Preview : Boys ECNL Kick-off 2026 at ECNL Florida Showcase
Written by Gabe Henderson
Scorpions SC rings in the new year from Lakewood Ranch and Seminole Park, with boys teams participating in ECNL Florida showcase events.
“Any time you head into a major showcase early in the season, it highlights both strengths and areas that still need work,” Scorpions SC Boys Director Correy Couch said. “The key focus will be conditioning and match fitness, as we need to be able to play 80 minutes of high-tempo, high-quality soccer.”
The showcase presents each squad with a unique opportunity to put its hard work to the test early in the campaign against top competition from across the United States.
“You are facing not only some of the most technically gifted players in the country, but also some of the best overall athletes,” Couch said. “The games are faster-paced, more physical and more demanding. When you combine that athleticism with high-level technical ability, it really highlights how challenging and competitive the ECNL platform is.”
Scorpions SC will be represented by four teams in Florida, with the U19 ECNL National, U19 ECNL Regional, U17 ECNL National and U16 ECNL National sides all in action. “Our U19 ECNL National and ECNL Regional teams have looked very strong throughout preseason, and we are hoping to see both sides come away with winning records at the showcase,” Couch said.
“The U19 ECNL National team has a very talented central midfielder in Samuel Ospina, who was part of the NEPSAC championship-winning Mount Saint Charles team. For the U19 ECNL Regional team, Cristiano Rodrigues has had a phenomenal fall season with his high school and comes in as a high school all-star striker. Both Samuel and Cristiano have also been selected to participate in their ECNL All-Star and ECNL RL All-Star games, which speaks volumes about their quality.”
Whereas the attack and midfield are the areas to watch for the U19 teams, Couch believes all eyes will be on the defense when the 2008/09 ECNL team takes the pitch.
“Our U17 ECNL Boys feature a very strong centerback in Camilo Ramirez, who has recently been on trial in Spain,” Couch said. “We are excited to have Camilo back with Scorpions for the ECNL showcase.”
Meanwhile, the U16 ECNL will debut a new-look front-line in the upcoming campaign. “We’ve added some real attacking strength this offseason with Cameron George, Michael Fernandez and Damian Monteiro, who will complement the very talented Cal Holmes up front,” Couch said. “We are excited to see how the group performs together during their ECNL showcase games.”
Scorpions SC has an abundance of talent on display this weekend, but the focus remains on the group every time the teams take the pitch. “The coaching staff will be looking to the team captains to help drive standards on the field, setting the tone physically, mentally, and emotionally throughout each match,” Couch said. “We will judge success by how well the boys perform across all four key areas of the game: physically, mentally, technically, and tactically. We want to see if we can compete at a high level, control the tempo of matches, and consistently create goal-scoring opportunities.”
At the end of the day, the club realizes the privilege it has to compete on such a prestigious stage. “It’s a huge honor to be part of these showcases, and I wish all of the boys the very best,” Couch said. “I am extremely proud of our players, staff, and the overall progress we’ve made as a program. These events give us a tremendous opportunity to positively impact the futures of our players, with so many college coaches in attendance watching them compete.”
Scorpions SC begins play in The Sunshine State on Friday, Jan. 2, with the 2007/08 ECNL Regional side taking on Fort Lauderdale United FC. Kickoff is slated for noon ET from Seminole Soccer Complex Stadium. Showcase matches are available via live stream throughout the weekend here.
Gabe Henderson
Freelance Sports Editor, Copywriter
+1 (832) 233-2406
