ECNL Boys 2024 National Playoffs: Day 2 Recap
The second day of ECNL Boys Playoffs at Surf Cup Sports Complex in San Diego featured another full day of action, including games in the U18/19 Champions League, U18/19 North American Cup, U17 Champions League, and the opening day of group play in the U13 and U14 Champions Leagues.
In the U18/19 Champions League, eight teams grabbed spots in the quarterfinals following a number of thrilling matchups, including seven games decided by just one goal, and another four that had to be decided by penalties.
FC Wisconsin advanced past NTH-NASA into the quarterfinals after a thrilling 11 round penalty kick shootout, after the two sides finished regulation knotted at 1-1. They’ll face Dallas Texans Academy in the quarterfinal round after their 4-2 win over Lonestar SC Red.
(Players to Watch: ECNL Boys 2024 National Playoffs)
Marin FC and Legends FC also needed penalties to decide their Round of 16 matchup. Marin advanced into the quarterfinals following a 3-2 win in the shootout and will take on Crossfire Academy in the quarterfinals, following their win over Ohio Premier.
Last year’s U18/19 National Champions San Diego Surf also advanced into the quarterfinals after picking up a win over Beach FC (VA), they’ll take on Florida Kraze in Friday’s quarterfinal after they defeated Gretna Elite Academy in a high-scoring 4-3 battle.
The quarterfinals round out with SDSC Surf facing off against Davis Legacy. Surf advanced through the Round of 16 with a 5-2 win over Pipeline SC, while Davis Legacy fired home a last second winner to avoid penalties and clinch a 3-2 win over Colorado Rapids.
In the North American Cup, NCFC Youth Academy and CESA Triumph needed penalties to decide their Round of 16 matchup. NCFC Youth Academy advanced on kicks 4-2 and will take on Louisville City Academy in the quarterfinals after they defeated FC Tucson 1-0.
Oklahoma Energy FC also needed penalties to get past VDA and into the quarterfinals of the North American Cup. They’ll face off against Eclipse Select SC in the quarterfinals after their 2-1 win over Connecticut FC.
In the highest scoring game of the day for the U18/19s, Florida Premier FC outlasted Solar SC 5-4 to book their spot in the North American Cup quarterfinals, they’ll take on Pateadores in the next round who brought home a narrow 2-1 win over Charlotte SA Academy to advance into the quarterfinals.
The last North American Cup quarterfinal matchup will take place between PacNW SC and United Futbol Academy. PacNW SC advanced past SLSG MO 5-3 to clinch their place in the last eight, while United Futbol Academy picked up a 2-1 win over Maryland United FC.
The quarterfinals of both the U18/19 Champions League and North American Cup will take place on Friday, as teams look to clinch their spots in the semifinals.
𝙆𝙞𝙘𝙠𝙤𝙛𝙛: Don’t wait for opportunity – create it #ECNLPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/ojqQiaVgom
— ECNL Boys (@ECNLboys) June 27, 2024
