Players That Impressed: ECNL Girls Phoenix Spring 2024 National Event

The ECNL Girls held their seventh National Event of the 2023-24 season over the weekend in Arizona. The event featured 286 teams from the league’s U12-U17 age groups. (View 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.

2029

Amelia Osilka | Forward
Colorado Rapids 10 (CO)

Scored four of Colorado’s seven goals over the weekend and helped the Rapids to a 2-1-0 record on six points. In addition to her goal scoring prowess, she showed her versatility up top providing an assist.

2028

Arya Pfeiffer | Midfielder
Slammers HB Koge 10 (CA)

A dynamic player in the middle for Koge, Pfeiffer was instrumental in help setting up Slammers attack and leading the team to an undefeated record (1-0-2, 5 points). Her patience and timing on each pass, helped set goal-scoring opportunities and maintain possession when they were looking to hold onto to a result.

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Kensley Dang | Forward
Colorado Rapids 10 (CO)

As a center-back, Dang helped earned two shutouts over the weekend. She was able to communicate defensively with her teammates to close up gaps which help stop opposing attacks. She has the ability to organize possession out of the back and break lines, giving the Rapids the ability to build from the back.

2027

Sydney Martin | Defender
Sting Royal 08 (TX)

Organized a strong defensive effort for Sting through three games earning three consecutive shutouts over Heat FC (1-0), LA Breakers (2-0), and Phoenix Rising (1-0). When facing pressure, Martin always remains cool and composed and can make the difficult clears and passes needed to avert goal-scoring chances. Getting three major wins over top competition will undoubtedly help Sting as they look to seal their top spot in the Texas Conference in their final three matches.

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Peyton Smithson | Goalkeeper
Challenge SC 09 (TX)

Blanked Kings Hammer SC (1-0) and Pleasanton RAGE (0-0) to give two strong results at the Phoenix event. In both matches, Smithson showed a high level of positional understanding, working with her defensive line mates to help shore up gaps and make small adjustments on the fly. With Smithson between the posts, Challenge have given up just two goals over the course of the last two ECNL National Events, winning five of six matches.

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Nico Shin | Midfielder-Forward
Beach FC 09 (CA)

Pulled the string of Beach’s attack, leading the team to seven goals and three victories in the 2009 age group. In open space, Shin can force defenders out of position giving her teammates space inside to create goal-scoring opportunities. She is also effective at creating her own shot at both short and long range.

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Alexa Newman | Forward
Eastside FC 08 (WA)

Provided Eastside’s lone goal on the weekend, clinically finishing a right-footed effort in their match against Eastside FC. Newman’s tight ball control and consistency inside of the eighteen yard box gives Eastside a major attacking piece up top.

Goal from the ECNL PHOENIX Showcase against Beach FC G08 ECNL. @TopDrawerSoccer @PrepSoccer @TheSoccerWire pic.twitter.com/nUtRjJ7dkT

— •Alexa Newman• ECNL• 2027 • 🎓⚽️ (@alexanewman22) April 8, 2024

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Savannah Jackson | Defender
Slammers HB Koge 09 (CA)

Clamped down on the opposition’s attacking influence in shutouts over Portland Thorns Academy (5-0 win) and Bay Area Surf (0-0 draw). In addition to her strong defensive work, Jackson provided a penalty kick goal over the weekend and created multiple goal-scoring chances off of corner kicks. Her composure and pinpoint passing out of the back helps organize Koge’s attack.

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Hayley Kase | Midfielder
Beach FC 09 (CA)

Possesses an exceptional ability to lure defenders wide, which opens up crucial gaps in the opponent’s defense. In Beach FC’s game vs San Juan SC Kase’s impeccable off-the-ball movement and superior field vision enabled her to exploit spaces effectively, making her a dynamic force in orchestrating attacking plays. She had an assist in the game vs San Juan SC (a 2-1 win), her strategic positioning disrupted the SJSC defenders’ setup during a corner kick, clearing a path for her teammate to capitalize on a scoring opportunity.

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Emery Hill | Midfielder
Tennessee SC 09 (TN)

Hill secured TSC’s victory over Minnesota Thunder with a powerful long-distance shot, netting the game-winning goal (1-0). Additionally, she displayed her versatility with an impressive header for another goal on day one. As a box-to-box midfielder, Hill’s blend of creativity, pace, and field awareness sparks the team’s performance as they resume Ohio Valley Conference play.

2026

McKenzie Sanchez | Midfielder-Forward
Rebels SC 08 (CA)

Maintained a high level of organization in the Rebels midfield in their victories over Kings Hammer SC (3-1) and Washington Premier (2-1). Using her crisp passing and tight, consistent dribbling Sanchez can open up passing lanes and move the Rebels from a defensive posture into an attacking one. She is also an asset on the defense, slowing down opponents with close marking and key interceptions.

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Mackenzie Hildebrand | Defender
Boise Thorns 08 (ID)

Stymied opponent’s attacking ambitions all weekend, leading the Thorns to victories over Marin FC (1-0) and Beach FC (4-1) while conceding just two goals. Her ability to make the defensive stop and then immediately shift into building possession gave opponent’s fits all weekend. Her consistency and level-headedness under pressure will undoubtedly help Boise as they prepare for the remainder of their Northwest Conference run.

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Mechal Green | Midfielder-Forward
Beach FC 07 (CA)

Assisted on a cracking goal by Shannon Davidson to seal Beach’s victory over the Portland Thorns (2-0). In even the thickest of traffic, Green has a knack for timing her runs and passes perfectly to give herself the best chance to connect with her teammates. She can also deliver crosses and passes with a variety of speeds, never allowing defenders a chance to sense patterns in her game.

Team effort, including my assist! 🫱🏼‍🫲🏻@BeachFC_G07ECNL v @ThornsFCAcademy

>>@maddyherniter (Oregon St. commit)
>>@ReeseWroblewski (UCSB commit) >>@FionaShin19 (UCI commit)
>>ME @MechalGreen16 (class of 2026) >>@ShannonD_9 (Utah commit)
🎯⚽️✅#ECNLPHX @TopDrawerSoccer… pic.twitter.com/2JQ1ksbGmC

— Mechal Green (2026) (@MechalGreen16) April 6, 2024

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Mallorie Springs | Forward
Tennessee SC 08 (TN)

Scored both of TSC’s goals in their 2-0 opening day win over Slammers FC. Off of the ball, Springs can make the small cuts against defenders needed to give herself space to hammer home goals. She is also effective at working as a holding forward and can place passes in open space for her teammates to score.

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Dalia Asad Halim | Midfielder
Mustang SC 08 (CA)

Earned co-Player of the Game honors alongside Emmy O’Donnell (FC Stars) at the ECNL National Selection Game, creating multiple goal-scoring opportunities for the West in their 1-1 draw. Whether making dangerous runs off of the ball or driving at defenses with her scintillating runs into open space, Halim is an attacking force for Mustang. Her attacking work was integral in the team’s 2-1 win over San Diego Surf.

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Ashley May | Midfielder
San Diego Surf 08 (CA)

Set the tone for Surf in the midfield, pressing opponents and forcing them to back track into their defensive third. Her crisp passing and quick touches helped Surf transition into the attack, giving her teammates support and helping create goal-scoring chances throughout the weekend. The two-time USYNT ID Center invitee will look to use her experience in Phoenix to help prepare another key stretch run in conference play and potentially another deep run in the National Playoffs.

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Addison Hansen | Defender
Slammers FC 07 (CA)

The 5’10” center back was the leader of the Slammers backline that allowed just two goals in three games, including a 3-1 win over Eastside FC on Sunday. In the match against Bay Area Surf, she proved her mettle against a high scoring opponent using her speed and height to intercept crosses and kickstart the counterattack.

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Natalia Ortiz | Defender
Heat FC 08 (NV)

Dominated at the fullback position, winning with her ability to anticipate and interrupt play alongside her defensive back line mates with two shutouts and allowing just one goal. The Dominican Republic Women’s National Team player’s speed, strength and tenacity differentiated her from other opponents with sharp passes and ability to find passing lanes for an impressive 80% pass accuracy rate.

2025

Sadie Robertson | Defender
Arizona Arsenal 07 (AZ)

Operating out of the center-back position, Robertson worked seamlessly alongside Ortega and the Arizona defense to earn an undefeated record in the 2007 age group. In the Surf match, Robertson held her own against a potent San Diego attack and made multiple key defensive plays down the stretch to preserve the win. Her ability to organize possession out of the back and connect with teammates across multiple points on the pitch gives Arsenal a measure of stability as they build.

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Veronika Orzolek | Goalkeeper
Sting Royal 08 (TX)

Earned three clean sheets between the posts for Sting, vaulting the Texas-based team to the top of the 2007 standings. Using her superior glove work and acrobatic diving saves, Orzolek was able to control the momentum in victories over Washington Premier (3-0), PacNW SC (2-0), and San Diego Surf (6-0). In addition to her work in closed spaces, Orzolek is also highly effective at impeding attackers chances at goals in one-on-one situations.

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Holly Dorhauer | Midfielder
Washington Premier FC 08 (WA)

Provided lockdown defensive work in the midfield for Washington all weekend, using her strength and speed to slow down attackers and force them to go wide. She can make the immediate switch from defense to attack with relative ease using her strong communication skills to set up long, sustained possessions. In addition to her defensive work and passing skills, she can also lend a hand in the attack, scoring the equalizer in their 1-1 draw with Heat FC.

Here is my goal from yesterday’s game at #ECNLPHX in a 1-1 tie vs Heat FC ECNL. @raphcox @CoachVanDykeUW @coachbsilva @LSEMORY @Tim_Strader @BeccaMoros @Q_technique @PrepSoccer @ImYouthSoccer @ECNLgirls @UW_WSoccer @CBUwsoccer pic.twitter.com/kqTv6Ha7CC

— Holly Dorhauer (@holly_dorhauer) April 8, 2024

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Natalia Niebles-Webb | Forward
De Anza Force 07 (CA)

Scored both of De Anza’s goals in their 2-0 win over Northwest Elite FC/Oregon Surf, finishing off two fantastic passes from Alex Salazar and Grace Morton. Her diagonal runs and movement off of the ball helped open up play for De Anza and was a major contributor to their undefeated record (2-0-1, 7 points).

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Sierra Cordola | Goalkeeper
Eagles SC 07 (CA)

Ran a highly organized backline and helped lead by example, including holding on for a 2-1 win over Mustang SC. Cordola possesses excellent footwork and is always watching her opponent’s to look for small holes in their game to exploit.

Thank you @ECNLgirls for a wonderful weekend. pic.twitter.com/e9Kpb6dURA

— Sierra Cordola 🇺🇸🇮🇹 (@CordolaSierra) April 10, 2024

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Brenna Kelleher | Goalkeeper
Del Mar Carmel Valley Sharks 07 (CA)

Facing some tough competition from all over the country, Brenna raised the bar in the box throughout the weekend. Her precision distribution under fire out of the back led to multiple opportunities up top. Brenna’s communication and confidence directed her team’s defensive efforts allowing for multiple shutouts against opponents. She finished the weekend with a stellar penalty kick save against FC Stars, swinging momentum for the Sharks.