West Team wins first ECNL Girls National Selection Game of the season in Phoenix

The first ECNL Girls National Selection Game of the 2024-25 season took place this weekend at ECNL Phoenix, as star players from all over the country gathered together for a hard-fought game at Reach 11 Sports Complex. (ROSTERS)

The West grabbed the lead in the opening minutes on a penalty kick from Ezra Wright (Colorado Rush) to quickly make it 1-0. The West then doubled their lead in the 18th minute when Bailey Kate (Dallas Texans) dribbled inside the box and fired home a shot to make it 2-0.

The East found the answer though just a few minutes later and cut the West lead in half. Mekenzie Rogers (Eclipse Select SC) got on the other end of a great ball played into the box and slotted it past the keeper with a sliding finish to make it 2-1.

(+Players That Impressed: ECNL Girls Phoenix National Event)

The West held their 2-1 lead into the half and it did not take much time for them to regain the two goal advantage in the second half. Wright fired home her second goal of the night with an outstanding turn and finish inside the box to make it 3-1.

The East continued to battle though and again quickly had the answer. Rogers fired a shot on goal that was initially saved, but Giselle White (Santa Rosa United) was in position to put home the rebound to cut the lead to 3-2.

Despite chances from the East and a free kick in the closing minutes, the West held onto their 3-2 lead the rest of the way to claim the victory in the first National Selection Game of the season.

After the game, Marin Kotschau (Colorado Rapids) was named the Player of the Match for her outstanding performance in the midfield for the West. Kotschau said it was amazing to get to play with so many other talented players.

“It feels great getting to play with all these players. Everyone was amazing and it was a super fun experience getting to meet a bunch of new people from around the country and getting to play with them.”

Main character energy. Congratulations to Marin Kotschau of @RapidsYouthClub for earning the Continental Tire ECNL National Selection Game Player of the Match! #ECNLPHX pic.twitter.com/HW2TnycuEY

— ECNL Girls (@ECNLgirls) November 10, 2024

Around ECNL Phoenix

Over the weekend, 13 teams went 3-0 across their three games. In the 07/06 age group, Legends FC, Sporting Iowa, Utah Royals FC-AZ, and Wilmington Hammerheads all posted 3-0 records, while in the 08 age group Phoenix Rising, Pleasanton Rage, Slammers FC, and Slammers FC HB Køge all posted 3-0 records. Lastly at the G09 age group, Mustang SC, San Diego Surf, Slammers FC, and Sting Black all finished the weekend 3-0.

The weekend also saw two defending ECNL National Champions in action. Beach FC (CA) 07/06 team went 2-1 on the weekend, picking up wins over Real Colorado National and Bay Area Surf, while San Diego Surf’s 08 team won an exciting 3-2 battle against FC Dallas.