats up in Champions League group stage

SAN DIEGO, CA – Day three of the ECNL Girls Playoffs saw the second group stage games take place for teams across the U13-U16 age groups in the Champions League, as well as numerous North American Cup and Showcase Cup games.

Among teams competing in Saturday’s Champions League action, three defending ECNL National Champions were in action on Saturday as they looked to take the next step to get back to the ECNL Finals in Richmond, Virginia in July.

Reigning Champs Recap: San Diego Surf 2009

After picking up a 1-0 win in their opening game on Thursday, San Diego Surf was back in action on Saturday to take on World Class FC in their second group stage game.

Surf came out strong in the first half, opening the scoring with an incredible free kick goal from Citlalli Reyes to make it 1-0 in the opening half. Surf then doubled their lead before halftime, when A’Rianna Ellis dribbled through multiple defenders and found Ruby Royal inside the box to make it 2-0.

Surf added on their third goal of the afternoon in the second half as Natalie Valladolid Tovar got on the scoresheet and tacked on a fourth in the final minutes to pick up their second win of the group stage.

Surf now sits alone at the top of their group with six points, but will still need a win or draw in their final game against Sporting Jax Soccer Academy (4 points) on Sunday to clinch the top spot in their group and automatic qualification into the Round of 16.

Reigning Champs Recap: Slammers FC HB Køge 2010

Following a 3-1 win in their opening game against SLSG Green, Slammers FC HB Køge took the field on Saturday looking to make it a 2-0 start to group play in the U15 Champions League as they took on FC Dallas.

Slammers got on the board first in the opening half when Giselle Nacelli put in a rebound off a shot fired from outside the box. They then added on a second goal and put together a strong defensive performance throughout the afternoon to come away with a 2-0 clean sheet victory.

Slammers will look to punch their ticket to the Round of 16 on Monday when they are back in action for their final group stage game against Portland Thorns. Portland picked up a 1-0 win over SLSG Green on Saturday and now sits second in the group with four points.

Reigning Champs Recap: San Diego Surf 2011

Led by a goal from Aubrey Taylor, San Diego Surf moved to 2-0 in group stage play with a 2-0 victory over SUSA FC on Saturday.

With six points, Surf now sits top of their group, but the job isn’t finished yet as they look to move onto the Round of 16 on Monday against Crossfire Academy in their final group stage game. Crossfire picked up a 1-0 win over Match Fit Academy on Saturday and is also still alive to win the group as they go into Monday’s showdown with four points.

For a full look at the ECNL Girls National Playoffs, including scores, schedules and more, click here.