ECNL Boys 2023 National Playoffs: Day 1 Recap

Schedule: CLICK HERE
Scout Attendance: CLICK HERE

On Sunday, the 2023 ECNL Boys National Playoffs got underway from Bryan Park in Greensboro, North Carolina. With over 450 scouts on hand, play began in the U15-U18/19 age groups, highlighted by the round of 32 in the U18/19 age group.

This season’s U18/19 competition saw 32 teams take the field on Sunday, with the winners from the 16 games advancing to form the Champions League bracket, and the other 16 teams moving into the North American Cup bracket.

Sunday’s action was certainly not short of drama or close games. Of the 16 games, eight were decided by one goal, while another five games had to go all the way to penalty kicks to decide a winner.

One of the games of the day saw Arizona Arsenal advance 8-7 on penalties over Davis Legacy after the two teams could not be separated after 90 minutes, while another extremely tight contest saw NEFC advance past SDSC Surf on penalties 6-5 after the two sides played to a 1-1 draw.

Playoffs mood ? pic.twitter.com/ys0d7fh2Hh

— ECNL Boys (@ECNLboys) June 25, 2023

Other close contests throughout the day saw Solar SC advance 1-0 over Loudoun Soccer, while last season’s U18/19 National Champions, Crossfire Premier, picked up a 2-1 win over CESA Triumph to advance into the Champions League round of 16.

All 32 teams will again be in action on Monday, with the round of 16 getting underway for both the Champions League and North American Cup.

Below is a list of all 16 teams comprising the U18/19 Champions League bracket, who are now only four wins away from lifting the ECNL National Championship trophy.

U18/19 Champions League