Players That Impressed: ECNL Girls Florida National Event (January ...

The ECNL recently hosted the 2023 ECNL Girls Florida National Event from January 8-10. Teams in the U16-U18/19 age groups from across the country competed in front of hundreds of college coaches.

See below for a listing of some of the top performances from the showcase, sorted by high school graduation year.

Class of 2026

Sierra Dupre

Midfielder Forward

Dupre is a 2008 player who plays and is a captain on the 2007 team. She finished the weekend with 3 goals, 2 against Charlotte for a 2-0 win and another against FC Delco.

Amelia Clark

Midfielder

Strong two-way contributor in the midfield on a Sting Austin team which was able to go unbeaten in Florida with a 2-0-1 record. Clark was a dangerous player on the attacking side, setting up her teammates and getting in on the scoring herself. The Sting midfield also helped control possession throughout the showcase, aiding the defense as they secured a pair of clean sheets.

Helena Walker

Defender

Walker impressed at wingback during the game against CESA 2007. She made several runs in behind the back line using her speed and wide positioning to stretch the opponent's defense. Her persistence was rewarded as she calmly dispatched a well-weighted diagonal switch from teammate Simone Sharpless to notch the team's lone goal in the opening match.

Haley Cramer

Forward

Cramer scored 2 of her team's 4 goals on the weekend, finding the net against Connecticut FC and Virginia Union. She was quick, strong and creative on the ball, consistently finding space in the attacking third.

Alexis Smith

Defender

Over three matches (2-1-0), Smith played the right back position in her second, third, and fourth matches ever after playing forward during her first three years of ECNL soccer. She held her side of the field scoreless and helped support her talented back line against some worthy offensive talent in Orlando City, Concorde, and Maryland United. She was able to use her speed, instinct, and field vision to make offensive runs without compromising her defensive position.

———————

Brooke Arnold | Defender
FC Alliance 2007 (TN)

Played strong defense and created scoring chances, including an assist in her team's matchup against Illinois side Rockford Raptors FC. Arnold had a 90% success pass rate and dominated on her 50/50 challenges.

———————

Ava Mason | Defender
PDA Blue 2007 (NJ)

PDA was down 2-1 in the second half against FC Stars Blue and Ava Mason provided a well executed defensive slide tackle to stop a shot without fear of being called for a foul just outside the 18. The play provided a spark to the team and bench, and started a turning point in the game that ended with PDA winning 4-3. Mason was mentioned by her coach after game for getting the team charged up with the tackle.

Class of 2025

Taylor Wilson

Forward

Contributed a key assist in Game 1 against SLSG that led to a 2-2 draw, and she had the assist on the game-winner against another very strong Sporting Blue Valley squad. Wilson dominated both sides of the ball, applying great attacking pressure on the opposing outside backs, while defensively she prevented buildups on her side of the field. The team finished 1-1-1 in three tough matches in the ECNL Florida Showcase.

Zoe Anderson

Goalkeeper

Played 140 total minutes, saw 23 shots and made 23 saves, while also stepping up to save a PK in the ECNL FL Showcase. Anderson won several 1v1s and her physicality was on display throughout the event as she denied several shooters inside of her six. She contributed to the attack with line drive throws, excellent communication, and good game strategy. In the third game, she made a PK save when the score was 0-0.

Maliya Maldonado

Midfielder

Stepped up with a team-high 4 assists in the showcase as Florida Premier FC 2007 went undefeated, sweeping their three opponents.

Contributed on both sides on the field for the Concorde Fire Platinum 2007 team. Price got in on the scoring with a header in her team's opening match, and she spearheaded the defensive effort in a 4-1 victory over World Class FC on Day 2.

Molly Vapensky

Goalkeeper

Secured 2 clean sheets while working with the Solar SC 2007 back line, during a dominant run through their bracket against high-level opponents in World Class FC, NC Courage Academy and Connecticut FC.

Coda Jones

Midfielder

Showed why she is one of the top defensive midfielders in the 2025 class. The always-poised captain opened the showcase up with a rocket score against World Class FC. Jones also displayed her lockdown defensive and ball distribution abilities in the midfield throughout the showcase. This helped Solar go undefeated with 14 goals and only 1 against.

———————

Kate Wyrick | Defender
Sting Austin 2007 (TX)

Played a key role for Sting Austin's back line in a clean sheet effort against FC Wisconsin. Wyrick held her own against a strong opponent and started runs to create scoring opportunities for her teammates.

———————

Quinn Alpers | Midfielder
GSA 2007 (GA)

Alpers was a standout attacking mid with 3 of 4 goal assists. She's unpredictable, which makes it difficult for her opponents to know what she'll do next. Her first touch, passing, and heading abilities create plenty of goalscoring opportunities resulting in 2 wins for her team. A creative player, Alpers is quick in transition, puts the right weight on her passes, and doesn't shy away from taking shots.

———————

Leana Ruiz | Forward
SUSA 2007 (NY)

On the first day of competition, Ruiz notched a hat trick, helping her team win 4-1 against Richmond United ECNL 07. Her last goal was a powerful left-footed shot just inside the 18.

