Many of the best players in The National League are descending on Mesa, Ariz., this weekend, as 60 girls teams compete at the first winter event of the season.

The action in Mesa features teams in the 14U, 15U, 16U, 17U and 19U age groups and includes a mixture of sides from both club-based and team-based divisions. All teams are competing for advancement to postseason competitions in the Summer of 2026 — either the USYS National Championships, presented by New York Life, or the inaugural edition of The National League Cup.

Click on the buttons below to check out a few teams and players that have stood out in each age group, plus take a look at which states and clubs are most represented at the event.

GIrls PREVIEWS:

An undefeated, first-place finish in the Premier 1 Northwest fueled a run to the Far West Regional Championships for Eastside Timbers G12 NL (OR) last year. The November event in Arizona will serve as the first opportunity for the Oregon side to follow up that success.

TSC Murfreesboro 2012G (TN)’s run through the Premier 1 Mid South last season was impressive on multiple fronts. The Tennessee side’s undefeated campaign was fueled by a consistent offense, but also by a stingy back line that allowed just three goals throughout its nine games. If that level of consistency shows up in Mesa, teams will struggle to break down TSC. 

After just missing out on a Premier 1 Frontier title in 2024-25, Coppell FC 12G Davies NL (TX-N) will have something to prove this season. The North Texas side can find success in Mesa if it once again outscores its opponents at a heavy clip — like its plus-16 goal differential last year.

Just two points separated Club Premier 2 Frontier champions Solar FDL 11G Hernandez NL (TX-N) from the second place team last season. That type of experience — and the fortitude gained from coming out on top of a title race — can be a difference maker at the November event.

Dallas Surf 11G Evans NL (TX-N) — another Club Premier 2 Frontier squad — could make some noise in Mesa. The North Texas side finished its 2024-25 campaign 6-6-3 and currently holds a 4-0-4 record to start the new league season, so while its results may be uneven, the ability to stack wins has proven it can beat anyone on its best day.

Even though its plus-32 goal differential wasn’t enough for a first place finish in the Club Premier 1 Pacific, teams should be on high alert when facing Los Angeles SC 11G NL (CA-S). The Cal South side poured in 49 goals during its 19-game season last year and has already scored 21 during a fast 6-1-1 start to the current season. LASC will make defenses pay if they’re not up to the challenge.

Taka Players to Watch

Players and descriptions provided by Taka.

Scarlett Palmer, FC Premier 11G NL (CA-S) — With pace, power, and top-class technique, she’s a nightmare matchup for any defender.

Eva Hovanessian, Los Angeles SC 11G NL (CA-S) — A strong midfielder, Hovanessian is tough to play against, will battle hard and shows real quality in possession for her team.

After a first-place finish in its Club Premier 1 Pacific division last season, Los Angeles SC 10G NL (CA-S) has maintained its form at the start of the 2025-26 campaign. With a 7-0-1 record and 34 goals scored, LASC could fill up the scoresheet at will during the November event in Arizona.

Charlottesville Alliance 2010G Navy (VA) should head to Mesa with confidence in its form. The Virginia side came out on top of the Premier 1 Red South Atlantic division last year and won its first game to start the new season, so this formidable stretch has positioned it well for success.

Led by an offense that tallied 57 goals, Miami Breakers FC 2010G Black (FL) went 14-1-1 and won its Team Premier 1 Sunshine division title last season. If that scoring prowess makes the cross-country trip to Mesa, it will be tough for opposing defenses to slow it down.

Taka Players to Watch

Players and descriptions provided by Taka.

Haley Alvarez, CDA Slammers 10G NL I (CA-S) — A really talented midfielder who brings tons of energy and quality to her team all over the pitch. https://taka.io/athlete/6735795ac9738c3d02a87395 

Ryleigh Smith, Solar South Adames 10G (TX-N) — An outstanding versatile full back who shows great athleticism and quality to get up and down the pitch — helping her team defend and attack incredibly well.

Alaina Yatooma, East County Surf SC 10G (CA-S) — A very technically gifted midfielder who makes excellent decisions on the ball — consistently involving teammates in play and creating significant scoring opportunities for her team.

A two-year stretch for Rebels San Diego G2009 (CA-S) has positioned it as one of the strongest teams at the November event. The Cal South side went 16-0-4 last year en route to claiming the Club Premier 1 Pacific title and remains in first place this year with an 8-1-1 record. Throughout those 30 matches, Rebels has tallied an impressive 106 goals.

Rush WI 2009G (WI) found its best form toward the end of the season, when it went 3-0-0 during the group stage at the 2025 USYS Midwest Regional Championships. The Wisconsin side has opened the 25-26 campaign with an uneven 3-2-1 record, but if this past summer’s version of this team shows up, it can beat anyone.

An unbeaten league run for Solar 09G Naizer NL (TX-N) now stretches two years. The North Texas side claimed the Club Premier 2 Frontier title last season behind a plus-42 goal differential and has yet to be beaten during its first five games this year. Solar also made noise at the 2025 Southern Regional Championships, going 4-1 and earning a trip to Nationals.

Taka Players to Watch

Players and descriptions provided by Taka.

Taylor Leingang, Legends FC SD North 09G NL (CA-S) — An all-around attacker who links play superbly, combines great vision with sharp awareness, and poses a constant goal threat.

Isabella Farmer, Solar 09G Naizer NL (TX-N) — A smart, hard-working player who not only creates chances but also reads the game brilliantly. She makes key interceptions and challenges that add real value to her team.

A Los Angeles SC 07/08 NL (CA-S) offense that reached the 70-goal mark last season has once again hit the ground running. In just eight games, the Cal South side has tallied an impressive 37 goals while remaining undefeated in Club Premier 1 Pacific play. Dating back to 2024-25, no one has been able to slow LASC down — and that may stay true in Mesa.

An unbeaten campaign in last season’s Team Premier 1 Frontier was a sign of things to come for FC Dallas ETX 07G (NT-X). Its sharp offense propelled it through league play and all the way to the Southern Regional Championships, where it tallied 13 goals in its three group stage games before finishing as the runner-up. If FC Dallas remains that clinical in Mesa, it could find success fast.

Another team that can score in a hurry — W&H America 2008 Adrenalina Ladies (FL) — will try to shake things up at the November event. The Florida side is no stranger to success after winning its Team Premier 1 Sunshine division last year on the heels of an offense that found the back of the net 59 times. W&H may cause havoc on its opponents with that type of goal-scoring ability.

Taka Players to Watch

Players and descriptions provided by Taka.

Allison Bravo, FC Premier 08/07G NL (CA-S) — An incredible player with the ball at her feet. Bravo can beat defenders with ease and create brilliant chances for herself and her teammates.

Sophia Ochoa, FC Premier 08/07G NL (CA-S) — A talented goalkeeper who has come up big for her team time and time again, showcasing excellent shot-stopping ability and great composure when dealing with crosses.

Kate Mitchell, Solar 08G Hernandez (TX-N) — Causes chaos for defences from wide areas or central positions with unbelievable passing and vision.