ECNL Preview: More teams return to action
The final weekend of March is shaping up to be one of the most significant of the ECNL calendar with a number of division battles upcoming. With games from coast to coast, there is a plenty of enticing fixtures on the docket, below is a look at just a few of the best games games from each age group.
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U14
So Cal Blues takes on one of the top team in the country on Sunday when they host San Diego Surf. Blues sit in third place in the Southwest Conference with just over two months of play remaining on the schedule. Surf won the first meeting of the season between these powerhouse clubs 1-0. Mia Fishel scored the lone goal off an assist from Madison Mercado. So Cal Blues has not lost a game since then. Surf has not lost a game this season. With the big rematch looming, can Blues get revenge and close the gap in the conference standings?
San Juan Soccer Club is in action this weekend with games against Mustang SC and Pleasanton Rage. San Juan leads the California Division of the Northwest Conference with a 9-1 record. Mustang SC is second. San Juan won the first meeting this season 1-0.
FC Stars of Massachusetts is another one of the top teams in the U14 age group that is in action over the weekend. Stars hit the road for games against Continental FC Delco and Match Fit Academy. Stars are one of four teams that remain unbeaten on the season in the ECNL’s youngest age group.
U15
The matchup between FC Stars and Match Fit Academy on Sunday is one of the best of the season for any age group. Both teams sit in the top five in the national standings at this point of the season. Match Fit also takes on Boston Breakers while FC Stars faces Continental FC Delco.
West Coast FC and Arsenal FC hosts Las Vegas Premier SA and Heat FC over the weekend. West Coast is eyeing a six-point with the hope of moving up the standings. That might be easier said than done though. Las Vegas Premier SA won the first meeting this season 1-0 thanks to a goal from Reighna Werner.
Colorado Storm hits the road for game against FC Nova and Utah Avalanche over the weekend. Both of the games are at University of Utah. Storm is battling FC Nova for playoff positioning with the teams checking in at 26th and 25th respectively.
U16
De Anza Force’s quest for world supremacy is put to the test this weekend with games against Pleasanton Rage and Santa Rosa United. Force sits in second place in the national standings heading into the weekend with a 10-0-1 record. The possession heavy squad is playing its first game in ECNL play since November.
Boston Breakers Academy is in action this weekend with games against Match Fit Academy and Continental FC Delco. Breakers sit mid table in the national standings heading toward a busy final two months. Every point is meaningful for the squad with dreams of a postseason run.
Indiana Fire Juniors take on Ohio Premier and Internationals in Ohio Valley Division play this weekend. Indiana Fire Juniors are second in the division and 25th in the national standings. With Bethesda taking on Maryland United this weekend, there is potential for some movement in the Ohio Valley Division.
U17
It’s a battle for Orange County over the weekend with Strikers FC taking on So Cal Blues and Slammers. Strikers sit in fifth in the Southwest Conference with a 6-3-2 record. Blues take up the fourth spot wit a 5-1-4 mark. Slammers are second at 7-1-2. For Blues, the weekend only gets more difficult with a game against San Diego Surf on Sunday. Surf is top of the division with a 9-1 record. There could be a lot of shakeup in the Southwest Conference this weekend.
PDA hits the road this weekend for games against Connecticut FC and FSA FC. PDA is undefeated on the season and has only conceded one goal through seven games. U.S. U17 Women’s National Team forward Frankie Tagliaferri leads the charge for the PDA attack, which averages over three goals per game.
Real Colorado returns to play this weekend with games against Utah Avalanche and FC Nova. Real Colorado is fourth in the Champions League Qualification standings at this point of the season. Real has not played an ECNL game since December after the trip to Dallas was negated due to weather.
U18
SC Del Sol hits the road this weekend for games against Real So Cal and Eagles Soccer Club. SC Del Sol is fourth in the division standings and trying to make up ground prior to the end of the season.
Like in the younger age groups, the Match Fit Academy showdown with FC Stars of Massachusetts is the one to watch. Match Fit is first in the national standings while Stars are third. Match Fit is the only team with a perfect record at this point with an 8-0 mark.
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