Players That Impressed: ECNL Boys 2024 National Playoffs

The ECNL Boys started their postseason run last weeke with the ECNL National Playoffs at the Surf Cup Sports Complex in San Diego, California. The event saw the top boys teams from across the ECNL compete in the U13-U18/U19 age groups. (Results | College Coaches List).

Below are some of the top players from the weekend’s event sorted by graduation year. You can also nominate a player who stood out during the event through the following link.

2028

Ethan Ortiz | Center Back
Dallas Texans Academy 08 (TX)

After slowing down a strong SDSC Surf attack enough to secure the victory (6-3) Ortiz and the Texans defense would go on a defensive tear allowing just one goal in their final three games. In shutout victories over NTH-NASA (2-0) and Tulsa SC (3-0) Ortiz showed that he can start possession out of the back using the full field to spread out play. That in turn forced his opponents to chase which in turn allowed for the Texans to milk the clock.

2027

Lawson Watt | Center Back
Virginia Union 08 (VA)

Provided consistent coverage from the center back position for the Union, helping Virginia hold off the United Futbol Academy (4-3) and FC Tucson (5-1). Lawson can make the difficult clearances in closed spaces and is also an asset in the air for Virginia. In addition to having a strong campaign with the Union this season Watt was also recently called up for the East Region ODP Player Pool ID Camp.

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Fabio Maroti | Midfielder
CESA Triumph 08 (SC)

Provided a consistent attacking spark up top for CESA, who defeated SCSC Surf 2-1 to win Group K. Maroti can weave through defenses and is confident in using either foot in goal-scoring opportunities. His mix of speed and pace make him difficult to defend against and an asset for CESA.

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Jackson Friedman | Midfielder
LA Breakers 09 (CA)

Playing with just nine players, Friedman led the Breakers to a matchday one victory over South Carolina United (3-2). They continued their impresive run in their second match, holding on for a 1-1 draw with FC Wichita, with Friedman making a late penalty kick save as time expired.

2026

Graduation: 2026

Chase Stewart

Forward

Heat FC

ECNL Boys

Led the attacking charge for Heat FC, who had to come from behind twice and win a game a in penalties against Arlington in the Round of 16. They also played down a man twice which often left Stewart having to do a large amount of the work up top. He showed that he was more than up for the task and used his strong dribbling skills to hold possession.

Graduation: 2026

Luke Stavrou

Defender

Northern Virginia Alliance

ECNL Boys

Applied consistent pressure to defenses all throughout their playoff run, helping Virginia outscore their opponents 7-2. In their three victories over FC Stars White (2-0), Louisville City Academy (1-0), and SLSG MO (2-0) Stavrou helped his Alliance teammates maintain their composure and hold onto possession to secure the three points.

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Zachary Khorrami | Goalkeeper
Crossfire Premier 08 (WA)

Earned three clean sheets in group play blanking GSA (3-0), Skyline Elite (4-0), and Association FC (4-0) to book their spot in Virginia. Khorrami has excellent footwork and positions himself in both tight spaces and in one-on-one situations to give himself the best chance at making a save.

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Ryan Hendon | Midfielder-Forward
Tennessee SC 07 (TN)

Scored two critical goals to help Tennessee get past HEX FC Dominion 5-3 in the Round of 16. Despite being down two goals, Hendon and the TSC attack never wavered continuing to press HEX’s backline while taking a ‘one goal at a time’ approach. Whether playing as a forward or as an attacking midfielder Hendon can take whatever space is given to him and exploit it for TSC’s gain.

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Riley Bedics | Goalkeeper
FC Pride Elite 08 (IN)

Booked a clean sheet against a potent SDSC Surf attack (0-0) and followed it up with an equally impressive effort against the Colorado Rapids (2-1) giving the Pride four points in Group K. Bedics runs a tightly organized defense that limits opponent’s chances inside of the eighteen yard box. After saves he can also make booming points and long throws to change the field of play.

2025

Hudson Weinberger | Forward
LA Breakers 07 (CA)

Topped off an inspired run by the Breakers in group play with a clinical finish in their 4-1 victory over FC Tucson. Weinberger likes to go directly at defenders and uses his speed and pace to force them to back track and get out of position. He is comfortable using either foot to drive and can also connect with teammates on diagonal passes to the outside.

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Mark Burrage | Midfielder-Defender
SA City 07 (TX)

Buried the late equalizer against Manhattan SC on matchday to give San Antonio a hard-earned point in group play. His one-touch shot off of a sublime cross by Bentley McCool was a testament to his consistent work on both sides of the pitch. Burrage never gives up on any play and will do whatever it takes to win the ball and start the attack.

Last minute goal to tie it 1-1! Played with 10 men and found a way to get a point. Great assist @Bentley_McCool and great effort from the team. @sacitysc @ECNLboys pic.twitter.com/RX6I14Oj7E

— Mark Burrage (@MarkBurrage730) June 27, 2024

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Stefan Garefalakis | Forward
Pipeline SC 07 (MD)

Exhausted defenses with his blistering runs off of the ball and dangerous diagonal runs at, with his hard work paying off in the form of a goal against Beach FC. He can make the small cuts necessary to slip past defenders and create goal-scoring opportunities.

2024

Kevin Hernandez | Forward
Crossfire Premier 06/05 (WA)

The Washington commit ended his club career in just about the best way possible, burying the game-winning goal off of a volley in the final against Florida Kraze. Inside of the eighteen yard box, Hernandez can take even the smallest of spaces and turn them into goal-scoring opportunities. His nose for goal will certainly make him a favorite of the Huskies supporters.