The New England Surf Boys and Girls 2008 and 2006/07 ECNL-RL teams made a strong impact at the Florida ECNL-RL Showcase this month. With a series of challenging matches and tough competition, each team demonstrated resilience, tactical growth, and standout individual performances. The weekend provided valuable experiences and set the stage for an exciting season ahead.

Boys 2008 Navy

The B2008 Navy team faced a tough start in Florida, earning a 0-0 draw against Western NY Flash, dominating Wellington with an 8-0 victory, and finishing with a 3-3 draw against FC Dallas. The match against Western NY Flash saw the team struggling to turn defensive organization into attacking quality, but they quickly turned things around with an impressive win over Wellington. Against FC Dallas, they showed tremendous resilience after falling behind 3-1, making a tactical shift that sparked a comeback and earned them a valuable draw.

Standout Players: Mason Fasoli was a standout performer, netting 5 goals and adding 1 assist over the weekend, including two goals in the comeback draw vs. FC Dallas. Andrew Giordano also had a key role in securing two shutouts and was instrumental in starting attacks from the center-back position.

Key Takeaway: The team demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and mental toughness, particularly in their comeback against FC Dallas. They proved they can compete at the highest level, even in the face of adversity. The draw with FC Dallas will serve as a great morale boost going forward.

Coach Kyle Bak stated, “The experience undoubtedly has increased the group’s desire to secure a spot in the National playoffs come June. It’s clear that with continued growth in decision-making, quality in the final third, and tactical flexibility, the team is on the right path!”

Boys 2006/07 Navy

The B2006/07 Navy team had a mixed start to the weekend with a 0-0 draw against PSWI Courage. However, they quickly bounced back with an impressive 5-2 win over FL Premier, thanks to an outstanding hat trick from Marco Arcieri, and capped off the weekend with a 5-0 victory over Ohio Elite. Despite a slow start against PSWI Courage, the team demonstrated great resilience, tactical awareness, and clinical finishing in their next two matches. The win over FL Premier was particularly notable as they proved they were the stronger team, despite a strong push from their opponent.

Standout Players: Mohamed Mehaya had a big impact on the attack, scoring 4 goals over the weekend and creating plenty of chances. Marco Arcieri’s standout performance in midfield, including his unselfish play and hat trick against FL Premier, was crucial to the team’s success.

Key Takeaway: The team showed strong resilience and improved their quality in the final third, especially after a slow start. They also demonstrated mental toughness in their ability to finish the weekend strong, earning a convincing 5-0 win against Ohio Elite.

Girls 2006/07 Navy

The G2006/07 Navy team had a strong start to their season, delivering three impressive performances at the showcase. They dominated each match, securing victories and finishing second overall with an exceptional record of 14 goals scored and only one conceded. The team’s fluid passing, sharp attacking play, and solid defensive organization stood out.

Standout Players: Lindsay Edmonson and Emma Darling were key contributors, each scoring 4 goals and showcasing their attacking prowess.

Key Takeaway: The team displayed excellent possession-based soccer and clinical finishing. Their dominance in possession and ability to score freely demonstrated their national-caliber talent, setting them up for a promising season ahead.

Girls 2008 Navy

The G2008 Navy team had a positive start to their season, earning three strong performances, including a notable 3-1 victory over Jacksonville FC, where Raina Patel scored all three goals to secure a memorable hat trick. Each match showed improvement, and the team gradually grew into the competition, proving they could compete at a high level. This was their first foray into the ECNL-RL environment, and the results were promising.

Standout Players: Raina Patel was the standout player of the weekend, scoring a hat trick in the team’s 3-1 win over Jacksonville FC. Her clinical finishing was a key highlight.

Key Takeaway: The team demonstrated steady growth and potential, improving with each game. Their resilience and attacking play, led by Patel, provide a solid foundation for the season ahead.

Coach Tim Mason commented on the weekend, “Both of our teams competed extremely well in the ECNL-RL Showcase. Positive and brave in possession, resolute and physical defensively whilst always competing hard, these groups made an excellent start to life in the ECNL-RL. New England Surf made a big impact at this event, and this is really exciting for the season ahead”

Overall, the weekend in Florida was a great success for New England Surf, with all four teams showing growth, resilience, and talent. With standout players emerging and valuable lessons learned, these teams are primed for a successful season. The ECNL-RL Showcase served as an important milestone in the teams’ development, and New England Surf looks forward to building on this momentum as they continue their journey.