Players to Watch: 2023 ECNL Girls National Playoffs
The ECNL Girls National Playoffs kickoff this Saturday, June 24 with over 330 teams in the U13 through U18/19 age groups competing at Surf Cup Sports Park in San Diego.
In each age division, the prestigious Champions League represents the highest level of play. Each of the U13-U17 age groups features 44 teams that have qualified for the Champions League group stage, and only 8 of those 44 in each age group will be left standing at the conclusion of the San Diego event.
The ECNL’s postseason event also features multiple other levels of play in select age groups, including the North American Cup and Showcase Cup. To view the brackets for the ECNL National Playoffs, click here.
Ahead of the weekend’s action, here are some players to know from in the U13-U19 age groups. Players are listed according to their graduation year.
2028
Tyana Thomas | Forward
GSA 10 (GA)
Powerful striker with spend, technical and tactical skill. Piled up goals and assists all season long, spearheading a GSA attack which was able to outscore opponents by a total margin of 40-19. (ECNL Champions League)
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Natalie Duffie | Forward
Penn Fusion Soccer Academy 10 (PA)
Was the leading goalscorer and the top assist maker for a Penn Fusion side that scored 60 goals and finished atop of the North Atlantic Conference. She possesses a booming left foot that can hammer shots from distance or make the decisive clear when she is lending a hand on defense. (ECNL Champions League)
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Evie Kincaid | Midfielder
Kansas City Athletics 08 (KS)
An athletic 5’10” powerful and impactful midfielder that plays up an age group in the ECNL. As a captain for her KC Athletics ECNL 2008 team, Kincaid led the team in assists and was one of top goal scorers. In conference play, Evie averaged a goal /assist every 28 min as an attacking midfielder. (ECNL Champions League)
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Jenna Bartlett | Forward
Eagles Soccer Club 10 (CA)
Ended her first ECNL season with 26 league goals and helped lead the Eagles to first place in the Southwest Conference (19-2-3, 60 points). She is a team player and isn’t afraid to give up a pass. Her speed, style, tactic, and ability to see the field are just a few of her many talents. Jenna was most recently selected to participate for the 2009 age group USYNT Chula Vista training camps. (ECNL Champions League)
2027
The second-leading scorer on PDA Blue 09, Lee has twice been named a SoccerWire Player That Impressed: in last year’s ECNL Playoffs and after the 2023 ECNL South Carolina Showcase. She scored clutch goals in PDA’s run to the ECNL Finals last year, including a penalty in the Round of 16, a goal in the semifinals and a goal in the finals to force extra time. (ECNL Champions League)
The 2009 shotstopper was previously selected to attend the USYNT U14 Girls Talent ID Camp as well as the id2 National Select Camp. For San Juan this season she helped get the side into second place in the Northern California Conference while working alongside her backline to concede just 18 goals. (ECNL Champions League)
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Makenna Holub | Defender
Eastside FC 08 (WA)
The standout defender has earned four call-ups to the U.S. U-15 Women’s Youth National Team, most recently traveling to Germany for a successful trip in which the USA earned a pair of clean sheets in European friendlies. Holub is one of the nation’s top defensive prospects in the Class of 2027. (ECNL Champions League)
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Jordyn Heathcock | Midfielder
Oklahoma City Energy FC 08 (OK)
Competed internationally with U14 US Club Soccer National ID2 team in the Spring of 2023. In addition, she was called up for the USYNT U14 National Training Camp this May in California. (ECNL Champions League)
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Vienna Whipple | Defender
Crossfire Premier 08 (WA)
The center back has received five call ups to the U.S. U-15 Women’s Youth National Team, including most recently playing in Germany/Netherlands in June, securing two wins and shutouts. She is the team captain for Crossfire Premier 2008, which was the only undefeated team in the ECNL season, the 2023 ECNL Northwest Conference Champions and seeded #1 in the Champions League standings going into the playoffs. (ECNL Champions League)
2026
