Rankings Analysis: Defenders and GKs Shine in New Jersey 2027s

<!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center"} --> <p class="has-text-align-center"><strong>USE PROMO CODE JR30 for a discount on your first subscription </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The PrepSoccer State Player Rankings from the New Jersey class of 2027 were released this week. Check out the full list here. Learn more about <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/how-we-rank/">the PrepSoccer rankings process here</a>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Just as a reminder: the PrepSoccer state rankings use a player's club for the state ranking. For instance, players in the New Jersey rankings play their high school soccer in Pennsylvania, but their club is located in New Jersey so they are considered for the New Jersey ranking. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Best Center Backs </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["110890"],"_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":"u003cp class=u0022p1u0022u003eDonahue is a defender on the PDA 09 Blue ECNL team. She plays as the right center back for that team. She is an outstanding defender. She is light on her feet. She never gets caught on her heels so she deflects and intercepts passes at an exceptionally high rate. Anecdotally, she did this in every game in Richmond on the PDA run to the championship. Midfielders and wingers would test her with passes that would get past most center backs because they would be off-balance in their body control while retreating. Donahue's athletic stance gave her the opportunity to block off those passes and shut down chances for the opposition. It's a small part of game, but it's remarkable impactful at the youth level. It also suggests she has the foot speed to keep up with the increase in game speed as she progresses. Donahue is a good passer - she hits accurate passes with pace. I think her defensive qualities are the strong point of her game though and the reason she will continue to be a top defender for a long time.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["143834"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"u003cp class=u0022p1u0022u003eO'Neill is a defender for the PDA 09 Blue ECNL team. She has been called into the US Soccer Talent ID Center events in the past. She usually plays in the center of the back three for her club team. I think she could be a left or right center back in a back four formation. She tends to be the last line of defense for her side. PDA went through the ECNL playoffs and only conceded one goal, which should speak to O'Neil as well as the team as a whole. She was exceptional in every knock-out game. Her timing in the tackle and ability to stand up some of the top forwards in the club game really showed that she is among the best in her position.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":2,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65a6de70994da"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1cprcOIAS4","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1cprcOIAS4 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["111080"],"_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":"u003cp class=u0022p1u0022u003eDeStefano is listed as a midfielder on her player profile, but it looked like she was playing center back during the most recent ECNL National Event. The versatile player might have found a long-term home in that role. She was excellent. She has the traits to be a top center back in a back-three type of formation. She does well on the ball especially hitting accurate passes into the midfielders feet. She is one to watch for the rest of the club season as she could be a rapid riser in the rankings.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["110994"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"u003cp class=u0022p1u0022u003eShamali is a defender on the Real JFC 09 GA team. She previously played in ECNL for PDA. Shamali plays the right center back role for Real JFC. She takes most of the free kicks for her side. She strikes the ball well in dead ball situations. She is a great defender as the last line of defense. Good pace to match the speedy forwards and the height to win aerial duels against the tall targets. Shamali is one to watch this season as she makes her debut campaign in the Girls Academy.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["158848"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"u003cp class=u0022p1u0022u003eJazzy Marrero is a center back on the Real JFC 09 GA team. She also plays for the Puerto Rico youth national team. Marrero is a strong defender. Athletic, quick, and intelligent, she possesses the traits required for the position. Marrero is a good passer and hits her passes with pace and accuracy. She could improve on her one-touch clearances. She has a slight tendency to reach when trying to clear the ball. A slight adjustment to the way she approaches the ball in those situations will provide her with an easier path to correctly hitting the ball accurately consistently.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":3,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65a6de70995b5"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Best Outside Backs </h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["158344"],"_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":"u003cp class=u0022p1u0022u003eWenger is a defender/midfielder for STA GA 09. She also plays defense for Randolph Varsity. She is one of the top ranked players from the Girls Academy in New Jersey. There is a future pathway for Wenger to play a number of roles, but outside back seems the safest bet for the next level. She offers a dynamic two-way threat at the position. She is among the best left backs in this class and could develop into one of the best in the nation at that position as she continues to refine her qualities from that role in the attack. Wenger is a highly rated talent at the club level and has been part of Talent ID events at the Girls Academy and US Soccer level.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["158345"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"u003cp class=u0022p1u0022u003eTsapatsaris is a midfielder on her player profile. I think she's a perfect candidate to be a wingback in the future so we're listing her among the defenders. She looked like she played in a more advanced role sometimes for her high school team - but also featured as outside back. She is a terrific two-way player. Sharp in the tackle and quick on the counter, Tsapatsaris offers a strong foundation for a prospect in that role. Her upside is obvious as she is creative enough to play as a winger and strong enough defensive 1v1 to be an outstanding outside back.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":2,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65a6de7099650"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/15754499/6556708515f70905d87db0dd' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65a6de70996f8"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["23835"],"_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":"u003cp class=u0022p1u0022u003eBialek is a defender on the Match Fit 08 ECNL team. She is one of the captain's of her club team. I've primarily seen her play on the outside back spots. She can either play left or right back. I thought she was initially left footed because she looked so comfortable on that side of the defense. However, she took a free kick with her right foot so she is truly a two-foot player. Bialek has been excellent at the 08 level. Her quality on the ball initially jumps out compared to her peers. She has a high skill level for an outside back and does well evading the pressure with her ability to get past players going either direction. Bialek is a sound defender. She has good technique in duels and has a strong tactical understanding.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65a6de7099758"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18845954/65a58cb390f9b20b40d577e6' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65a6de709977b"} /--> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Best Goalkeepers</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["24060"],"_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":"u003cp class=u0022p1u0022u003eZaldarriaga is a goalkeeper on the PDA 08 Blue ECNL team. She is also part of the Argentina U17 Women's National Team. She was a standout for the PDA 08 side during the playoffs last season. With her physical profile and altheticism, she can cover the whole frame of the game. She's made some jaw-dropping saves in the past. Her international experience will definitely catch the eyes of scouts as they assess the top prospects in the most important position on the field from the freshman group in New Jersey.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65a6de70997ce"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fr7pwjZF7ls","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fr7pwjZF7ls </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["24048"],"_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":"u003cp class=u0022p1u0022u003eBauer is a goalkeeper on the Match Fit Academy 09 ECNL. She was outstayed in goal last season in ECNL. The ECNL season is still young for the 09 age group so Bauer hasn't put too much on tape from this club season. She was outstanding at the high school level for Marlboro. The goalkeeper is a good shot-stopper. She is athletic and a good diver. She is good on the distribution with a strong right foot and good technique on her drop kick. Bauer is a key player at the youth level and should be one to watch moving forward.u003c/pu003e","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65a6de709982b"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/15152659/6446ce91041d6f0c18fd20b4' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65a6de7099875"} /-->