Players That Impressed: ECNL Boys 2024 Florida National Event

The ECNL Boys held their latest National Event of the 2023-24 season over the weekend in Lakewood Ranch, Florida. ECNL Florida featured 230 teams from across the league’s U15-U18/U19 age groups (Results).

Below are some of the top players from the weekend’s event sorted by graduation year. You can also nominate a player who stood out during the event through the following link.

2026

Elijah Fulton | Midfielder-Forward
Gretna Elite Academy 08 (NE)

Captained Gretna to two big results over Ohio Premier (1-0) and GSA (1-1) while also scoring a rocket from distance. In either the midfield or at forward, Fulton is a difference-maker and can use his strength and speed to goal-scoring opportunities with relative ease. With two games left in Conference play Gretna are currently sporting a 7-3-0 record on 20 points.

Lucky to be in the right place at the right time to hit this ? #ECNLFL @NcsaSoccer @SRUSA_Official @CoastRecruits @GretnaEliteAcad @14forceSoccer @ECNLboys pic.twitter.com/g4i2LsqKEw

— Elijah Fulton (@ElijahFulton32) February 6, 2024

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Ethan Koranda | Midfielder
Eclipse Select SC 08 (IL)
Stirred Eclipse’s attack on matchday three, tallying two assist while adding a late goal in Eclipse’s 5-0 win over Charlotte Independence Academy. While Koranda’s passing was certainly, it was his ball control that made the difference. He has a high level of understanding of when to slow down play and when to speed it up, depending upon how Eclipse is faring as the game progresses.

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Malachi ‘MJ’ Winn | Midfielder
Maryland United 08 (MD)

Following up on his three goal performance at the ECNL South Carolina Showcase, Winn added two goals and two assists down in Florida. A creative playmaker, Winn can take whatever space he is given and turn it into a goal-scoring opportunity. Off of the ball he is constantly moving, always looking for gaps in the defense to pounce on. He can also frame his shot perfectly on target even when facing multiple defenders.

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Jayden Antwi | Forward
Maryland United 08 (MD)

Netted three goals for United, leading the team during the event while also adding an assist. When attacking in high level competitions it is important to continue a high level of pressure on defenders. Antwi certainly abides by that methodology, constantly forcing the opposition into bunker mode and making several key tackles in the attacking third.

2025

Jackson Stubbs | Defender
RISE SC 06/05 (TX)

Playing up with the 06/05s, Stubbs played a pivotal role in their defense not allowing a single goal over the course of three games. While playing as a defender, Stubbs can time his runs to stem counter-attacking opportunities before they start. Despite playing against older competition, he was markedly cool and composed making multiple key clearances throughout the weekend.

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Adam Leonard | Goalkeeper
FC Alliance 06 (TN)

Despite playing in some foggy conditions, Leonard shined in Alliance’s opener against NCFC Youth making multiple key saves in their 5-1 win. After blanking Sporting Nebraska 4-0 on matchday two, he ended Alliance’s run down in Florida with a penalty kick stop in their win over Charlotte Independence. Leonard’s vision always seems to be on point and he works seamlessly with his teammates to plug any gaps in the backline.

PK denied to close out the #ECNLFL showcase. Last game with some of these guys.@FCABoysECNL1 @FCAllianceGK @FCAlliance1 pic.twitter.com/28skfSJKRv

— Adam Leonard (@Adam_Leonard06) February 6, 2024

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Lincoln Floyd | Midfielder
Nationals SC 07 (MI)

Buried the game-winning goal for Nationals’ 07s in their 2-1 win over La Roca FC. Operating as a number three, Floyd can put the burners on the Nationals attack, creating goal-scoring opportunities out of the central attacking midfield position. He also posses a clever right foot and can use to whip in goal-scoring chances in dangerous territories.

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Carson Banham | Forward
Tulsa SC 07 (OK)

Sparked Tulsa’s attack all weekend, scoring three goals in their final two matches (3-0 over SLSG Illinois and 1-1 against Skyline Elite. In the attacking third, Banham is constantly looking for the small spaces to create goal-scoring opportunities for Tulsa. Although he didn’t score in their 1-0 against Charlotte SA Academy, he did draw the critical foul which resulted in a penalty kick goal by Luis Urquiza.

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Blake Lloyd | Midfielder
Pipeline SC 07 (MD)

Provided the go-ahead goal for the West in Saturday’s National Selection Game. For Pipeline, he played a pivotal role in creating attacking chances from the midfield. Lloyd’s timing, in terms of transitioning the Pipeline midfield from a defensive posture to an attacking, always seems to be on point and he is highly comfortable with holding possession for long portions of the match.

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Michael Taliano | Defender
STA 05/06 (NJ)

After playing a key role at ECNL Boys South Carolina undefeated event, Taliano again led STA to an undefeated (3-0) record in Florida. He provided the game-tying assist in their match against the Western New York Flash, a match that STA would eventually win 2-1.

2024

Mateo Soria | Midfielder-Forward
FC PRIDE 06/05 (IN)

Providing the game-winning assist in Pride’s opening match, a 1-0 win over Tulsa SC. He added a goal in their third match, providing the opener in their 3-1 win over Fairfax Brave SC. The two IHSAA State Champion with Brebeuf High School likes to drive directly at opponents, forcing them out of position and giving his team space to create goal-scoring opportunities. At 5’11” he can also go into the air and win duels.

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Anelson Azard | Forward
FC PRIDE 06/05 (IN)

Netted a brace in Pride’s opener, a 2-1 win against Supreme FC. In even the tightest of spaces, Azad can either pick out a teammate in open space or squeeze through the opposition and hit a highly accurate on target. For his strong high school season at Pike, Azad was named to the West roster at last fall’s All-American High School Game.

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Grant Garberg | Midfielder
KC Scott Gallagher 06/05 (MI)

Set the tone on the attack for KCSG, scoring the game-winning goal in their 1-0 win over Florida Elite on matchday one. His ability to find his teammates in open space even under pressure helped KCSG maintain their possession and shape all weekend. He would add a second critical goal on matchday three, supplying their fourth in the 4-3 win over Ohio Premier.

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William Offutt | Midfielder
FC PRIDE 06/05 (IN)

Provided two critical assists over the weekend, including the game-winner to Jack Bilyeu in the finale against Fairfax Brave. Through his passing, dribbling, and work off of the ball William played a primary role in four out of the team’s six goals over the weekend.