The So Cal Blues 08 defender is solid on and off the ball, resulting in strategic defensive stops along with quick counter-attacks with laser passes and headers. Stearns has been invited to several U.S. National Team Camps and recent ODP+Pro player pools. She will be a great representative of the Southwest Conference and ECNL U15 Playoffs. (ECNL Champions League)
A U15 USYNT camp attendee who is a hard-working and talented outside back that consistently shows two-way ability. She adds creative midfielder-like playmaking along with her tough defensive presence. (ECNL Champions League)
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Sofia Rodriguez Bustos | Midfielder
D’Feeters Kicks SC 07 (TX)
Has played well in the midfield all season long for DKSC during their fourth place finish in a tough Texas Conference (13-4-5, 44 points). A defensive midfielder, Rodriguez Bustos can read what attackers are doing and immediately make precise, professional tackles to halt their efforts. She is also an asset on the attack, as evidenced by her recent goal in the ECNL New Jersey Showcase. (ECNL Champions League)
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Nadia Bochynski | Midfielder-Forward
Colorado Rapids 08 (CO)
Provides excellent speed and a smart, precise first touch that can jumpstart the counter-attack against any opponent, Bochynski can break defenses with relative ease. The Rapids ended the season having won five of their seven final matches, outscoring opponents 15-2. For Lutheran High School this spring she helped the side make it to the Colorado State Championships and was named First Team All-State. (ECNL Champions League)
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Ava Garvin | Defender
FC Dallas 08 (TX)
Played a crucial role in FC Dallas’ 12 clean sheets in the regular season. Playing as the left center back, she has a strong left foot that helps expose teams in quick counter-attacks. She’s a tough competitor that uses her body and footwork to cut off opposing players looking to make runs off the ball and on the dribble. In addition, Garvin’s set piece delivery from anywhere on the field is one of the best in her conference. (ECNL Champions League)
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Kylee Rocha | Defender
San Juan SC 08 (CA)
In May this year, she was pulled up to play with her club’s San Juan 07 ECNL team at the New Jersey ECNL Showcase, where she had an outstanding performance in all three games. In June, she was selected with the top players in the Northern California area to attend the NorCal State Pool Camp. (ECNL Champions League)
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Abby Megill | Forward
GSA 08 (CO)
Multisport (Varsity Soccer and Basketball as a freshman) 4.0 Student-Athlete. Versatile, can play the 7,11,9 and 2, 3. Uses her great pace to score, take it to the end line assisting on many plays and can hold off defenders faced up and back to goal. Defensively understands cues to press and uses her speed to catch opposing backlines. Good teammate and positive attitude. Assisted Lutheran high school to its first-ever Soccer League Championship, Colorado State Championships, and Basketball Final Four. (ECNL Champions League)
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Zea Gonzalez | Forward
Sting Austin 08 (TX)
Her consistent production on the attacking side all season long provided Sting Austin 08 with the necessary firepower to secure their spot in the Champions League. Gonzalez has racked up multiple accolades over the season in club play and at the high school level. She was named a SoccerWire Player That Impressed after the ECNL Phoenix Showcase this spring. (ECNL Champions League)
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Mia Wiele | Defender
Sting Austin 08 (TX)
A U.S. U-15 Youth National Team roster pool player, has anchored the back line of the impressive Sting Austin ECNL 08 team, which is making their second consecutive appearance in the ECNL Champions League. Wiele is a modern, dynamic two-way center back who has led the team in assists for the past 3 years, frequently from her deadly set pieces. (ECNL Champions League)
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Scottlyn Antonucci | Midfielder
Legends FC 07 (CA)
Shined for the U.S. U-15 Youth National Team during their recent trip to Europe, where she scored the game-winning goal in a tough 1-0 victory over Germany. Antonucci has been a mainstay in the USYNT roster pool, earning numerous call-ups to training camps. On the club side, she was named ECNL All-American and All-Conference as a 2008 playing up and a 2007 squad. (ECNL Champions League)
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Olivia Rubinich | Defender
Penn Fusion Soccer Academy 08 (PA)
