Keepers with unlimited potential in 2026 class

A keeper is often judged simply by how many shots they stop or goals they allow, but there is so much more to being a keeper. In this second feature of focusing on the top ten keepers in the class of 2026 in California, here are five more incredible keepers who not only stop shots, but do everything very well. From playing the ball at their feet to directing the defense to commanding their area, these keepers are the cream of the crop.   [player_tooltip player_id='19290' first='Cora' last='Bryant'], MVLA   Bryant is an excellent shot stopper, first and foremost, as she came through with huge saves all season long at Los Gatos High and has done the same for the MVLA Inter 2008 team. She loves playing the keeper position as you can see she plays with passion and energy. She lives for making saves that seemed destined for goal as she goes left and right very well, getting most out of her frame.   [player_tooltip player_id='19164' first='Avarie' last='Gonzalez'], Slammers HBK   Gonzalez is not afraid of the big moments, does not mind if an attacker gets in behind 1v1 and it is almost as if she welcomes it. She steps up in these moments, reacting quickly and closing down the space with tenacity. She has a great eye for the game as she sees things develop and reacts accordingly, seeming to be in the right spot all of the time. Her positioning is excellent. She plays absolutely without fear, and is incredibly physical and strong. She has a long, lean and athletic frame which allows her to move quickly, to react in a split second and she uses her strength to win loose balls in the box. She is an excellent shot stopper who really stands out when it comes to stopping penalties. She has come up huge many times, including 2023 when she helped her club, Slammers HB Koge, reach the Elite Eight by making two penalty saves in the round of 16 as you can see <a href="https://x.com/AvarieGoalie/status/1675499245049364480">here</a>. She is quite comfortable playing the ball at her feet, showing great ability to distribute. She's also a vocal player who directs her defenders, and they are very responsive to her. She has been with Slammers HBK for four years, going into her fifth year next season.   [player_tooltip player_id='20057' first='Peyton' last='Trayer'], Slammers HBK   Fast. Bold. Strong. Those are just a few of the many adjectives that come to mind when you see Trayer play. The Slammers HBK keeper is, simply put, a stud. She is lightning quick, as she gets to balls that you would not imagine a keeper getting to. She reads attackers well, so she is positioned well. She is unafraid to sacrifice her body to come out for a ball, and if she collides with an opposing player, she's the one usually left standing. She has a big leg so she can distribute all over the pitch and is very poised on the ball. She is one of the most active, brave keepers you will find.   [player_tooltip player_id='82439' first='Giulianna' last='Vargas'], Sporting California   Vargas is a very brave keeper, who plays for Sporting CA's Arsenal FC. She is fearless when coming out for crosses and set pieces, sacrificing her body with no fear. She has good hands and does not lose concentration when in the air. She distributes well, showing the ability to find an outside back with a throw or to send a long ball to the midfield, with accuracy. She also makes big saves and is an improving shot stopper.   [player_tooltip player_id='20330' first='Vivian' last='Wheeler'], San Juan SC   Wheeler is an improving keeper who was incredible at Pleasant Grove High and is doing very well with her San Juan SC 2007 ECNL team. She shows quality in all facets of her game, as she is particularly skilled with stopping shots. She has strong hands and does not spill a lot of balls, and she is able to generate a lot of coverage of her goal. With athleticism she can get down very quickly or tip a ball over, reacting fast to shots that are sent in with power. She is a commanding presence in the box and is really growing as a leader.

A keeper is often judged simply by how many shots they stop or goals they allow, but there is so much more to being a keeper. In this second feature of focusing on the top ten keepers in the class of 2026 in California, here are five more incredible keepers who not only stop shots, but do everything very well. From playing the ball at their feet to directing the defense to commanding their area, these keepers are the cream of the crop.