Players to Watch: ECNL Boys 2024 National Finals

2026

Christian Tshiteya | Forward
Northern Virginia Alliance 08 (VA)

Buried a critical goal in NVA’s Round of 16 match against St. Louis Scott Gallagher, scoring alongside David Arroyo in their 2-0 victory. Tshiteya can weave through defenses with relative ease using sleek ball control to make defenders miss and give up space. His speed down the wings also helps create quick counter-strikes and allows them to go punch-for-punch against high-scoring opponents.

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Nate Chandler | Center Back
Mustang SC 08 (CA)

A spark plug on both sides of the pitch for Mustang Chandler can provide the late bit of energy that Mustang needs in critical moments. Off of set pieces and throw-ins he has a knack for making late back post runs towards goal while avoiding detection. On the defensive end at the National Playoffs, he helped Mustang earn two clean sheets over Charlotte Independence Academy (2-0 win) and OK Energy FC (0-0 draw in regulation, victory in penalties). He scored twice in San Diego in regulation and added a penalty kick strike in the Energy victory.

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Matteo Crisera | Center Back
Beach FC 08 (CA)

Captained Beach to an undefeated record in Group C (3-0-0, 9 points) while allowing just one goal in their three matches. In the Round of 16 Crisera continued his dominant defensive work limiting La Roca to just one goal in their 5-1 victory. Whether playing as a center or left Crisera gives it his all on every play applying consistent pressure on attackers while looking for errors that he can exploit.

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Kaonohiokala (Cooper) Koerlin | Defender
Tennessee SC 08 (TN)

Despite facing consistent pressure all season, Korelin has thrived and pushed TSC into the Elite Eight. The two-time TSC captain helped their backline navigate through some tricky waters in Group F booking critical draws over Ohio Premier (1-1) and STA (3-3) to start their postseason. Koerlin’s clear communication skills and timely clearances helped TSC steady the ship on matchday three and earn the group-clinching 5-1 win over Placer United. In addition to his worked with TSC, he helped Brentwood High School earn a state title in 2023 and participated in the Tennessee ODP program from 2019-2022.

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Justin Chen | Midfielder
Crossfire Premier 08 (WA)

Slotting in as XF’s attacking midfielder, Chen scored three goals to help book their spot in the Elite Eight. Off of the ball, Chen can make the small cuts necessary to create space between himself and defenders while also simultaneously making himself a target for his teammates. He is comfortable using either foot to finish and times his strikers so as to give himself the best chance at goal.

2025

Crew Hartlage | Goalkeeper
Louisville City Academy 07 (KY)

Clamped down on opponent’s work inside of Louisville’s defensive third during the National Playoffs working alongside his backline to earn shutouts over Legends FC (4-0) and NCFC Youth (2-0). At 6’1″ Hartlage can take on physical attackers in the air and win challenging 50-50 balls. He is also highly accurate with his punts and throws allowing his teammates time and space to set up possession. In addition to his work between posts in the ECNL Hartlage also plays for the club’s USL Academy team and has earned All-State and All-Region honors in the past with Louisville Collegiate High School.

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Jonah Ramsey | Goalkeeper
Dallas Texans Academy 07 (TX)

Held two high-scoring attacks in the Minnesota Thunder (1-0 loss) and FC Stars (4-1 win) to just one goal a piece while shutting out Pittsburgh Riverhounds 4-0 to finish first in Group E. In the Round of 16 he had an equally impressive effort, making multiple key saves in the Texans 6-1 win over Pateadores. Ramsey is more than willing to mix it up with attackers and knows how to use the full field to slow down forwards that are pressing. He was called up to participate in the ECNL National Selection Game in Dallas in April.

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Miles Johnson | Midfielder-Forward
LAFC So Cal 07 (CA)

Led the attacking charge for LAFC So Cal at the National Playoffs, scoring four of their seven goals including a brace against San Antonio City SC (2-1). Johnson makes sharp sizzling runs out of the midfield towards goal and can make the small touches in tight space that are necessary to elude slide tackles.

2024

Kenzi Touadi | Defender
Florida Premier FC 07 (FL)

Alternating between the left-back and center-back positions Touadi helps build possession out of the back for Florida. Using his strong left foot Touadi can pick out teammates in all areas of the pitch. He also scored both of their second half goals in the Round of 16 against Eclipse Select (2-1) to book Premier’s spot in the Quarterfinals.