ECLIPSE SELECT SENDS THREE TEAMS TO THE 2022 ECNL NATIONAL FINALS

CHICAGO, Ill. – The Eclipse Select Soccer Club saw three teams advance to the ECNL National Finals after navigating the ECNL Playoff last week. The Girls 2008s, Girls 2009s, and Boys 2006s each conquered their respective groups and earned their spot among the final eight teams winning their Round of 16 matchups. The girls will be heading to Richmond, Va. with the finals extending from July 8-11. The boys will be traveling to St. Louis, Mo. with scheduled play to last July 15-18.

The Eclipse Select SC ECNL G2009 (under-13s) reached the ECNL playoffs after claiming the 2021-22 ECNL Midwest Conference title. They finished with an overall record of 16-1-2 in the conference which afforded them the number eight qualifier in the Champions League Playoffs. The playoff draw placed the U-13s into Group H with PDA Blue (NJ), Tennessee SC, and Washington Premier (WA). The G2009s started out incredibly strong scoring eight goals in a win over Washington Premier. They followed up the performance with a narrow 2-1 victory over Tennessee SC. With a top-two finish already secured, they ended group play falling to PDA Blue 1-0. The U13s only had conference rivals Michigan Hawks in their way to reaching the National Finals. In a thrilling five-goal affair, the girls in black punched their ticket coming out on top 3-2.

The Eclipse Select ECNL G2008 (under-14s) qualified for the ECNL playoffs running away with the 2021-22 Midwest Conference title. Their regular season ended with an overall record of 18-1-0 and was ranked fifth among all Champions League Playoffs qualifiers. Their draw placed the U14s into Group E with GSA (GA), Eastside FC (WA), and Connecticut FC. The G2008s won Group E after posting wins over Connecticut FC (1-0) and GSA (4-1), while drawing level with Eastside FC (0-0). Their Round of 16 matchup against Eagles SC (CA) saw the U14s claim a National Finals berth after a 4-1 win on the final day.

“We are really proud of both the Girls 2009s and 2008s and feel like both groups have worked extremely hard to get to this point. The 2008s had a goal from the beginning of the year to get back to Richmond, VA and we cannot be any prouder of the group for getting back to this point. The 2009s had a difficult task of beating the same team three times in a year to earn their place in Richmond.” – ECNL Staff Coach, Molli Beard.

The Eclipse Select ECNL B2006 (under-16s)’s journey to the ECNL playoffs included a 2021-22 ECNL Midwest Conference title. Their recorded finished 10-1-1 to earn the second overall position among all Champions League qualifiers. The U16s were placed in Group B where they played NTH-NASA (GA), NCFC Youth Academy (NC), and San Juan SC (CA). The B2006s ended with an immaculate record in group play claiming all nine available points defeating San Juan 2-0, NCFC Youth Academy 3-0, and NTH-NASA 4-2. They moved on to the Round of 16 where they were matched up with Legends FC (CA). In a tightly contested affair, the U16s advanced to St. Louis with a 1-0 win.

“The 2006s themselves competing against very strong opponents for all of their group games. We competed against great players that were good on and off the ball, well-organized teams, and very well-coached on the tactics of the game. I am proud of the group for making it to the next stage and a great showing by the backline team of Efrain (Gk), Ryan, Mactzil, Patrick, and Logan at a very competitive level.” – ECNL Boys Director of Coaching, Cleo Huitron.

The Eclipse Select Soccer Club sent 11 total teams to the ECNL playoffs. Five boys’ teams competed in the Champions League Group stage while the girls’ program had five teams compete in the Champions League and the under-17s competed in the North American Cup. The Eclipse Select ECNL G2006 advanced to the Round of 16 out of Group I before falling to Slammers FC HB KØGE.

The Girls U-13s, Girls U-14s, and Boys U-16s now wait for the ECNL National Finals draw before continuing their pursuit of a National Championship. To follow all of the action, scores, and standings, visit our official Twitter page @EclipseSelectSC.