On Tuesday, NWSL announced expansion franchise San Diego would be named San Diego Wave FC with the team kicking off play in the spring from Torero Stadium at the University of San Diego. Angel City FC, from Los Angeles, is also set to join the NWSL for the 2022 season. 

The spotlight from the women’s game is definitely on Southern California this week. The girls ECNL is also descending on the Golden State with a National Event kicking off on Friday from the Surf Cup complex in Del Mar, California. 

There are 168 teams in the U16-U18 age groups taking part in the National Event, which also includes a National Selection game on Friday afternoon. 

TopDrawerSoccer will be hand for the event. Check back throughout the weekend for exclusive coverage from the ECNL National Event. 

U16 

With a 12-0-0 record on the season, Solar SC enters the event with a target on their back. The squad from Texas will face a big test with games against Real Colorado National, Concorde Fire Platinum, and So Cal Blues during the three days in California. Concorde Fire Platinum is another top 10 team in the Champions League standings. The Georgia club is 14-1-1 on the season. 

Local favorites Slammers FC HB Koge (8-0-1) take on VDA, SLSG Navy, and Michigan Hawks during the three days at the Surf Cup Sports Park. The first two are among the top 11 teams in the Champions League standings at this point in the season. 

Legends FC, news to the ECNL this season, is off to a hot start in the regional play with a 9-0-1 record. Legends will face a big test during the event. Legends takes on Sporting Blue Valley, SLSG Green, and Real Colorado National. 

U17 

Sitting at 10-0-0 heading into the event, Kansas City Athletics look like the team to beat this season. Athletics are scheduled to take on DKSC, FC Dallas, and De Anza Force during the three-day event. 

Host club San Diego Surf is unbeaten in the 05 age group, but that could be put to the test this weekend. Surf (6-0-2) takes on Real Colorado Athletico, Gretna Elite Academy, and Classics Elite. 

U18/19 

MVLA (5-1), the defending national champions in the 2004 age group, face off against a trio of powerhouse clubs during the event. MVLA opens up the event on Friday morning against host San Diego Surf. The home side is 3-4-1 on the season, but the squad has plenty of talent to stay competitive with anyone. MVLA does not get a break on Saturday or Sunday with games against FC Dallas and Slammers FC Koge.