ECNL Girls National Finals: 09 Defenders Preview

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Slammers FC HB Koge: [player_tooltip player_id='112212' first='Laney' last='Brucker'] and [player_tooltip player_id='112215' first='Willow' last='Hutchins'] will feature for a Slammers side that won all four of their matches in Seattle, averaging a 3:1 goals advantage over their opponents throughout the National Playoffs. However, the pair will look to reduce their concessions even further as they start the Elite 8 on Wednesday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":189801,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/07/surf09.jpg?w=639" alt="" class="wp-image-189801" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Prep Soccer</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>San Diego Surf G09: [player_tooltip player_id='144824' first='Jenna' last='Huynh'] [player_tooltip player_id='112224' first='Lolly' last='Mirhashemi'] [player_tooltip player_id='146353' first='Piper' last='Sistek'] [player_tooltip player_id='147435' first='Addison' last='Dean'] This group were dominant in Seattle, refusing to concede even once in group play, and then establishing their dominance even further by supporting a 4-1 victory in the Round of 16. This group is a heavy favorite going into the Elite 8, and with the numbers they've already put up, it's not hard to see why.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>PDA G09: <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/player/lulu-wenger/">Lulu Wenger</a> and <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/player/sandra-oneill-2/">Sandra O'Neill</a> led PDA to a pair of shutouts and outstanding defensive performances as they worked through the field in Seattle. Now their backline will be tested further as they aim to make a run at the ECNL trophy taking on KC Athletics.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":189805,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/07/penn09-crop-683x449-1720369349.jpg?w=682" alt="" class="wp-image-189805" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Photo: Prep Soccer</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Penn Fusion G09: [player_tooltip player_id='157995' first='Mary' last='Orobono'] [player_tooltip player_id='157168' first='Isabelle' last='Haag'] [player_tooltip player_id='110967' first='Danielle-Liz' last='Esaka'] Battle tested through a slew of close encounters at the National Playoffs, Penn Fusion's defenders come into Richmond looking for a little breathing room when it comes to their obligatory duties. Each match in Seattle for this side resulted in a 1 goal victory, so there's evidence that this group can grind out a match if necessary to advance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->