Scout’s View: Uncommitted Class of 2026 ECNL Girls Standouts

The ECNL Girls Florida National Event took place from January 11-13, as some of the top teams in the nation gathered for the event.

ECNL Florida marked the first ECNL National Event of the 2025 calendar year, as college recruiting ramps back up following the dead period. A total of 230 teams across the U16-U18/19 age groups competed in the showcase. (COLLEGE COACHES)

Longtime scout Jerry Penkala, owner and operator of JTF Academy, was on hand for the tournament, and compiled a list of some of the top players that he watched.

(+Players That Impressed: ECNL Girls Florida National Event)

See below for Penkala’s top performers from the Class of 2026 who are currently uncommitted:

———————

Ryan Weber – Left Back / Center Back
FC Pride 08 – Jersey #17

The best overall defender I saw at this event, committed or uncommitted, especially if a staff likes their outside backs to get forward. Tall, athletic, one of the fastest players I saw at this entire event, and loves getting forward. She was usually impactful in the final third, with great services into the box, and had an amazing work rate to get back and never leave her back line short-handed. Outstanding 1v1 defending technique, as she even played some center back and was a natural there as well.

———————

Lauren Sutliffe – Winger / Forward 
South Shore Select 08 – Jersey #15

This offensive terror came off the bench at the game I saw and changed the entire flow of the contest when she did. Insanely fast, gritty, never stopped working and pressing the back line any time she had a chance, and kept coming at the back line with runs and shots the entire time she was in.

———————

Scout Waite – Midfielder
Gretna Elite Academy 08 – Jersey #24

Scout was not only one of the better central midfielders, she was easily the toughest and most fearless. She has a ‘clean mean streak’ and the opponent took notice, and seemed a bit intimidated when she was around the ball. Offensively, she was able to change on a dime and was smooth on the ball, fast in open space and creative from the midfield all the way to the final third.

———————

Madison Miller – Center Back
Colorado Rush 08 – Jersey #21

A tough, gritty, smart defender that shut down threats in the middle of the field through anticipation, resulting in multiple intercepted passes. Great field vision and accuracy in her passes out of the back, and kept the back line organized and positioned well during any offensive threat.

———————

Serena Hua – Left Back
Michigan Hawks 08 – Jersey #2

I saw parts of two Hawks games, and this left-footed outside back was the best player on the field both games. Athletic, smooth on the ball when she possessed, calmly completed all of her passes out of the back and shut down her entire side of the field defensively. Had one of the best free kicks I saw all weekend, and even had an unassisted goal on a curling corner kick.

———————

Jordyn Burns – Forward
Florida Krush 08  – Jersey #11

Another fast, feisty, hard-working forward with a rocket shot from anywhere, 20 yards and out. High pressed and annoyed the back line, was able to play both with her back to the goal and squared up on defenders and drove on them, creating space behind, and moved off the ball very well.

———————

Creighton Allen – Holding Midfielder
Gretna Elite Academy 08 – Jersey #30

A left-footed holding mid that had the comfort on the ball to play the 8 or 10 as well. Allen has great field vision and plays with toughness. She clogged up the middle of the field defensively, and was the link from back to front with great field vision and accuracy on passes offensively.

———————

Cam Goodwin – Center Back / Holding Midfielder
Pipeline SC 06/07 – Jersey #7

Cam was probably the best center back at this event, and the best defensive leader as well. She had the back line completely organized, controlled the 18, was always right there to help an outside back if they got beat and did not get beat herself 1v1 the entire game that I saw. She was always encouraging to her back line teammates and had great 1v1 defensive technique and timing. She had clean, successful 1v1 tackles all game as well.

———————

Katlyn Perna – Defender / Midfielder
FC Stars White 08 – Jersey #55

Katlyn was one of my favorite players I watched in Florida because of her incredible work rate, and spirited play all game. She shut down the middle of the field when needed, and helped and shut down some opposing offensive threats. Great size, very athletic, strong and technically-sound. Huge soccer IQ and great spacing and movement off ball.

———————

Cathryn Orr – Center Back
Florida Krush 08 – Jersey #20

Cathryn was a solid center back that stood out all game with a huge ceiling. She has all of the physicality, toughness, and leadership characteristics needed to lead her back line. She controlled the 18, had a huge foot for two-line passes that she completed multiple times, and played with great anticipation. Orr reacted to threats in terms of positioning two passes before it was near her, then shut down everything cleanly.