———————

Daisy Duda | Forward
PDA Blue 2007 (NJ)

Had points in every game of the 2023 ECNL Florida showcase playing against 3 of the top U16 teams in the country. She had 2 early assists in a 6-1 victory over Concorde Fire Platinum, 2 goals in a 4-3 win over FC Stars Blue and one assist in a 3-1 loss to FC Dallas.

———————

Fiona Mahan | Midfielder
Pittsburgh Riverhounds Academy 2004/2005 (PA)

The standout midfielder gave opposing defenses major problems throughout the showcase, as she found the net 3 times over the course of 3 straight victories.

It was amazing at @TheECNL Florida showcase! 3 days playing in front of college coaches, 3 wins for our @HoundsAcademy team, and 3 goals to help in those wins. #leadersplayhere #yellowblackyellow @ECNLGirls @TopDrawerSoccer @ECNLOhioValley @TheSoccerWire @ImYouthSoccer pic.twitter.com/L3QSs40vDY

— Fiona Mahan (@FionaCMahan) January 12, 2023

———————

Layney Molini | Midfielder
Oklahoma Energy FC 2007 (OK)

Playing against some of the top teams in the country along with her Oklahoma Energy FC squad (coming off a run to 2022 ECNL Final Four), Molini finished the showcase with 4 goals and 1 assist. OEFC had a strong 2-1-0 record in Florida.

———————

Olivia Moynihan | Goalkeeper
East Meadow SC 2007 (NY)

Stopped several strong shots on goal to keep her team's battle against Sting Austin to a 1-1 draw. Moynihan was vocal with her backline at all times, which helped place them in key positions to stop the Sting attack.

———————

Jalen Chaney | Forward
Dallas Texans 2006 (TX)

Contributed to 3 wins out of the 3 games played for Dallas Texans. Chaney used her pace to not only beat defenders but also occupy them. She scored 3 goals over the showcase and had 1 assist.

———————

Lizzie Thornton | Goalkeeper
Loudoun Soccer 2007 (VA)

Made 11 saves and worked with the strong Loudoun 2007 backline to secure a 2-2 tie vs. SLSG Navy and a 1-0 clean sheet victory over Sporting Blue Valley.

———————

Isabella Larson | Forward
D'Feeters Kicks SC 2007 (TX)

Larson turned in a hat trick against Virginia Union FC, while playing half the game at forward and half at defense. She netted 2 goals while playing forward, and added one more on a corner kick when coming up from her center back position. Defensively, Larson and her back line didn't allow any shots on goal while she was at center back.

———————

Olivia Belcher | Midfielder
D'Feeters Kicks SC 2007 (TX)

Tallied 2 assists and 1 goal while playing multiple positions during DKSC's 3-game sweep in Florida. Belcher showed her playmaking abilities and her diverse skillset against top opponents in Eclipse Select SC, Virginia Union FC and Concorde Fire Platinum.

———————

Madelyn Allen | Midfielder
Atlanta Fire United 2007 (GA)

Worked hard on both sides of the ball, creating opportunities for her team to score. Allen showcased her ability to see the field, combine, and to provide a creative weighted pass to goal. She provided the assist to the game-winning goal against FC Bucks and had an additional assist against Fairfax Brave FC. Her team finished undefeated with 3 wins.

———————

Jolie Jenkins | Defender
Virginia Development Academy 2006 (VA)

Played left back and never subbed out for a strong VDA defense, while also being a major factor on offense. Jenkins scored 2 goals in the first game with 1 being a header. She also played SLSG, which is the No. 1 ranked 2006 team in the country, and VDA limited them to a single goal.

———————

Banin Patterson | Forward
Sting Austin 2007 (TX)

Patterson played fast in each game, forcing the opposing defense into turnovers in their defensive third. She piled up 4 assists and scored 2 goals herself over the 3 games against FC Prime, East Meadow SC and FC Wisconsin.

———————

Payten Cooper | Forward
Solar SC 2007 (TX)

Payten was able to contribute 3 goals during the showcase for a dominant Solar SC 2007 squad. Her speed, ability to execute and anticipation on and off the ball makes her a game changer on the front line.

Class of 2024

Reese Wilson

Defender

The University of Kentucky commit shined for Tennessee side FC Alliance in the 2006 age group, anchoring the back line from her center back position. Wilson and her teammates conceded only 2 total goals while sweeping their 3 opponents in Florida.

Kiley Kukan

Midfielder

The Alabama commit had a phenomenal performance in the ECNL National Selection Game, putting her playmaking abilities on full display with a pair of assists and a goal of her own.

Kennedy Fuller

Midfielder

The UNC commit and USYNT star piled up 3 goals and 3 assists during her Solar SC 2007 side's perfect run through their showcase bracket.

Anaiyah Robinson

Forward

The OU commit continues to show why she's one of the best strikers in the 2024 class. The speed and decision making under pressure separates her from the rest. The 6'0 forward racked up 3 goals in 3 games, helping her team finish the weekend undefeated, 2-0-1.

