Explosive offense powers East Team to victory in National Selection Game at ECNL Florida

In front of a packed house Sunday night at the Premier Sports Campus Stadium in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, the stars of ECNL Florida took the field for an action packed Continental Tire National Selection Game.

The game had fireworks from the start when the East’s Sophia Prime (Ohio Premier) fired home the first goal just 40 seconds into the game to put the East on top 1-0.

The West quickly answered the East’s goal when Reese Mattern (Richmond United) got past the East’s backline and put home a shot that deflected in off the near post to tie the game up at 1-1.

Before halftime, the East grabbed back the lead on a stunning goal from Kaylin Mallon (SUSA FC). From a tough angle, Mallon hit an arcing shot over the goalkeeper that found its way into the side netting to put the East on top going into the break.

In the 55th minute, the East extended their lead when Samantha Erbach (Ohio Elite Soccer Academy) received a perfect pass in the box and blasted it in to double the East lead.

The East tacked on one more goal in the 79th minute, when Nina Laba (Michigan Hawks) passed the ball over to Isabella Calabro (East Meadow Soccer Club), Calabro turned and fired a long range shot from well outside the box that found the back of the net to put the East up 4-1.

Unforgettable moments from the Sunshine State✨ #ECNLFL pic.twitter.com/gm4OxvcZ2S

— ECNL Girls (@ECNLgirls) January 8, 2024

After the game, Laba, who was one of only three U16 players in the game, was named the Player of the Match for her fantastic work throughout the game for the East. Laba credited the East’s strong defensive effort to their communication throughout the back line and midfield.

“We connected well and talked well through the midfield which helped out our team,” Laba said.

Laba, who scored the National Championship winning goal last year for her U15 Michigan Hawks side, shouted out her teammates after the match for coming out to support her in the game.

“They’re so supportive. I love them.”

Laba also credited all the players on both teams, saying that the game was an incredible experience due to the high quality of play from everyone involved.

“It’s an unreal experience to play with high level players,” Laba said. “It’s just exciting.”