Standouts at ECNL New Jersey Showcase: Defenders
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Players Development Academy hosted a girls ECNL showcase over Memorial Day Weekend in Somerset, N.J. I was able to watch several games at the Morningside Farm and PDA Complex on the Saturday. Here’s a look at some of the defenders…
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Continue ReadingPlayers Development Academy hosted a girls ECNL showcase over Memorial Day Weekend in Somerset, N.J. I was able to watch several games at the Morningside Farm and PDA Complex on the Saturday. Here’s a look at some of the defenders that stood out to me at the event.
U17
Faith Leyba
Faith
Leyba
5'9" | D
Boulder Creek (AZ) | 2023
State
#104
Nation
AZ
, Defender, Utah Royals U17
Faith was very active on the back line as a center back against FC Bucks when they were pushing forward to try and find a way back into the game. It wasn’t always easy defending on a waterlogged pitch, but Faith got the job done.
Kearstyn Gladden
Kearstyn
Gladden
null | D
Etowah (GA) | 2023
GA
, Defender, United Futbol Academy U17
Gladden’s pace both in going forward and in recovery stood out as well as her strength fighting off attackers in a 2-1 win for United Futbol over Match Fit Academy.
Claire Stephens
Claire
Stephens
M
AZ
, Defender, Utah Royals U17
Stephens, a left back, deserves a shout out for just how busy she was trying to hold down a clean sheet for the Royals in their 2-0 win over FC Bucks. She did well to clear her lines on multiple occasions but most importantly did what needed to be done; she repeatedly did the safe and right thing, which isn’t always easy when under pressure on a wet surface.
Danielle Lynch
Danielle
Lynch
D
CA
, Defender, LAFC So Cal U17
Lynch was on the ball plenty in the game against Minnesota Thunder and showed a lot of poise cutting down chances for Minnesota and starting the attack the other way. She also picked her moments well to push forward.
Elaheh Sims
Elaheh
Sims
D
State
#131
Nation
CA
, Defender, De Anza Force U17
It wasn’t the best of days for the Force in their 3-0 loss to the Surf but I noticed Sims for her calm presence and ability to lead on the back line. She also covered a lot of ground, looked to pass through the lines and took several restarts in the game.
U16
Sydnee Smith
Sydnee
Smith
D
Klein Cain | 2024
TX
, Defender, Challenge SC U16
Playing in a messy game against Heat FC that Challenge SC won 5-2, Smith impressed with her recovery speed and her ability to push forward into the attack on the left flank.
Annarose Wheatle
Annarose
Wheatle
M
FL
, Defender, Tampa Bay United U16
Wheatle showed a combination of quickness and strength playing as a wingback for Tampa Bay United in their 2-1 win over Slammers FC.
U15
Keira Taylor
Keira
Taylor
null | D
NC
, Defender, NC Courage U15
Taylor helped anchor a Courage back line in the game I saw them play against Penn Fusion that was under a great deal of pressure, but her positioning and play blocking shots and deny chances helped keep Penn Fusion off the scoresheet.
Helena Walker
Helena
Walker
M
State
PA
, Defender, Pittsburgh Riverhounds U15
Walker stood out to me both in defending from the right back position and going forward, combining with the Riverhounds several attacking weapons in the final third.
Elizabeth Semenac, Defender, Cleveland Force U15
Semenac anchored a Force back line that had plenty to do against a tough attacking Wilmington Hammerheads team. Her calmness clearing her lines, playing the ball out of danger and leading the defense was on display in an exciting 2-2 draw.