ECNL Houston Top-Tier Fullbacks

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Houston hosted the latest ECNL Girls National Event on President's Day weekend, with 225 teams from all over the country competing across five divisions at two venues in the region from Friday to Sunday. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Some of the best talent of American club soccer was in attendance and so was Prep Soccer. We covered the last two days of the event and have already shared our first impressions about some of the individual standouts from Sunday (<a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2023/02/ecnl-houston-day-2-standouts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Recap</a> | <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2023/02/ecnl-houston-day-2-photo-gallery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Photo Gallery</a>) and Monday (<a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2023/02/ecnl-houston-day-3-standouts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Recap</a> | <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2023/02/ecnl-houston-day-3-photo-gallery/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Photo Gallery</a>).</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We'll continue to highlight the most impressive players we got to see in action over the week, but now splitting them by position. Today we'll look into some fullbacks who were very efficient on both sides of the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["22217"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Mailander was very active on the left side of Eclipse Select SC 08 on Monday, when they topped GSA 08 4-0. She played some offensive-minded soccer, driving the ball forward any time she saw an opportunity to do it. Mailander has very good technical skills but is also a tall and athletic player, being very difficult to dispossess. She's pretty resourceful too, being capable of beating opponents off the dribble or finding teammates with good passes and crosses. The fullback is solid on defense too and uses her size well to intercept and deflect long passes.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63f64191d4d29"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://x.com/EclipseSelectSC/status/1627703708812210178?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/EclipseSelectSC/status/1627703708812210178?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["27303"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Lavender split her time into two different roles at FC Dallas 07's backline during the match against SlSG Navy 07 on Sunday. She started as a center back but then moved to the right, a position where she can fully exploit all the positives of her game. Originally a forward, Lavender has good pace and vision and that makes of her a productive player when she pushes forward down the flank. She's extremely solid defensively too, using her athleticism to put pressure on opponents and her proficiency in 1v1 duels to shut her side of the field down.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63f64191d4d91"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://x.com/grtorres/status/1627347826316386304?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/grtorres/status/1627347826316386304?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Other Positional Standouts:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul><!-- wp:list-item --> <li><a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2023/02/ecnl-houston-elite-goalkeepers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Goalkeepers</a></li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["27643"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Lozada was a stud playing on the left side of Richmond United 07's defense. A very physical player, she used her strength and great positioning to stop plays and was very impactful on the offensive side of the game too against the Colorado Rapids 07. Lozada made good runs from the left and combined well with her teammates to create chances. A right-footed fullback playing on the left, she was solid with her movement and often brought the ball inside to be in a better position to connect passes and make plays.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63f64191d4dec"} /--> <!-- wp:image {"id":98967,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/02/IMG_1714-1.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-98967" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Richmond United 07 vs. Colorado Rapids 07</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["20540"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Sobel displayed great versatility on the backline of Colorado Rapids 07, playing on both sides with the same efficiency. She displayed more of a defensive-minded style against Richmond United 07 and was very solid with her actions, creating difficulties for the opponents who attacked her side of the field. Sobel didn't push forward very often during the match, but played an important role in the team's buildup, always offering a passing option to the center backs and midfielders.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63f64191d4e43"} /--> <!-- wp:image {"id":100495,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/02/IMG_1727.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-100495" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["27267"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"A very dynamic player, Jacobs started Monday's match against United Futbol Academy 08 on the left side of Sting Austin 08's backline. She was very solid on the defensive side of the game, using her quickness to intercept passes and her tackling ability to win balls. Jacobs was also very active when in possession, taking the ball to the end line with her dribbling ability and making crosses to the team's forwards. She switched to a defensive midfield role later on and maintained the same level of intensity, covering a lot of ground and shielding the backline very well.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63f64191d4e99"} /--> <!-- wp:image {"id":99591,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2023/02/IMG_1908.jpg?w=876" alt="" class="wp-image-99591" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sting Austin 08 vs. United Futbol Academy 08</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Avril Clark","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"101","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Gulf Breeze","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"GSA","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"When I watched Clark in action with GSA 08, her team was defeated 4-0, but she still stood out for her defensive capabilities. Playing on the right side of the backline, she was really difficult to beat because of her great positioning and her ability to get on the way. Her tackles were really well-time and even she made a couple of sliding ones, she was very clean with them. Although her team was under pressure for most of the time, Clark also displayed a solid offensive game, making good runs and connecting good passes.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63f64191d4f60"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://x.com/grtorres/status/1627696612360306690?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/grtorres/status/1627696612360306690?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["26706"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"O'Sullivan was another player to do a competent job on the left side of the backline. Playing for Dallas Texans 06, she was in great form on Sunday, against the Washington Premier 06. O'Sullivan was great defensively, making interceptions and reading plays well to get in position before her opponents. She was also very solid in possession, making good runs down the left flank and connecting good passes at both the back and the attacking third.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63f64191d4fba"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://x.com/grtorres/status/1627330658342252544?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/grtorres/status/1627330658342252544?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["26669"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Andrews was one of the several talented players of the Solar SC 06 team that registered three wins and three shutouts in the event. I watched her in action against Crossfire Premier 06 on Sunday and she was rock solid at right back. Andrews is a strong defensive player with good instincts and excellent decision-making who takes great care of her area in the field. She also displayed an interesting offensive game, widening the field with her runs and making good passes in the final third.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-63f66226b2c09"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://x.com/EmersonAndrews8/status/1627835696932089856?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://x.com/EmersonAndrews8/status/1627835696932089856?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed -->