It’s one thing to know there’s a target on your back; it’s quite another to actually experience it. 

 

The U18 San Diego Surf, coming off their ECNL National title at the U17 level last season, got a further taste of their newfound status this past weekend during the ECNL’s first national event of the season at the Reach 11 Sports Complex in Phoenix, Arizona. 

 

Fending off eager challengers, the Surf finished the three-match event with a record of 1-1-1. But more than the results, it was the atmosphere that left a strong impression on the team.

 

“The pressure is high on this team - all of the teams are out to beat us or at least tie us,” said Surf midfielder Kourtney Kutscher said. “This year’s team is different from last year in the sense that we lost seven strong players, most of them attackers that scored a lot. We are still finding the best positions for some players on the field but I have no doubt about this team (competing to win the title again).”

 

Perhaps to bolster an attacking unit that features Kodi Lavrusky, the Surf have enlisted the dynamic Mariana Galvan to guest play for the squad in ECNL competition. 

 

Elsewhere in the U18 ranks, Arsenal FC had a strong showing and finished 3-0 while outscoring their opponents 11-1. Lonestar SC also finished with three wins as did SC Del Sol.

 

In U17 action, Eclipse Select didn’t allow a goal while going 3-0.

 

Slammers FC was one of the standout performers in U16 play with Kayla Mills providing an MVP-type performance and scoring in each match. Laura Guerra and MacKenzie Cerda also chipped in goals for their team. 

 

In U15 play, So Cal Blues ran through their competition keyed by the play of Anika Rodriguez while the U15 Sereno Soccer Club which was formidable in its own right.  

 

Checking in with the rest of the defending champs at the event: U16 Lonestar SC went 1-1-1 while U17 CASL finished 2-0-1.