The 5’9” standout center defender is team captain for Penn Fusion Soccer Academy ECNL 2008 which had an undefeated season (13-0-0), the 2023 ECNL North Atlantic Conference Champions and #1 seed in Champions League going into ECNL National Playoffs. She has been called into three USWNT Talent ID Centers. (ECNL Champions League)
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Makenzie Majors | Forward
Sting Dallas Black 08 (TX)
Scored eight goals and tallied five assists for a Sting side that finished the season with a 17-3-2 record on 53 points. Led her high school side Ursuline Academy Dallas she led the side to the 2023 TAPPS State Championship. (ECNL Champions League)
2025
A traditional holding forward that can hit shots deep inside the eighteen as well as create chances for her teammates, Martelli was an attacking force for an Atlanta Fire 07 side that scored 21 goals during Southeast Conference play this season. Martelli has been called up to the United States Youth National Team ID Camps at multiple levels and was a part of the ECNL National Selection Game at this year’s Houston Showcase. (ECNL Champions League)
Hockett and the reigning national champion SLSG Navy 06 squad come in looking to make it back-to-back titles, with their eyes on winning the ECNL Championship again this year. She has grown to a height of 5-10, and remains one of the fastest defenders who will play along the back line as well as in the defensive midfield this year. She possesses strong skills on the ball for a defender as well. (ECNL Champions League)
Consistently stepped up this season as Eagles SC 2007 was hit by multiple injuries to their starting line up. While her primary position is holding mid, you could find her playing up top at the 9 or dropping back to the back line as needed. She’s become a great utility player for her team and a strong voice on the field. Her high school season she ended with a 1st Team All-Conference selection as a sophomore. (ECNL Showcase Cup A)
Coming off an impressive performance at the ECNL New Jersey Showcase, Foxhoven (Eagles SC 2007) will look to continue her clever playmaking and strong counter attacks this week from the left wing position. Her scoring opportunities will come from her ability to break opposing team’s lines with her speed, and leveraging her ability to consistently win the ball back defensively. (ECNL Showcase Cup A)
A defensive midfielder with excellent speed and ability on and off the ball. Provides exceptional support for her defensive backline and can effectively win balls through her impressive slide tackles and headers to transition from defense to offense. Rickard is a top defensive midfielder for her age group, but is also versatile and able to step into the backline as needed. She sees the field well and is a quiet leader who is always looking to help her team in any way possible. Rickard is a two-time invite to the USYNT ID Camp for the Midwest. (ECNL Champions League)
Coming off of a strong series of performances with United Futbol Academy 2007 at the ECNL Showcase in New Jersey in which she helped UFA earn two big wins. In 2022, Sellers earned a call-up to the USYNT ID Camp for her age group. (ECNL Champions League)
Kai Price
A member of the U.S. Women’s Youth National Team player pool, Price has received several call-ups to the U-16 squad during the current cycle. She helped the U.S. U-15 team win the Concacaf Championship in 2022. On the club side, she is renowned as one of the best defenders in the ECNL, earning All-American honors last season. (ECNL Champions League)
Coming off an IL 3A State Championship as her team’s outside left back, Finley Scott looks to move back to midfield for SLSG in the playoffs. Scott is a versatile defender that creates opportunities for her team with her outplay abilities, distribution skills and off ball movement. She normally plays as a defensive mid but also has the quickness and fitness to play as a box to box central mid. She is also a set piece specialist for her team. (ECNL Playoffs Showcase B)
The 5-11 shot stopper has been a force in net, playing with courage, strong hands, a willingness to take on shooters, and resilience under pressure. In this, her second ECNL season, Anderson has emerged as the tactical leader on the field, diagnosing the attack and maneuvering her defense to build advantage. (ECNL Playoffs Showcase B)
A solid contributor all season long for a Florida Premier FC 2007 squad which earned the No.15 national seed in the Champions League Playoffs, after finishing second in the Southeast Conference. Maldonado was one of several strong midfielders who provided a two-way effort as Florida Premier accumulated a remarkable goal differential of 51-12. (ECNL Champions League)
