Elite Friendlies Standouts: Top Defenders & Goal Keepers

FORT WORTH, TX: The Elite Friendlies gave the best and brightest young players from the region a chance to show their talents before the regular season began. As a continuation of my last article focusing on forwards, this article will shine the light on the defenders and goal keepers from the U16-U19 (2007-2004) age groups who turned heads at the Elite Friendlies.

Natalie Meyers, Goal Keeper, NTX Celtic RL NTX U18/19

Natalie is a technical and athletically gifted goal keeper who has great shot saving abilities. She has good hands which lets her hang on to shots other keepers would struggle with. Her movement is impressive, and she is athletic enough to make difficult acrobatic saves. Natalie is a great leader from the back and communicates very well. She has a good touch and passing skills, making her a great keeper to play out of the back with. What might be Natalie's most impressive feature is her skills with the ball at her feet, rivaling that of some field players.

[player_tooltip player_id='26359' first='Trinity' last='Morken'], Goal Keeper, Solar South 06 Girls (Adames)

Trinity is a goal-keeper who has a natural presence in the net. She uses her height and strength to command her box.  She is particularly good when it comes to saving one on ones and breakaways. Her quick reflexes combined with her technical ability and size make her a difficult goal keeper to beat.

Gabby Payne, Goal Keeper, Lonestar 07 GA

Gabby is a talented and athletic goal keeper. She is great when it comes to her ability to make diving saves, really showing off her athleticism. Her quick reflexes contribute to her capabilities to make reaction and kick saves. Gabby is the type of goal keeper that can make a difference and keep her side in the game.

[player_tooltip player_id='26927' first='Kiara' last='Gilmore'], Defender, FC Dallas 07 ECNL G

Kiara is a lock down defender who is a leader at the back. She has height, strength, speed, and a good vertical which makes her difficult to deal with in the air. Her positioning is fantastic; she has a keen sense of anticipation, allowing her to intercept passes and be the first one to the ball. Kiara is a physical player, strong tackler, and doesn't lose many 50/50 challenges. She is fast enough to chase down attackers. She is great on the ball and can go forward to join the attack. Kiara has the athleticism, technical ability, and IQ that would allow her to be effective anywhere on the pitch.

Ireland Baity, Defender, FC Dallas 07 ECNL G

Ireland is a defender with loads of athleticism. Her speed is the first thing you will notice about her, and she makes it hard for attackers to run in behind her or beat her 1v1. She also uses her quick pace to be an effective wing back. Ireland has all the physical attributes you would want in a defender.

Makayla Thinger, Defender, Lonestar SC 04/05G GA

Makayla is a fit and fast outside back. Her positioning is excellent and she always seems to be in the right place at the right time. She is a lock down defender who is very difficult to beat one on one. Her ability to track and mark attackers is solid, and helps her to be particularly effective defending set pieces. Makayla uses her speed to get up and down the pitch very quickly, allowing her to join in on the attack from the wing. She makes smart decisions when it comes to making tackles, and her slide-tackles are impeccable.