ECNL Phoenix: The PrepSoccer Superlatives

<p>The ECNL National Event in Phoenix was a first showcase for the club season for the players in the high school age group for that league. The three-day event always comes at an interesting time in the calendar for scouting. </p>   <p>It's after the quick sprint of the NCAA Division I regular season has ended. While some teams are still in search of an NCAA championship, the majority of programs have been eliminated. Even after the long season has come to an end, most of the programs still want to be seen at the event and hope they can find the next gem to build the program around for the future. </p>   <p>There was plenty of talent on display at the Reach 11 Sports Complex. The state of the youth game is at an all-time high. The technical ability of players is much more advanced than it was five years ago. </p>   <p>Along with the college scouts, US Soccer sent a small army of scouts to the event. The Federation loves these events as it's a rare chance to see the top players in a competitive environment with their own clubs. </p>   <p>Throughout this past week, PrepSoccer has been handed out individual honors from the event - as these events tend to lend more of focus on that element. This article looks at team honors and recognizes the collective. </p>   <h2 class="has-text-align-center has-x-large-font-size">PrepSoccer ECNL Phoenix Team Superlatives</h2>   <h2 class="has-large-font-size"><strong>💼 MOST UNDERRATED - SLAMMERS FC 06 </strong></h2>   <p>This Slammers FC group is special. They compete for each other and battle hard in every game. They have some of the top 2024 and 2025 talent from Southern California. I feel like calling this team the underrated might be a slight injustice because they were in the playoffs last season, but they rarely seem to be talked about among the upper echelon group in the U17 age group. They should be. Phoenix was a good opportunity for them to compete against the best in the country and they were in every single game. Slammers are going to surprise some people come June. </p>   <h2 class="has-large-font-size"><strong>⚡️🔋 BEST ENERGY - Wilmington Hammerheads 07 </strong></h2>   <p>Wilmington Hammerheads quickly climbed my rankings as one of the most enjoyable teams to watch. They play with this enthusiastic competitive spirit - and they play with high energy from opening whistle to the final kick of the ball. Hammerheads' results from Phoenix only tell part of the story. The team's style of play is the real driving force. This coaching staff is going to develop some top talent - and smart college coaches will figure this out early. Current Wilmington Hammerheads head coach Jyler Noviello is one to watch. </p>   <h2 class="has-large-font-size"><strong>🍿 MOST ENTERTAINING - San Diego Surf 06 </strong></h2>   <p>When San Diego Surf 06 hit the field, the sideline is normally full. It's normal for them, but not normal for most teams. While there are quite a few players on the team already committed to college programs, the team is a joy to watch because they put on a show. Goalkeeper [player_tooltip player_id='19242' first='Caroline' last='Dysart']'s heat map starts at the 18-yard box because Surf pins the opposition into the defensive half and she is so comfortable and confident with her feet that she plays off the line. [player_tooltip player_id='33313' first='Melanie' last='Barcenas'] is a magician with the ball and can breakdown the low block with her creative passing. And then the surrounding talent just know how to put on a show. Thirteen goals in three games was well worth the price of admission for fans at this event. </p>   <h2 class="has-large-font-size"><strong>🪡 BEST PASSERS - SLSG Navy 06 </strong></h2>   <p>This is a strange one considering SLSG Navy probably does not have this reputation among scouts - more of the acclaim is on the top individual talent from the group including some of the best talent in each of the 2024, 2025, and 2026 classes. However, SLSG Navy does the simple things so beautifully that I believe this aspect of the game is overlooked. They are a team that moves well off the ball. They make the one or two touch passes because everyone on the team is working for each other. The fluidity of the group is only possible because they take care of the ball and value the possession. </p>   <h2 class="has-large-font-size"><strong>🔒 BEST DEFENSE - FC Dallas 07/Solar SC 07</strong></h2>   <p>FC Dallas and Solar SC both finished the event with only one goal conceded. There were teams that ended the event with three shutouts, but the two North Texas squads felt appropriate to share this honor. Both teams relied on a strong center back pair, a standout goalkeeper, and a cohesive squad to stop the opposition over three games in Arizona. </p>   <h2 class="has-large-font-size"><strong>🚌 MOST DEPTH - Slammers FC HB KOGE 07 </strong></h2>   <p>When watching Slammers FC HB Koge play, it feels like it's just waves of players coming at the opposition. The team went through the event with three wins in three days. The depth of the squad was definitely tested against the top competition at the event. The best part for Slammers Koge is there is no noticeable drop off at any position on the field. It's an embarrassment of riches for the coaches with this type of squad. </p>

The ECNL National Event in Phoenix was a first showcase for the club season for the players in the high school age group for that league. The three-day event always comes at an interesting time in the calendar for scouting.