ECNL Boys Las Vegas National Event Recap: 15 teams earn perfect records + more top stories

HENDERSON, NV – The ECNL Boys Las Vegas National Event took place from January 24-26, featuring top teams from across the U15-U18/U19 age groups. See below for a rundown of the some of the top stories from the showcase.

East Team wins National Selection Game

The stars of ECNL Las Vegas took the field under the lights on Friday night for the Continental Tire National Selection Game at Heritage Park in Henderson, Nevada. (Watch Replay)

In the 33rd minute the East jumped on the board first on a long ball played over the top to Cooper Schneider (Washington Premier FC). Schneider gained possession outside the box and worked his way around the West goalkeeper, firing the ball into the back of the net to give the East the 1-0 lead.

Just before halftime the East doubled their lead when Preston Blay (Minnesota Thunder Academy) was fouled inside the box leading to a penalty. Schneider then stepped up and fired home his second goal of the night to put the East up 2-0.

“Preston was telling me before the game that he knew I was going to score,” Schneider said. “He believed in me and that just gave me so much confidence to step up and bury it. I’m very grateful he gave the chance to me.”

The West had their moments to battle back in the second half, but the East defense remained solid throughout the night. Led by outstanding efforts from goalkeepers Luca Jacobson (Concorde Fire Platinum) and Brody Sucher (Ohio Elite SA), the East maintained a clean sheet throughout the night and held on for the 2-0 victory.

Schneider’s brace led to him being named the Player of the Match and while he came into the night wanting to enjoy the moment, he was also happy to be able to prove himself and stand out against so many other great players.

“Coming into this game I just wanted to enjoy it and I’m happy I was able to prove myself among the best,” Schneider said.

After both his goals, Schneider was mobbed by his Washington Premier teammates, just one of many clubs that packed the sidelines Friday night, combining together to create an incredible atmosphere.

“It’s a blast. These boys are so much fun to be around,” Schneider said. “The atmosphere is amazing and I’m thankful my team came out to support me. Coming into this game I just wanted to enjoy it and I’m happy I was able to prove myself among the best.”

Strong Defense Leads Minnesota Thunder to Winning Weekend

Minnesota Thunder Academy’s 07/06 team faced an extremely tough schedule of games this weekend, as they played the top three teams from the Northwest Conference in Crossfire Academy, Seattle United, and Eastside FC.

Led by an outstanding effort from goalkeeper Alex Keekley, Minnesota picked up clean sheets in 2-0 victories over Seattle United and Eastside FC, while also putting up a great effort against last year’s National Champions Crossfire Academy in a 1-0 defeat.

“We played three top teams from the Northwest,” Keekley said. “It was an amazing three games. We held our own against last year’s National Champions yesterday, and coming into this game we just wanted to get a good result, have fun, play our game, and we did that to get a fantastic result.”

In Sunday’s finale against Eastside FC, Minnesota showed their resilience, as they went a man down in the second half and had to hold on against the strong attack that Eastside presented throughout the second half.

“Look at our team spirit. Everyone on our team plays a part and even if we’re a man down everybody has each other’s backs. I’m so proud to be with them,” Keekley said.

With conference play in the Midwest beginning in a few weeks, Keekley says that the success this weekend will have Minnesota entering their regular season schedule with a ton of confidence.

“We still have all of our season left to go. Just winning these two games and playing a great game today brings up our confidence so much as we go into our first couple of games in a few weeks.”

Washington Premier FC 07/06 Team Goes 3-0

Washington Premier FC finished a perfect 3-0 on the weekend after picking up wins over Colorado Rapids, FC Dallas, and FC Wichita.

The weekend was special for a number of players who were playing in their final ECNL National Event. Midfielder Dane Price said picking up three wins in his last National Event was incredibly memorable.

“It’s my last ride with the boys,” Price said. “Getting to experience the team atmosphere and having all the coaches here has been really fun. The wins, the goals we scored, and the whole process of the team coming down here just brings everyone together.

With two games left in their conference schedule, Price said he thinks the performance this weekend will only build the team’s confidence as they fight for a playoff spot in the Northwest Conference.

“It helps us finish off the season right. We’ve got two games left in the season, so hopefully we can get a good confidence boost and get into the playoffs.”

Perfect Weekends

Over the weekend, 15 teams went a perfect 3-0 across the four age groups throughout the weekend.

In the 07/06 age group, Crossfire Academy, San Antonio FC, SLSG-MO, Washington Premier FC and Westside Metros all went 3-0, while in the 08 age group, Crossfire Academy, DKSC, Eastside FC, Kansas City Athletics, and Seattle United won all three of their games.

In the younger age groups, Eastside FC and New Mexico Rapids SC went 3-0 at the 09 age group, while at the 10 age group, Charlotte Independence Academy, St. Croix, and Tulsa SC were all 3-0.