Players That Impressed: ECNL Boys 2023 Virginia National Event

This weekend saw 151 of the top U15-U17 boys from across the United States travel to Virginia for the ECNL Boys Virginia Showcase.

SoccerWire is currently seeking Players That Impressed nominations from the competition. Coaches, parents and athletes are invited to submit nominations for up to two (2) players per team, highlighting standout performances from the event.

[Submit Your ‘Players That Impressed’]

Here are some of the top performers from the ECNL Boys event, sorted by graduation year.

2025

Ethan Manzella | Midfielder (Pictured Above)
NTH NASA 07 (GA)

Scored two game-winning goals for Tophat over the weekend against Florida Elite (2-0) and Eclipse Select (3-1). He serves as the sparkplug for Tophat in the midfield and helps push the side from a defensive posture to an attacking one. As evidenced by his two game-winning goals on the weekend he also has a knack for finding the back of the net.

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Otu Bisong | Forward
Virginia Development Academy 06 (VA)

Scored the opening goal for the East in the weekend’s National Selection Game. Serves primarily as a holding forward due to his strength and speed, but is also a very technically sound player and can deliver perfectly timed passes to teammates.

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Jack Bacher | Forward
Chicago Magic PSG 08 (IL)

Had a standout performance on the attack for the Magic in their 2-1 win over Fairfax Brave, scoring the game-winner to get the points. The 2025 striker makes excellent runs off of the ball and seems comfortable with his first touch in both the air and on the ground.

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Noah Radeke| Forward-Midfielder
Eclipse Select SC 06 (IL)

Scored a belter from distance to get Eclipse on the scoreboard early in matchday one and earn the 3-1 win over Sporting Delaware. Operates as both a midfielder and forward but in either position can set up his teammates and create his own shot. He is also an asset on set pieces and uses his height to create shots on target.

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Carson Brice | Defender
Charlotte Soccer Academy 06 (NC)

Anchored a CSA backline that earned two big wins over the weekend, including a 1-0 win against NTH-NASA. In the National Selection Game, he made several key clears down the stretch to help earn the 2-1 win over the West. He is also an asset on the attack and can help set up the counter-attack for his teammates.

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Payson Hoffstater | Defender
Kansas City Athletics Galacticos 06 (KS)

Was the centerpiece of a KCA backline that earned three shutouts over the weekend against three strong attacking sides (1-0 over Loudoun Soccer, 3-1 against Manhattan SC, and 2-0 against Chicago Magic). On a tactical level, he likes to mark the opposition very closely and is adept at making clean, strong challenges. He is also a huge asset on throw-ins and can launch balls from distance into dangerous territory.

2024 

Micah Craig | Forward-Midfielder
FC Pride 06 (IN)

Netted a brace in FC Pride’s final match of the weekend, a 3-0 win over Charlotte Independence. He possesses a clever first touch and always seems to be moving, which poses real problems for defenders. Plays primarily as a winger due to his speed and ability to break past defenders, but can also mix it up with center-backs inside.