Aurora Gaines

Forward

The future Oklahoma Sooner dazzled during the ECNL Florida National Event, consistently finding space in the attacking third and creating scoring chances. She scored a goal against Bethesda in Concorde Fire's 3-1 win to open the event, drew a key foul to set up a goal on Day 2 in a draw against PDA Blue, and added another goal in her team's 4-1 win over La Roca FC to finish things off.

Casey Malone

Defender

In the Florida ECNL Showcase, the College of Charleston commit showed solid 1v1 defending. Created many scoring opportunities as a defender moving forward and had one goal.

Because sometimes, you just gotta put a defender in the spin cycle. #Havesome😤 @teamgiveandgo @ImYouthSoccer @ImCollegeSoccer @PrepSoccer @TopDrawerSoccer @TheSoccerWire @USYNT @ECNLgirls @TheECNL @nikefootball @adidasfootball @UnderArmour @pumafootball @onlyGplatform pic.twitter.com/PJh0Z7rrjv

— Aurora Gaines🇵🇷🇺🇸 (@AuroraGaines24) January 12, 2023

———————

Abigail Witten | Forward
FC Alliance 2006 (TN)

Came off the bench and recorded a second half brace in FC Alliance's 4-1 win against Sporting Iowa. Witten provided a huge, scoring both of her goals after Sporting Iowa had pulled the game within striking distance at 2-1.

———————

Tess Wright | Defender
Liverpool IA – Michigan 2005 (MI)

Made many runs off the ball, high win percentage on 1v1s, fast recovery speed, good communication, great connecting with other players, creative balls, strong tactical and technical ability

———————

Caroline Liptak | Defender
Pittsburgh Riverhounds Academy 2006 (PA)

During a 3-0 win against Eclipse Select SC, Liptak had very good distribution from the back, creating multiple opportunities and assisting the second goal of the match.

———————

Bella Haynes | Defender
Michigan Hawks 2006 (MI)

Haynes was pivotal to the Hawks' perfect 3-0-0 performance this past weekend. Her defensive play, especially her 1v1s, kept the games in hand, along with her ability to attack as she provided numerous scoring opportunities.

———————

Sydnee Smith | Defender
Challenge SC 2006 (TX)

Consistently rock-solid on the defensive end, Sydnee Smith anchored the back line with strong performances in all games over the weekend using her relentless speed and athleticism.

———————

Summer Hill | Forward
FC DELCO 2006 (PA)

Scored and had two assists in an exciting opening match vs FC Prime. Dominated 1v1s and created chances regularly in the run of play and on set pieces.

———————

Aaliyah Pitts | Defender
Tampa Bay United 2005 (FL)

The uncommitted class of 2024 center back had a solid performance during the ECNL National Selection Game, representing a victorious West Team. She showed great composure and executed some terrific passing. Toward the end of the game, she transitioned to left back and contributed to the team's final goal.

———————

Ari Allen | Goalkeeper
Michigan Hawks 2006 (MI)

Played three outstanding games in net for Michigan Hawks, conceding only 1 goal during her time on the field as the team went 2-1-0. She made numerous 1v1 saves, was terrific on balls in the air and continually dropped in some well-placed long balls to her teammates.

———————

Kaja Dionne | Forward
Tampa Bay United 2006 (FL)

Netted 4 goals over 3 games. In the first game against Sporting Blue Valley, Dionne used her speed to score in the first goal within 4 minutes of the opening whistle. In the second game against Gretna Elite Academy, she scored from outside the box. Taking on Ohio Elite SA in the last game, she was able to produce 2 goals, including one individual effort where she stole the ball from the defender and capitalized with the finish.

———————

Kaja Dionne | Forward
Tampa Bay United 2006 (FL)

———————

Aris Lamanna | Goalkeeper
Pittsburgh Riverhounds Academy 2006 (PA)

Entering Florida with an impressive early season 86% save percentage, Aris continued her standout play while recording a clean sheet against Eclipse. She showcased her shot stopping abilities while demonstrating pinpoint accuracy on distribution and commanding play out of the back throughout the 3 game event.

Class of 2023

Amanda Schlueter

Forward

Stole the show in the ECNL National Selection Game on Sunday night, leading the West Team to a convincing win with her hat trick performance.

Finley Lavin

Midfielder

The Memphis commit strategically played all over the field during Pipeline's 1-0 victory over Charlotte SA. Lavin held down the back line for the first half, then moved into the midfield, where she promptly scored what proved to the game-winning goal. She continued to help the defense shut things down the rest of the game.

———————

Anna Gibson | Forward / Midfielder
Racing Louisville Academy 2005/2004 (KY)

Stepped up in the clutch to score the lone goal for Racing Louisville in a hard-fought battle against Michigan Hawks, which ended in a 1-1 draw. Gibson's equalizer came in the 87th minute as Louisville salvaged a point.

Search This Blog

The Rockets Houston