The ECNL’s first national event takes place this weekend in Phoenix as 36 clubs join for weekend matches. This is the first of five national events sponsored by the ECNL during the 2011-2012 season, all leading up to the ECNL National Championship next July in Chicago.

Since teams from across the country gather in Phoenix almost every match this weekend will be cross-conference. Although clubs will play teams from across the country, though these games will carry equal weight in the conference standings. Here are a few games of interest to keep an eye on this weekend. Under-18s

Arsenal (3-0-0) vs. Charlotte SA (5-2-1): Arsenal has not allowed a goal all year. Charlotte needs to win to move into first place in Southeast.

Slammers (5-0-0) vs. Dallas Texans (3-0-0): Undefeated teams both sit in first in their conference. Slammers has scored 21 goals and allowed just one. Texans have a 12-2 goal advantage.

San Diego Surf (2-1-1) vs. Sockers (3-3-1): New club from Chicago can compete with anyone, including the defending national champs.

Under-17

So Cal Blues (2-1-0) vs. Eclipse Select (7-0-0): This SoCal team, led in scoring by Taylor Alderete, threatens to hand Eclipse its first lost.

Real Colorado (5-1-0) vs. Mustang (2-0-0): It’s still early for Mustang, who has not allowed a goal yet. Real looks to rebound after its first loss of the season.

Slammers (4-1-0) vs. CASL Chelsea (4-0-2): This could be a tale of two goal scorers: Samantha Trenary and Joanna Boyles for CASL. Each leads their team in goals.

U16

Lonestar (6-1-1) vs. Sereno (3-1-1): Every player on Lonestar is a threat. Sereno had a streak of three straight shutouts and will need stellar defense in this match.

KCFC (6-0-0) vs. So Cal Blues (2-1-0): KCFC has scored 28 goals in six matches while allowing just two. This is huge test for So Cal.

Heat (2-2-2) vs. Real So Cal (2-0-0): This battle for Flight B squads may turn into a largely defensive match.