Players To Watch: ECNL Girls 2023 San Diego National Event

The ECNL Girls National Events calendar continues with the ECNL San Diego from October 7-9.

ECNL San Diego will feature 120 teams from across the league’s U12-U15 age groups.

To view the schedule for ECNL San Diego, click here.

Ahead of the weekend’s action, here are some players to know from this year’s event. Players are listed according to their graduation year.

You can nominate also nominate a player who has stood out this season that will be attending the event through the following link.

2029

Riley Rountree | Forward
Eastside FC 10 (WA)

An expert dribbler and natural goal-scorer, Rountree was selected to the Girls 2010 ODP National Select Team. Her ability to break down defenders in one-on-one situations makes her a valuable asset to the Eastside attack.

2028

Ella Bott | Midfielder
Slammers HB Koge 10 (CA)

Provided a calm, cool presence for the HB Koge midfield en route to winning the U13 ECNL National Championship last season. Bott makes efficient runs off of the ball and can hit a teammate with a pass anywhere on the pitch. The USYNT 2010 ID Camp call-up also has strong communication skills and works seamlessly with her teammates to retain possession for extended periods of time.

———————

Izrie Chacon | Defender
Slammers HB Koge 10 (CA)

Has followed up a strong 2022-2023 campaign with an equally impressive effort in 2023-2024, leading the Slammers defense to two clean sheets in their first four ECNL matches. In defending counter-attackers, Chacon can angle her diagonal runs back to limit the opposition’s chances at goal and give her teammates time to organize and regroup. Like Bott, she was called up to the USYNT’s 2010 Regional ID Camp.

———————

Mckenna Witham | Forward
Slammers HB Koge 09 (CA)

One of the top forwards in the 2009 age group as a 2010, Whitham is difference maker in the attack and is a lethal goal scorer in and around the 18. In open space, there is not many that can match her technical skills or speed with the ball at her feet. Whitham has been called up to multiple USYNT U14 and U15 ID Camps over the last year, as a 2010 for the 2009 age group.

———————

Giselle Acevedo | Forward-Midfielder
LAFC So Cal 10 (CA)

Alternates between the forward and midfield positions seamlessly for LAFC So Cal, giving their 2010s options up top. Acevedo can make the dangerous pass into space for her teammates to create, but will also rip a shot from distance when the opportunity arises. Off of the ball, she is a menace to defenders constantly looking for space to exploit.

———————

Kendra Hansen | Midfielder
Pateadores 10 (CA)

Provides consistent service to her forwards from the midfield position but can also hit a shot from distance, Hansen leads the charge of the Pateadores attack. In addition to her passing and shooting skills, she is also an expert dribbler and can weave through defenders with relative ease.

———————

Kylie Loo | Defender
SC Blues 10 (CA)

Kylie is the modern defender who not only supply her team with excellent defensive 1v1 ability, her superb passing capabilities and exceptional technical skill making her one of the toughest wall to crack. She demonstrates excellent leadership skills and was recently called up to the USYNT U-14 Talent ID Camp and SoCal PDP program.

2027

Lolly Mirashemi | Midfielder/Defender
San Diego Surf 09 (CA)

Clamped down on attackers last season for Surf’s 09s, helping the team earn a second place finish in the ECNL Finals. She can time her track backs perfectly to make the difficult clearances but also help set up the counter-attack with pinpoint service. Her sense of when to speed up play and when to slow it down helps set up Surf’s rhythm in the midfield and is a major reason why she was called up to the U14 USYNT ID Camp back in May.

———————

Felicity Nguyen | Forward
So Cal Blues 09 (CA)

One of the top forwards in the 2009 age group, Nguyen is a speedy attacker that has a real nose for goal. In open space, she always seems to find the perfect amount of time to connect on a long ball from her teammates and either make a strong run at goal or get the right touch to maximize her scoring opportunity. She also has a clever first touch that even in the tightest of situations gives her space to create. Nguyen has been called up to multiple USYNT U14 and U15 ID Camps over the last two years.

———————

Olivia ‘Oli’ Barajas | Forward
Eagles SC 09 (CA)

A part of multiple US Youth National Team Talent ID camps as well as a member of California’s ODP team for her age group, Barajas is an impactful center-forward for the Eagles. She has a high work rate and is a willing presser. Barajas seems to create a chance for herself every game with her runs off the ball.

———————

Milani Makasini | Forward
Bay Area Surf 09 (CA)

Named to the ECNL All-Conference team last season, Makasini is a dynamic striker for Bay Area Surf’s 09s. The Class of 2027 graduate uses her speed and pace to open up defenses and can create attacking chances with just the slightest of touches. She has also been called up to the USWYNT U14 Camp and was selected to participate in the ID2 National Team.

———————

Penelope De La Cruz | Midfielder
Bay Area Surf 09 (CA)

Selected to participate in the GA Northwest Talent ID Roster last March and a member of the state ODP team, De La Cruz is a difference-maker in the midfield for Surf.