The month of January saw the ECNL more or less come to a halt, as only a small handful of games were played.

With a new month coming this weekend, it marks a new beginning for teams heading into action. There isn’t a full slate of games, but here’s a look at some of this weekend’s matchups:

U14

Midatlantic clubs dominate the action in this age group, as a couple of Maryland teams make a trip to Richmond. Freestate Soccer Alliance and Bethesda SC are both heading south to take on the Strikers in the Virginia capital, while both will also swing over to the Tidewater region and play the Virginia Rush.

Joanna Boyles

Carolina rivals CASL Chelsea Ladies and Carolina Elite Soccer Academy square off as well.

U15

Freestate Soccer Alliance has won both of its previous division games thus far, and the squad will be tested with its trip south to square off against Richmond Strikers and Virginia Rush.

The Michigan Hawks begin an attempt at chasing down first place Eclipse SC with a pair of matchups this weekend against Sporting Blue Valley and Sockers FC. Adriana Ramon has been one of the key players for the Hawks, whose defense has only conceded 9 goals in 12 games.

U16

After beginning division play in mid-December, Bethesda SC heads back into action on the road, taking on the Strikers and Virginia Rush. Standout Mia Gyau won’t be available, as she’s in California at U17 WNT camp.

U17

It’s the start of a busy run for the Richmond Strikers this week, and forward Elizabeth Ball remains the team’s most dangerous offensive threat (9 goals, 10 games). Wins against Bethesda SC and Freestate would be immense for the Strikers.

Currently in first place in the Midwest Conference, the Hawks are aiming to hold on to the top spot with its matchups this weekend against Sockers FC and Sporting Blue Valley. Megan Buckingham, Jamie Cheslik and Alexandra Lowes have all helped lead their club to this point.

Sockers FC, with a 6-5-3 record so far, is aiming to climb the standings in the division, also take on Vardar this weekend.

U18

CASL Chelsea Ladies wraps up its 2012-13 ECNL regular season with its games against Carolina Elite Soccer Academy on Saturday. The team is stocked to the gills with talent, including Joanna Boyles, Alexis Degler, Kathryn Palmer and Alexis Shaffer, among others, and will be a threat in the playoffs this summer.

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