Scout’s View: Class of 2027 Standouts from the ECNL, Girls Academy and ECNL RL Finals

With the ECNL, Girls Academy and ECNL Regional League Finals all being held in Richmond, VA, college coaches and scouts had ample opportunities to attend a wide variety of 2024 postseason games.

Longtime scout Jerry Penkala, owner and operator of JTF Academy, was on hand for portions of all three tournaments, and compiled a list of some of the top players that he watched from the Class of 2027.

See below for Penkala’s top performers, with players included from all three leagues. To view standouts from the Class of 2026, click here.

Saleen Koszorus – Forward / Attacking Midfielder
Crossfire Premier 08 ECNL – Jersey #10

Saleen was not only one of the best 2027 offensive players, but quite possibly the best offensive player at the entire event no matter what graduation year. Great size, fast (long strides in open space), great technical skills, and always impactful, whether she was playing the #9 or #10. Caused problems for the outstanding Penn Fusion back line all National Championship game.

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Meila Brewer – Center Back
KC Athletics 09 ECNL – Jersey #14

Meila was the most physically-gifted, strongest, toughest center back across all the Nationals events in Richmond. Outstanding 1v1 defender, high soccer IQ, great leader, fast when helping on the flanks if outside back got beat, and has a huge leg as well. Physically intimidating, and has a clean mean streak. It’s no wonder why she is currently representing the U.S. U-15 Women’s Youth National Team.

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Noelle Clabaugh – Attacking Midfielder
Penn Fusion 08 ECNL – Jersey #11

Athletic, technically-sound, great field vision and was the one player who made the Penn Fusion offense start. She can have an entire game go through her. She also had an outstanding work rate, got back to help defensively when opponents started on counter attacks or started controlling the flow of the game. Noelle was always involved in the action, both offensively and defensively.

(+READ: Over 100 SoccerWire Featured Players from Class of 2026 now in active recruiting window)

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Sofia Scego – Attacking Midfielder
Lou Fusz 08 GA – Jersey #10

Sofia was everywhere in the midfield and got stronger as the game went on in 98 degree heat, while most players were much more affected as the game progressed. She is one of the hardest-working players I have seen in a long time. Technically gifted, creative and clever. Was the player that made this National Championship team go.

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Brianna Concepcion – Attacking / Holding Midfielder
STA Soccer 08 GA – Jersey #8

Brianna was smooth on the ball, clever and tough, quick feet in tight spaces and completed a t0n of passes as a lot of the game went through her, to link the back to the front. High soccer IQ, and very good 1v1 defender. I could see her being able to play a ton of different positions based on her skillset.

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Jadyn Allen – Forward / Attacking Midfielder
The St. James FC 08 GA – Jersey #20

Jadyn was one of the more athletic midfielders at the event. Extremely fast in open spaces and tough and gritty in tight spaces. Impactful offensively and always dangerous in the final third.

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Kai Beary – Goalkeeper
So Cal Blues 08 ECNL – Jersey #25

A 6’1 athletic, quick keeper who was the best that I saw at the event. Great communication, controlled her back line and dominated in her entire 18. She did well on tracking crosses and was outstanding 1v1 off of her line.

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Claire Kennedy – Outside Back
Crossfire Premier 08 ECNL – Jersey #2

Claire might have been my favorite defender to watch all weekend. Feisty yet never fouled, and virtually never got beat all weekend, despite playing against some very good forwards and wingers. She was great with support and double-teaming at the perfect time, and had an outstanding work rate. Completed basically every pass she attempted.

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Khari Hontz – Attacking Midfielder
KC Athletics 09 ECNL – Jersey #30

A quick, smart, clever, attacking mid that was creative against a very good San Diego Surf defense, and caused havoc most of the game in and near the 18. She was simply a PLAYER.

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Elinor Singler – Holding Midfielder
Dallas Sting 08 ECNL Regional League – Jersey #14

One of the most technical players I watched across all levels in Richmond. Elinor had incredible field vision and made the correct read then completed the correct pass every single time, and was one of the calmest players on the ball I saw the entire week. Would not be surprised if she eventually makes the leap to Dallas Sting’s ECNL first team, even in the club’s crowded talent pool.