The ECNL regular season is coming to a close for a number of clubs over the weekend. With the end of the line in sight, there is also the pressure of trying to jump into a spot for the playoffs this summer.
Below is the preview of some of the top games from the weekend.
U14
Bethesda SC, the top team in the Mid-Atlantic Conference, is in action this weekend with games against Ohio Elite and Indiana Juniors on the schedule. Bethesda is 11-0-1 on the season and looking to close out the year with an undefeated mark. Bethesda beat Ohio Elite 4-1 earlier this month and topped Indiana Juniors 5-0.
San Diego Surf closes out its regular season over the weekend with games against Eagles Soccer Club and Arsenal FC. Surf is 18-0-2 on the season in conference play and one of four undefeated teams left in the U14 age group. Surf beat Eagles 3-1 earlier this season thanks to a goal and an assist from defender Monique Landrum.
FC Stars of Massachusetts is also closing out the regular season this weekend. The Stars take on Penn Fusion and FC Bucks over the weekend. The Stars comfortably sit at the top of the New England Division heading into the games. The squad from Massachusetts could also close out the year with undefeated record in conference play after compiling a 16-0-4 record.
U15
There is a showdown in Northern California this weekend when Santa Rosa United hosts Mustang SC. Santa Rosa holds the second spot in the California Division heading into the game but Mustang SC could move to level on points with a win on Sunday. Mustang SC won the meeting earlier this month 3-1 thanks to two goals from Makenzie Farro.
McLean Youth Soccer is also in a precarious position this weekend with its final game of the regular season on Saturday against FC Virginia. McLean is trying to hold onto a spot in the eight of the wild card standings, but likely needs a result against FC Virginia to keep that spot. FC Virginia won the first meeting this season 1-0 thanks to a goal from Amy Thompson.
Challenge SC could play the spoiler role on Friday night in its game against Lonestar SC. It is the last game of the season for both sides. Lodestar is in the sixth wild card spot heading into the weekend and likely needs a win to keep hold of that position in the national playoffs. Lonestar won the first meeting this season 1-0 thanks to a goal form Olufolasade Adamolekun.
U16
Las Vegas Premier SA is likely in the playoffs regardless of a result this weekend, but a win over local rival Heat FC would be the icing on the top of the cake. Las Vegas Premier defeated Heat FC 2-1 in the first meeting this season. Hannah Borgel and Jadyn Nogues scored for Las Vegas in the win.
Albertson Fury is fighting to keep hold of a spot in the playoffs with a pair of games against East Meadow Soccer Club this weekend. Fury is in the final wildcard position heading into the weekend and trying to end a three-game losing streak.
Dallas Sting closes out its season on Saturday against Solar Chelsea SC. Sting sits one point behind Solar in the Texas Conference standings. The two teams played to a 1-1 draw in the first meeting this season. Kathleen Termini scored for Solar while Adrianna Jimmerson scored for Sting.
U17
There is a battle for a playoff spot in the Northeast Conference as both Connecticut FC and Boston Breakers have a shot at the second place in the division heading into the final weekend of the season. Breakers take on FC Bucks and Penn Fusion in a pair of home contests. Connecticut FC hosts Match Fit Academy and Continental FC Delco.
Players to Watch:
