Many of the best players in The National League are descending on Mesa, Ariz., this weekend, as 116 boys teams and 84 girls teams compete at the second 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.

Boys PREVIEWS:

Girls PREVIEWS:

The Toca FC 12B Elite (KS) offense consistently showed up throughout its run to a first-place finish in the NL Club Premier 1 Midwest last season. The Kansas side reached the 50-goal mark in just 14 games and will look to fill up the scoresheet once again in Mesa.

Another team that surpassed 50 goals in 2024-25, PDA Hibernian 12B (NJ), heads to the Winter Event on the heels of its undefeated, 11-0-1 season in the NL Club Premier 1 Northeast. If the New Jersey side can recapture the form that saw it finish with a plus-45 goal differential, it’ll prove tough for opponents to beat.

Two teams familiar with each other — Auburndale SC Blast 2012 (NY-E) and NJ Stallions 12 PSG NL (NJ) — are also primed to make some noise in Mesa. The East Coast teams both finished last season with identical 7-1-1, first-place records in their respective divisions and then matched up in the group stage of the Eastern Regional Championships, with Stallions coming out on top. Both will be eager to prove a point at the January event.

Led by an offense that averaged more than four goals per game, Dix Hills EST Angel City G12 (NY-E) went 8-0-1 to claim a competitive NL Team Premier 1 Northeast division last season. The Eastern New York side also reached the finals of its Regional Championships and should be tough to slow down in Mesa.

Another team that opponents may struggle to slow down, Empire Surf 12G NL (CA-S),found the back of the net 51 times during NL Club Premier 1 Pacific play last year. The Cal South side finished 15-3-1 and scored more than six goals on three separate occasions, so it can make defenses pay.

After coming out on top of the NL Club Premier 1 Great Lakes in 2024-25, Indy Eleven Academy 12G National (IN) should head to the January event with confidence. Defense should continue to be the calling card for this Indiana side, which held its opponents scoreless on multiple occasions last season.

US Youth Soccer ODP Interregionals

• 2012 (Older) East Region – Olivia Santos (Commack Crossfire G12 (NY-E))
• 2012 (Younger) Midwest Region – Riley Hornsby (FW United FC 2012G NL (IN))

Reaching the semifinals of the National Championships made for a successful run last season, but Team Chicago 11B Performance Select (IL) will be hoping to go further this time around. If last year’s NL Club Premier 1 Midwest champions are to accomplish that, the event in Mesa will be a great place to start their pursuit.

Another team attempting to book a return trip to Nationals, Cedar Stars Academy North 2011B NL (NJ), completed an undefeated, 12-0-0 run through last season’s NL Club Premier 1 Northeast with a plus-26 goal differential. If the New Jersey side shows up to Mesa in that type of form, it could find similar results.

Savannah United 11B Premier’s (GA) dominant offense propelled it to the top of a competitive NL Team Premier 1 Piedmont last season with an unblemished record. Throughout eight games, the Georgia side averaged five goals per outing. Opposing teams will have to be on high alert when facing this group.

Taka Players to Watch

Players and descriptions provided by Taka.

Jordan Terman, Spire FC (OH) — A box-to-box midfielder with excellent quality on the ball, Terman consistently creates chances and impacts all areas of the pitch.

Dylan Huitron, Team Chicago SC (IL) — Defensive midfielder who is press-resistant, a deep-lying playmaker with excellent long-range passing, and strong at protecting his defense.

US Youth Soccer ODP Interregionals

• 2011 Midwest Region – Collin Shaar (Toca FC 11B Elite (KS))
• 2011 South Region – Kyle Simpson (Savannah United 11B Premier (GA))

A near-perfect season saw CVYSA 11G Blue NL (NC) decisively win the 2024-25 NL Team Premier 1 Piedmont division. The North Carolina side allowed only three goals during its 12-game season, so teams may struggle to find success against this formidable backline.

A title race in last season’s NL Team Premier 1 Mid Atlantic may prove crucial for Marlton SC Chiefs Premier 11G (NJ). The New Jersey side, which claimed the division crown with a 7-1-1 record, knows what it takes to come out on top of games. That will matter in Mesa, where every result is magnified.

After going undefeated in the NL Team Premier 1 South Atlantic, Maryland Rush Azzurri 11G (MD) should head to the January event feeling good about its chances. The Maryland side consistently slowed its opponents down en route to a 6-0-0 record during league play in 2024-25.

Taka Players to Watch

Players and descriptions provided by Taka.

Maci O’Shea, Total Futbol Academy (OH) — Center forward with excellent hold-up play and link-up ability, consistently bringing onrushing wingers into the game.

Raelyn Mullinax, Cook Inlet Soccer Club (AK) — A goalkeeper who consistently makes big saves while also showing reliability and composure under pressure.

Haley Krueger, CarShield FC (MO) — Great sweeper keeper, excellent at reading the game and picking out accurate passes when playing out from the back.

A competitive schedule set up TKO Premier SC 10B Blue (MI) for success during the latter half of 2024-25. The Michigan side, which finished 5-1-1, ended up in third place of the NL Team Premier 1 Midwest, but used the experience from its close games to propel it to a good showing at the National Championships. TKO finished on top of its group and made it to the semifinals before ultimately falling short.

One of the teams that TKO beat at Nationals, Key Biscayne 10B Academy (FL), will make the cross-country trip to Mesa with aspirations of getting back to the big stage. If the Florida side recaptures the form that saw it run through last season’s NL Club Premier 2 Sunshine with 57 goals scored and an undefeated, 12-0-1 record, opponents will have their hands full.

Yet another team that reached last year’s National Championships, Madison 56ers 10B Red NL (WI), came out on top of a tough NL Club Premier 1 Midwest with a 10-1-3 record. The Wisconsin side was able to find success due to its stingy defense, which allowed only five goals through its 14 games. Defense travels, and the 56ers will hope that formula works again in Mesa.

Taka Players to Watch

Players and descriptions provided by Taka.

Juma Malilo, FC Dayton (OH) — Malilo is a pacey, silky-smooth dribbler who is difficult to dispossess and consistently finds teammates in dangerous areas.

Jordan Freemon, Toca FC (KS) — A goalkeeper with very high potential, confident in coming for crosses, excellent at shot-stopping, and excellent with the ball at his feet.

Luke Nicey, TKO Premier SC (MI) — Creative and industrious No.10 with a high work rate and excellent set-piece delivery. He’s a teammate who elevates those around him.

US Youth Soccer ODP Interregionals

• 2010 Midwest Region – Jordan Freemon (Toca FC 10B Elite (KS))
• 2010 Midwest Region – Brayden Escamilla (Indy Premier 10B NL (IN))
• 2010 Midwest Region – Jackson Gagel (Toca FC 10B Elite (KS))

TFA 10G NL (OH) will head to Mesa ready for the moment. The Ohio side’s dominant run through the NL Club Premier 1 Great Lakes last season included a 13-0-0 record, 51 goals scored, and seven goals allowed. That dominance propelled it to a Regional Championship and a semifinal finish at Nationals, but TFA will be looking for more this year.

Another team that reached the semifinals of the National Championships, DASC 10G Sparta 1 (SD), will hope to book a return ticket during the January event. The South Dakota side’s impressive season last year included an undefeated run through the NL Team Premier 1 Desert, led by its strong offense and a defense that allowed just one goal.

A proficient Ambassadors FC 10G (OH) lineup will also be a threat in Mesa. The Ohio side excels in all areas, which led it to a plus-32 goal differential and a first-place finish in the NL Team Premier 1 Great Lakes last year.

Taka Players to Watch

Players and descriptions provided by Taka.

Hannah Meese, Ambassadors FC (OH) — Creative, two-way winger with outstanding crossing ability and consistent end product.

Ellie Hickox, Pass FC (MI) — Complete forward who scores goals, links play effectively, and poses a constant attacking threat. Hickox is very dangerous and will cause issues for any defender.

US Youth Soccer ODP Interregionals

• 2010 Midwest Region – Ellie Hickox (PASS FC 2010G Navy (MI))

Months after winning the first National Championship in club history, Raiders FC 09 NL (IL) will start its journey of going back-to-back in Mesa. The Illinois side will welcome the challenge and has proven multiple times it rises to the occasion. In addition to its championship, Raiders went 5-1-2 to claim the NL Club Premier 1 Midwest title last season in a competitive race that went to the final game.

On the other side of both of Raiders’ triumphs in the 2024-25 season stood KCL Academy Red 09B (KS). The Kansas side fell just short of both the division crown and national title, and it may have more motivation than any other team at the January event after two runner-up finishes. KCL Academy will attempt to make a statement in Mesa.

ASA Juventus Elite 2009 (MD) is another team that will try to overtake the reigning champions by season’s end. The Maryland side’s only loss at last year’s National Championships came to Raiders, and its 6-0-3 record in the NL Team Premier 1 South Atlantic should give it confidence.

Taka Players to Watch

Players and descriptions provided by Taka.

Baltazar Mercante, Spire FC (OH) — Aggressive, front-foot center back who consistently steps in and drives forward to break lines.

Miguel Luis Canchola, Raiders FC (IL) — Strong, reliable defender with aggressive tackling, good timing, and composure in possession.

Evan Settlow, Parsippany SC (NJ) — Goalkeeper who consistently makes crucial saves and delivers under pressure when his team needs him most.