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Kareena Wardlow | Winger
Ohio Premier 07 (OH)
Possesses limitless speed (she also runs track and field) and can make darting runs off of the ball to open up play on the outside. Her shot selection is also on point- she can hit dangerous efforts from both close and long range and can also set up teammates in the box with a long cross. (ECNL Champions League)
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Cameron Goddard | Midfielder
Ohio Premier 07 (OH)
Wardlow’s teammate on the attack for Ohio Premier, Goddard is highly effective at working with her teammates in open space and lacing carefully placed balls for them to exploit. She is also unafraid of taking on multiple defenders in tight situations and has an excellent sense of timing with her passes. (ECNL Champions League)
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Cara Bubonovich | Defensive Midfielder
FC Stars Blue 06 (NJ)
Provides excellent support for her defensive backline and can effortlessly move her side to an attacking posture, Bubonovich is one of the top defensive midfielders for her age group. Defensively, she makes precise reads on attackers movements and can stop their pursuit with a timely challenge. She is also a leader and can help her teammates get out of jams in close matches. (ECNL Champions League)
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Izabella Duink | Goalkeeper
San Juan SC 06 (CA)
Led San Juan SC 2006 to an undefeated record in Northern California play this season (14-0-4, 46 points) and helped lead a defensive unit which allowed just 14 goals. Duink runs a tight ship and is constantly helping her defenders with their marking and coverage. Athletically, she can make the decisive diving stop in traffic and will also go up to knock down dangerous balls in the air. (ECNL Champions League)
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Payten Cooper | Forward
Solar SC 07 (TX)
Key member of a Solar SC attack that scored an impressive 88 goals this season in a difficult Texas 07 Conference. She makes precise runs towards goal both on and off of the ball and can hit pacy, precise shots from all points inside the eighteen yard box. In addition to her attacking work, she has also fantastic timing and can both expedite plays and also slow things down when necessary. (ECNL Champions League)
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Ellie Neath | Midfielder
SLSG Navy 07 (MO)
A member of an SLSG Navy 07 squad which is making their fourth ECNL National Playoffs appearance since 2019, Neath is a previous ECNL All-Midwest Conference selection and has been on the U.S. Youth National Team radar as recently as 2022. (ECNL Champions League)
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Alaina Villa | Midfielder
Slammers FC 07 (CA)
A key player on the offense while keeping pressure on the defensive side. She has helped her team with her technicality, physicality and tenacity on the field. The Slammers are a strong attacking side and have the defensive pieces in place to make a deep run in the playoffs. (ECNL Champions League)
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Sydney Dulak | Midfielder
Eclipse Select SC 06 (IL)
A dynamic attacking player that can play both as an attacking midfielder and on the outside, Dulak is a highly skilled midfielder that has helped Eclipse build attacking plays all season. She was also recently called up to the United States Youth National Team ID Camp for her age group. (ECNL Champions League)
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Claire Manis | Goalkeeper
Dallas Sting Royal 06 (TX)
Flourished playing up with the 2006 Sting Royal ECNL team, helping them put together the missing pieces of the puzzle and qualify for the Showcase A playoffs. Her work between the posts helped the side amass a Showcase record of 8-0-1. (ECNL Showcase A)
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Hailey Gordon | Forward
Slammers FC HB Koge 06 (CA)
A member of the Mexican under-20 National Team, Gordon was recently called up for duty for the CONCACAF under-20 Championship. She has also scored goals against the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Canada (ECNL National Playoffs)
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Kiley Bruce | Forward
Ohio Elite Soccer Academy 07 (OH)
Kiley comes into the ECNL playoffs on fire, having scored five goals in the last five games including two against Ohio Premier. On the season she has scored 12 goals and tallied 6 assists on at the striker position. (ECNL National Playoffs)
