Welcome to Next XI, the youth soccer newsletter spotlighting scores, highlights, and rising players across NYC, Long Island, and the Tri-State.
Each week you’ll find recaps, standout performances, and updates from local tournaments and league play. Our goal is simple: to give youth athletes, clubs, and families the recognition they deserve.
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NEXT XI | The Northeast’s Most Dangerous Attacks
Top Girls Teams in ECNL, ECNL RL, and GA — U13 & U14
The Northeast is overflowing with attacking talent — and we’ve got the numbers to back it up.
This week, we dug into every U13 and U14 (2013 & 2012) team across ECNL, ECNL Regional League, and the Girls Academy to spotlight the most electric front lines in the region. From high-volume scorers to surgical finishers, these teams are setting the tempo for youth soccer this fall.
📊 How We Built the Rankings
To identify the best attacking teams, we evaluated each side’s goals scored (GF), goal differential (GD), and goals per game (GF/GP) — factoring in unbeaten form as a tiebreaker. In short:
Total Goals + GD = attacking volume and consistency
Goals Per Game = efficiency
Record/PPG = sustained dominance
The result? A data-backed, performance-driven look at who’s lighting up the scoreboard across the Northeast.
🏆 Top 5 Attacking Teams in the Northeast (Overall)
1️⃣ PDA South Blue (ECNL RL G12)
Record: 6–0–0 | Goals: 41 | GD: +39
The most dangerous offense anywhere in the Northeast. PDA South Blue’s front line has been on another level, averaging nearly 7 goals per game while staying airtight at the back. A complete, relentless, top-to-bottom attacking unit.
2️⃣ Match Fit Surf White (ECNL RL G13 South)
Record: 4–1–0 | Goals: 35 | GD: +33
No team strikes with more ferocity. Match Fit Surf White’s 35 goals in five matches prove their ability to break open defenses early and never let off.
3️⃣ NEFC Red (GA G12)
Record: 7–1–0 | Goals: 42 | GD: +37
The GA’s most prolific attack. NEFC Red have combined precision movement with elite finishing, building one of the region’s most complete offensive systems.
4️⃣ HEX FC Keystone (ECNL RL G12 West)
Record: 6–0–0 | Goals: 35 | GD: +34
Undefeated and unshakable, Keystone’s +34 differential is built on efficiency and tempo — proof that this team can dominate any pace of game.
5️⃣ STA (GA G12)
Record: 6–0–1 | Goals: 25 | GD: +18
Clean, composed, and confident in attack. STA’s structure and technical ability have produced one of the smoothest offenses in the region, with quality chances in every match. While some teams posted higher goals-per-game averages, STA’s consistency across the Girls Academy’s deeper competition pool and sustained attacking form over more matches earned them the final spot in the Top 5.
⚽ Top 3 — ECNL (U13 & U14)
1️⃣ PDA Blue ECNL G12 – 14 GF | +13 GD
Steady dominance. PDA Blue’s attack is sharp and balanced, finding goals through quick ball movement and elite spacing.
2️⃣ Bethesda SC ECNL G12 – 17 GF | +9 GD
Consistent and creative, Bethesda’s high-tempo approach has made them one of the toughest attacks to contain.
3️⃣ FC DELCO ECNL G13 – 11 GF | +10 GD
Efficient and clinical. DELCO’s attack thrives on precision play and disciplined structure.
🔥 Top 3 — ECNL Regional League (U13 & U14)
1️⃣ PDA South Blue (G12) – 41 GF | +39 GD
The clear class of the Regional League — pace, poise, and power.
2️⃣ Match Fit Surf White (G13) – 35 GF | +33 GD
Relentless pressing and goals from everywhere.
3️⃣ HEX FC Keystone (G12) – 35 GF | +34 GD
A complete, balanced attack with no weak links.
⚡ Top 3 — Girls Academy (U13 & U14)
1️⃣ NEFC Red (G12) – 42 GF | +37 GD
Clinical, composed, and creative — the benchmark for GA attacks in the Northeast.
2️⃣ STA (G12) – 25 GF | +18 GD
Elite structure and rhythm through midfield.
3️⃣ Rhode Island Surf (G13) – 26 GF | +22 GD
Undefeated momentum and a front line that’s clicking at every level.
📩 Share Your Scores & Player Nominations!
Next XI is all about spotlighting the incredible talent across our region — but we can’t do it without you! Coaches, parents, and players: send us your game results, standout moments, and Player of the Week nominations so your team gets the recognition it deserves. Whether it’s a last-minute winner, a goalkeeper making clutch saves, or a team going unbeaten through the weekend, we want to hear it.
Help us celebrate the game by making sure your club and players are featured in the next issue!
Beyond the Scoreboard
Breaking Down Girls’ Youth Leagues in the Northeast
If you’re a player or parent in the Northeast trying to navigate the world of youth soccer, you’ve probably run into the alphabet soup of leagues: EDP, NAL, NPL, ECNL, ECNL-RL, and GA. But what do they actually mean for your daughter’s development and overall soccer journey? And more importantly—how do they play out here in the Northeast?……
🏆 On Deck: SUSA 2025 Columbus Day Tournament
It’s that time of year again — the SUSA Columbus Day Tournament kicks off this weekend, bringing together top clubs from across the Northeast for one of the region’s favorite fall showcases. Always a mix of competitive matchups and great community energy, SUSA’s event is where rising players make their mark and teams test themselves against the best.
We’ll be tracking the action all weekend — and we want to feature your moments in next week’s recap!
📸 Send us your highlights, scores, or Player of the Match nominations to be included in our upcoming Next XI edition.
Attention Club Directors
Next XI is growing fast — and we want to grow with your club. If you’re a director or admin, reach out to us about partnerships for distribution so your teams, players, and families never miss the highlights. Email us at [email protected]
