It’s a slow buildup to the start of the ECNL Girls season in the Midwest Conference. A small handful of teams kick off over the holiday weekend, while the bulk return to action a week later. Minnesota Thunder won’t jump into action until November.

Last year’s Midwest Conference produced a national champion, as SLSG Navy 06 won the U16 age group in Richmond. They’ll look to repeat the feat in the upcoming season, though a talented pack is sure to seek them out.

Other top clubs exist in the Conference, including the Michigan Hawks, Eclipse Select and KC Athletics. Those three, along with SLSG, finished first during last season.

As the season gets going, here are some players to watch.