US Youth Soccer ODP Interregionals

• 2009 East Region – Carlos Morales (Atlantic United SB/LGN SC 09B MLS Academy Samurai Blue (NYE))
• 2009 Midwest Region – Marko Juretic (Millenium Soccer Academy 09B Black (IN))
• 2009 Midwest Region – Brayden Sailer (Toca FC 09B Elite (KS))

An impressive 2024-25 season saw Kononia Lady Fire 09/10G (TN) on the right end of a lot of results. Due to its plus-17 goal differential, the Tennessee side finished on top of a three-way tie for the NL Team Premier 1 Mid South title before becoming Regional Champions and also reaching the semifinals of the National Championships.

WHYFC 09G JASA (NC), last year’s NL Team Premier 1 Piedmont champions, should arrive at the January event as a top contender. The North Carolina side went 9-0-0 in division play and should find good results in Mesa if that confidence carries over.

Ambassadors FC 09G Blue (OH) also had a strong goal differential during its NL Team Premier 1 Great Lakes campaign in 2024-25. The Ohio side was plus-20 and went undefeated throughout its seven games, although its three draws led it to a second-place finish.

Taka Players to Watch

Players and descriptions provided by Taka.

Elizabeth Snowden, Club Ohio (OH) — 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.

Alexandra Marconi, Ambassadors FC (OH) — Tenacious defender with a keen eye for through balls, consistently setting attackers in behind.

Lainey Swackhamer, Nationals (MI) — Center forward with all-round striking ability, whose mazy dribbling consistently troubles defenders.

US Youth Soccer ODP Interregionals

• 2012 (Older) Midwest Region – Dublin Elam (DPA Cobras 09 Girls Showcase (OH))
• 2009 Midwest Region – Kortney Elbert (KCL Academy Red 2009 (KS))

On the heels of its miraculous run to the National Championship, JaHbat B2007 Premier (IL) — from the NL Team Premier 2 division — will attempt to run it back. Multiple players from last year’s team return and bring with them crucial experience.

PDA Hibernian 08B NL (NJ) figures to be a real challenger in Mesa. The New Jersey side finished in first place in the NL Club Premier 1 Northeast in both the 17U and 19U age groups last season and can carry that momentum over into the January event.

Perhaps no team in this group can score like Spire FC 07/08B Black NL (OH) can. During last season’s 14-game NL Club Premier 1 Great Lakes campaign, the Ohio club used an 11-2-1 record to finish in first place and found the back of the net 62 times. If opposing defenses aren’t alert from the jump, Spire will make them pay.

A second-place finish in the NL Team Premier 1 Midwest gave Galaxy SC 07B NL (IL) some momentum to earn a berth to the National Championships. While the Illinois side didn’t advance out of its competitive group, Galaxy will head to Mesa with high expectations.

Taka Players to Watch

Players and descriptions provided by Taka.

James Meinke, Spire FC (OH) — Quick and strong center back with excellent ball-playing ability, capable of breaking pressing lines and delivering long, accurate passes.

Angelo Marella, Spire FC (OH) — Modern full back with excellent link-up play, comfortable coming inside to receive in midfield pockets and influence the game.

Maximus Drishti, Future Soccer Academy (NJ) — Central defensive midfielder who executes the basics exceptionally well, efficiently protecting his defense and consistently finding attacking teammates in pockets or in behind.

US Youth Soccer ODP Interregionals

• 2009 East Region – Emmet Stitely (PSC Academy 2007/2008 Boys NL Premier (NJ))
• 2009 Midwest Region – Alexander Pretnik (FC 1974 Libertyville Elite-07/08B (IL))
• 2009 South Region – Jacob Inthavong (Solar 07B Sawyer (TX-N))

FW United FC 2007/08G NL (IN) reached the 50-goal mark en route to its 11-2-1, first-place finish in the NL Club Premier 1 Great Lakes last season. This team can rack up goals fast, and doing so led it to the National Championships. The Indiana side went 2-1-0 during the group stage at Nationals and will be aiming for a better finish this year.

One of the teams that FW United beat at Nationals, PCU 07/08G Black (OR), will also be a top challenger in Mesa. The Oregon side went undefeated in the NL Team Premier 1 Northwest after tallying an impressive 20 goals throughout five games. It will hope to bring more offensive fireworks next week.

After its club finished in the top three of both the 17U and 19U groups during NL Team Premier 1 South Atlantic play, Maryland Rush 07G Royals (MD) should have everyone’s attention. Both squads held impressive goal differentials, so this collection of players has multiple avenues to wear opponents down in Mesa.

Taka Players to Watch

Players and descriptions provided by Taka.

Briana Harvey, Nationals (MI) — Astute and strong defender, consistently winning 1-v-1 duels and providing reliability at the back.

Jane Rowe, Portland City United (OR) — Confident full back, comfortable on both sides and both feet, with the added threat of being a dangerous set-piece taker.