Scout’s View: Class of 2026 Standouts from the ECNL, Girls Academy and ECNL RL Finals

With the ECNL, Girls Academy and ECNL Regional League Finals all being held in Richmond, VA, college coaches and scouts had ample opportunities to attend a wide variety of 2024 postseason games.

Longtime scout Jerry Penkala, owner and operator of JTF Academy, was on hand for portions of all three tournaments, and compiled a list of some of the top players that he watched from the Class of 2026.

See below for Penkala’s top performers, with players included from all three leagues.

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Summer Murphy – Forward
Crossfire Premier 08 ECNL – Jersey #8

Summer was one of the most impactful forwards during the event. The speedy attacker caused constant havoc when she high-pressed the back line, and had some of the best header shots on goal in the 18. Her headers often came out of the blue, when you would never think she had a chance to even get to the ball, much less put a quality shot on frame, which took a couple of incredible snap saves to keep them out of goal. She was also one of the hardest-working forwards off the ball and in general I have seen in a long time.

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Charli Harris – Left Winger
FC Dallas Youth 07 ECNL – Jersey #23

The leading goal scorer and assist provider on this extremely talented FC Dallas team, even though she is a trap player playing up. Charli has always been among the hardest-working, most impactful wingers I have seen this season across all ECNL and GA showcases.

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Olivia Robinson – Left Winger / Forward
STA 08 Girls Academy – Jersey #77

One of the most dynamic left-footed born scorers and wingers in the entire GA in the Class of 2026. Incredibly fast, great technical skills, comfortable on the ball when pressured and can serve the ball on a dime into the 18. She is always in the right place at the exact right time in the 18 for a ton of one-touch easy goals.

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Lauren Van Rhein – Forward / Winger
Lou Fusz 08 Girls Academy – Jersey #35

Another extremely fast and talented offensive threat, Van Rhein was matched up with one of the best defenders in the GA (Kate Reigle from STA) and was a handful in the championship game. Technically sound, had one of the best work rates I saw all weekend, and got stronger as the game went on, despite playing in some intense summer heat.

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Alessandra Munneke – Attacking Midfielder
De Anza Force 08 ECNL – Jersey #11

Alessandra was one of the more technically-sound and creative players at the event. Shifty, smart, great field vision and had most of the game go through her. Tough in the midfield both on and off the ball, and was also a good 1v1 defender when needed.

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Delilah Woods – Right Outside Back
Slammers FC HB Koge 08 ECNL – Jersey #2

One of the best 1v1 shutdown defenders at the entire event. Tough, strong and smart, Woods seemingly always takes the best defensive angles and displayed outstanding instincts on the back line.

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Cate Cantu – Goalkeeper
Penn Fusion 08 ECNL – Jersey #21

Cate was easily one of the most athletic, dynamic keepers at the event. She made some huge saves all weekend, and especially in the National Championship game. Very supportive to her back line and kept everyone organized, was fearless and controlled her 18.

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Emerson Sprinkle – Forward
Real Colorado 08 ECNL – Jersey #15

Emerson has impressed for two years in a row at the National Finals. She is extremely fast, and also has noticeably quick feet in tight spaces, which allows her to escape double teams and create space. She’s technically sound and makes the right runs in the 18 off-ball, and always seems to be in the right space at the right time. Her work rate offensively and defensively makes her extremely impactful every time I’ve seen her play.

Honorable Mentions

• ELISE MAY: #24 • INDY ELEVEN 07 • FORWARD
• ALEXA AYLWARD: #4 • KC FUSION ACADEMY 08 • ATTACKING MID
• PAIGE PASINSKI: #2 • SC DEL SOL 07 • ATTACKING MID
• ELLA BACH: #6 • CROSSFIRE PREMIER 08 • MIDFIELDER
• GRACIE MILAM: #22 • LOU FUSZ 08 • DEFENDER
• LUCY EWING: #28 • GTFC IMPACT 08 ECNL RL • LEFT OUTSIDE BACK