East Team triumphs 2-0 in ECNL Boys Las Vegas 2025 National Selection Game

HENDERSON, NV – 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. (ROSTERS)

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.”