ECNL Preview: Young season continues

ECNL Preview: Young season continues
by Travis Clark
September 20, 2013

The top girls club league in the country is underway – at least in some corners of the country – as players aim to continue developing and making an impact on the field.

Zoe redei club soccerZoe Redei (right)

Here’s a look at some of the notable matchups this weekend:

U14

Plenty of teams at this age group are kicking off. The Colorado Storm is making a trip to the St. Louis area, and will play Friday through Sunday, squaring off with St. Louis Scott Gallagher Metro, Mo. and Sporting Blue Valley.

One of the new entrants in the ECNL this year is Match Fit Academy. They’re only in action at this age group, traveling to Connecticut FC and SoccerPlus Elite.

U15

It’s a new year and a new age group for Surf striker Catarina Macario. The Brazilian forward, one of many talented players on the roster, faces a pair of games this weekend. The Surf takes on SC Del Sol and Sereno SC out in Arizona.

The defending ECNL U14 Champions is continuing their dominance at the next age group. Through two games, De Anza Force has 15 goals so far. This weekend’s matchup takes place against MVLA, as Kayla Fong, Samantha Tran, Luca Deza and Reina Bonta aim to continue their hot starts.

U16

Eclipse Select’s attack is formidable behind Zoe Redei and Alissa Gorzak. They came up short last weekend against the Michigan Hawks, and will look to improve when they play Sockers FC on Sunday.

The Hawks, who have yet to lose this season, hit the road this weekend for a pair of games. They’ll take on Minnesota Thunder Academy and FC Wisconsin Eclipse on Saturday and Sunday respectively.

U17

Another team off to a strong start is TSC Hurricane. Sierra Beall, Kaylee Dao and Mario Zoller have led the Oklahoma side’s offense so far. Sunday’s game features a visit from Solar Chelsea SC.

McLean Youth Soccer is taking a trip south, with games against NC Fusion and CASL on the schedule. Mia Hoen-Beck, the team’s forward with U.S. U17 national team experience, has four goals from her first two games and will look to continue her goal scoring success, while the team tussles with two of NC's top clubs.

U18

One of last season’s finalists, Sporting Blue Valley, won’t have the services of U.S. U17 WNT hopeful Dorian Bailey during at least some of their games this weekend. Abigail Sieperda and Savannah Trujillo have helped make up for Bailey’s absence, and they’ll be critical in a trio of games starting Friday. Sporting faces Colorado Rush, Real Colorado and Colorado Storm.

Unbeaten through the first five games of the season, the Michigan Hawks face the unusual prospect of playing the same opposition twice on the weekend, with two games against FC Wisconsin Eclipse. Forward and North Carolina recruit Megan Buckingham has five goals in her first five games.

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