ECNL Preview: Returning to Action

ECNL Preview: Returning to Action
by J.R. Eskilson
February 27, 2014

No rest for the weary in the ECNL as the elite girls club soccer league continues its push toward the postseason this weekend with games across the country. Check out a few of the notable ones in action below.

U14

Taylor Ziemer, girls club soccer, Santa Rosa UnitedTaylor Ziemer

Dallas Texans return to ECNL play for the first time since December on Saturday with a game against AHFC. Texans are third in the Texas Conference, but would move into a tie for second with a win over the weekend. A victory would also set up a showdown with D’Feeters Soccer Club for sole possession of the second place spot in a rare midweek match on Wednesday. Sophia Silva Trevino leads the attack for Texans with five goals to her name this season. Lindsey Bibby and Mason Rodusky have anchored the defense that has only let in seven goals in 10 games.

The top teams in the Southeast Conference are in action this weekend with division leaders Concorde Fire taking on fourth-place Birmingham United on Saturday. On Sunday, second-place Charlote Soccer Academy travels to third-place Orlando City YS. Charlotte SA won the first meeting of the season between the teams 3-0 thanks to goals from Elizabeth Sutherland, Mary Elliott McCabe, and Mackenzie Chewning.

U15

Michigan Hawks briefly return to ECNL play this weekend with a game against Vardar and then don’t take the field again until May. The brief interruption will give one of the leading offenses in the ECNL a chance to show if it is still clicking in high gear. Hawks have 53 goals through 13 conference games this season. Madeleine Lucas leads the way with 18 goals and five assists.

Penn Fusion is another conference leader that returns to ECNL play this weekend. The Metro Division leaders take on Match Fit Academy on Saturday. Fusion is 5-0 on the season (including out of conference games) with a plus 19-goal differential. Rachael Dorwart, Cashlin Copley, and Gianna Yurchak have combined for 18 of the 20 goals this season for Fusion. Lexington Lemmon and Kaitlyn Siberski have been the goalies that only let in one goal in five games.

In another rivalry game this weekend, SLSG-Metro hosts SLSG on Sunday at the Soccer Park. The two teams battled to a scoreless draw last month and now both are looking to end the regular season with a win on Sunday.

U16

Dallas Texans are trying to keep pace with FC Dallas at the top of the Texas Conference and will need all three points from Sunday’s fixture against AHFC. Texans won the first meeting this season 2-1 behind goals from Haley Berg and Ravyn Hoelscher. Hannah Dupin scored for AHFC.

Santa Rosa United takes on San Juan Soccer Club on Saturday in a NorCal Division showdown. Santa Rosa leads the division with a 4-1 record, but there are a few teams closing on its heels. Taylor Ziemer leads the attack for Santa Rosa with 10 goals and three assists this season.

Maryland United is attempting to stay undefeated at the start of the season as the Ohio Valley Division leaders take on McLean Youth Soccer on Saturday. Kia Rankin and Sarah Osborne have been the main weapons for Maryland with seven goals between them in five games this season.

U17

Two of the top teams in the Northeast Conference battle on Saturday when World Class FC takes on Penn Fusion. World Class FC is 2-0-1 at the early stages of the season. Penn Fusion is 2-1-1. Marissa Sheva has been the key for Fusion’s attack with three goals and three assists in four games.

After going 1-2 at the ECNL Texas event, McLean returns to conference play this weekend with games against Maryland United and Bethesda SC. Outside of events, McLean is a perfect 10-0 on the season.

U18

Challenge SC, tied for the top spot in the Texas Conference, takes on Dallas Sting on Sunday. A win would give Challenge SC sole possession of the top spot in the conference with only four games remaining on the schedule.  

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