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Linden Perry | Goalkeeper
Tennesee SC 07 (TN)
Prototypical positional goalkeeper that uses her position and size to cut the size of the goal and make it difficult for attacking player when finishing on frame. She earned eight shutouts for TSC en route to the side winning the Ohio Valley Conference. At the high school level she earned All-District and All-Conference top honors. (ECNL National Playoffs)
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Ava Paolini | Defender
Slammers HB Koge 07 (CA)
A centerback for the reigning ECNL National Champions, Paolini is an instinctual defender that can the game and anticipate what attackers are thinking. While her marking is on point, she is also an expert passer and can jumpstart the counter-attack with perfectly timed distribution to her teammates. (ECNL National Playoffs)
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Alex Tay | Defender
Seattle United 07 (WA)
Selected to the ECNL National Selection Game in Houston, Tay has had a strong season along the backline for a Seattle United side that allowed just nine goals this season in Northwest Conference play. She has also been selected to the CapelliSport+ All-Star that will compete this summer in England. (ECNL Champions League Playoffs)
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Bailey Cate | Forward
Dallas Texans 07 (TX)
Scored 30 goals this season and was selected in 2022 to participate in the ECNL Selection Game in Houston. For her high school side Lubbock-Cooper she was named to the United Soccer Coaches All-State Team. (ECNL Playoffs Showcase A)
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Sevilla Anderson | Goalkeeper
Internationals SC 07 (OH)
A multi-sport athlete (played varsity soccer and varsity lacrosse as a freshman), who displays that athleticism inside the 18. She will go up in a crowd and come down with the ball or parry it to a safety. She helped her U16 side earn win the entire Ohio Valley Conference and earn a top seed in the Champions League despite facing strong competition in the conference and at ECNL events. (ECNL Champions League)
2024
The Concorde Fire Platinum 06 ECNL goalkeeper has helped her team to four straight Southeast ECNL conference champion titles. She is composed, distributes well from the back, and leads well on the field. (ECNL Champions League)
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Emma Kirlin | Goalkeeper
CESA 06 (SC)
Allowed just 12 goals in ECNL Southeast Conference play this season and was selected to participate in the National Selection Game at the ECNL Florida Showcase this winter for CESA. Kirlin is effective at controlling the pace of the match, both with her throws and her punts but also down the stretch when her side needs to organize. She is a true leader that helped her side earn a spot in the Champions League despite facing strong competition in her conference. (ECNL Champions League)
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Neliaj DeLeon | Goalkeeper
Classics Elite 06 (TX)
The Vanderbilt commit possesses excellent distribution skills and can make acrobatic saves look easy. She was also recently selected for the ECNL Girls National Selection Game in Houston this past February. (ECNL Champions League)
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Alexandra Doran | Defender
Classics Elite 06 (TX)
Gritty, fast aggressive defender that frequently joins in the attack contributing 8 assists on the season. Is an asset in the air, both in terms of her ability to avert goal-scoring chances on defense and create them off of set pieces. Was previously called up for a USYNT Talent ID Camp. (ECNL Champions League)
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Sadie Gardner | Goalkeeper
Portland Thorns Academy 06 (OR)
Gardner has become a mainstay in goal for the Thorns, coming up with big saves all season long and help anchoring a defense that has only allowed 7 goals all season, and helped secure the Northwest Conference Championship. (ECNL Champions League)
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Hannah Montoya | Midfielder
Oklahoma Energy FC 06 (OK)
Scored 23 goals and contributed on 73% of the total goals for her high school side Southmoore this season. With Oklahoma, was a key contributor in their 49 goal effort and earning the a North American Cup, Has committed to playing college soccer at Dallas Baptist University. (ECNL North American Cup)
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The East Team took the win 5-2.
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