FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 1, 2026

HTX Boys ECNL Teams Compete at ECNL National Playoffs

Houston, Texas — Four HTX ECNL boys teams (ECNL 13B, 12B, 10B, 09B) traveled to Surf Sports Park, San Diego, CA to compete in the ECNL Playoffs held June 25 - July 2. The event brought together top U13 through U18/19 teams from across the country, all competing for the opportunity to extend their season and earn a place at the ECNL National Finals in Virginia on July 17-19.

The ECNL Regional League Playoffs serve as a critical pathway to postseason success, bringing together qualifying teams that have earned their place through strong performances during the regular season. The atmosphere at Surf Sports Park Complex reflected the significance of the event, with hundreds of players competing for the chance to continue their journey on the national stage in front of college coaching staff and scouts

Reflecting on the club's performance, HTX Boys Director Dave Dengerink and the coaching staff praised the collective effort that led to one of the program's strongest postseason showings.

"Having four teams qualify for the ECNL National Playoffs is a fantastic achievement for our boys program and a testament to the hard work that has gone in throughout the entire season," said Dave Dengerink, Boys Director. "The program has had a tremendous year.  We’ve set a new standard with the number of teams that qualified for playoffs and will be diligently preparing to compete again next year!"

"The success of our four ECNL National Playoff qualifiers is a reflection of the commitment, hard work, and excellence that define our boys program," said Alex Cardenas, Boys Academy Director. "Congratulations to our players for their incredible effort and commitment, our coaching staff for their outstanding leadership and dedication, and our parents and families for the unwavering support they provide throughout the year. This has been an outstanding season for our program, setting a new benchmark with a record number of teams qualifying for the playoffs. We're proud of everything our program has accomplished and are excited to continue building on this success next season."

Coaching Staff Present: Dave Dengerink (Boys Director), Alex Cardenas (Boys Academy Director), Miguel Becerra (Head Coach), Mauricio Leon (GK Coach), Jorge Escobar (ECNL-RL South Director), Alan Cuevas (Catalyst Director).

To find an HTX Soccer program near you for any age or experience level, visit www.htxsoccer.com

About HTX Soccer

HTX Soccer is the largest youth soccer club in the Greater Houston area, with over 8,500 players ranging from recreational to elite levels, ages 3 to 19. Serving a 100-mile radius from Downtown Houston, HTX represents the true heart of soccer in the city and its surrounding communities. Since 2006, HTX has helped more than 820 players advance to collegiate soccer, more than any other club in the region. The club has also seen 67 players selected for youth national team activities, and 18 players go on to play professionally around the world.

HTX’s elite boys’ teams compete in the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL), while the elite girls’ teams participate in the Girls Academy (G.A.) League, both top-tier platforms in U.S. youth soccer.

HTX Soccer is proud to be home to:
🏆 2026 U13 Girls Academy Champions Cup Finalists
🏆 2025 U15 Girls Academy Champions Cup National Finalists
🏆 2025 U19 Girls Academy Champions Cup National Champions
🏆 🏆 Back-to-back USYS U13 Girls National Champions (2024 & 2025)

HTX continues to set the standard for youth soccer development and competition locally, regionally, and nationally.

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