Duel-winners: Outside backs who shined in Phoenix

PHOENIX, Arizona - Perhaps the most unheralded spot on the field is the outside back. The position can be overlooked as successful players in those roles aren't in the spotlight that often or even involved in the play much after one or two times shutting down the opposition.    During the scouting efforts the ECNL National Event, we put a concentrated effort on position-specific scouting. Below is a list of the outside backs that stood out from the games.     Baskin played left back for Sting in the win over Wilmington Hammerheads. She impressed me with her positioning off the ball. She did well in getting off her mark to make plays on the ball and be positioned to intercept passes. She was active going forward as well and played in some key passes. She looks like a top talent to watch in the 2028 class in Texas.      Rodriguez was outstanding against FC Wisconsin. She shut down the opposition on two separate occasions with excellent 1v1 defending. She got forward and joined the attack too including hitting a shot that smashed off the crossbar and was unlucky not to score.      Skol is a defender who can lock down players in 1v1 situations. I saw in the right back spot and thought she had a great all-around game. She was calm on the ball and made good decisions in possession. She was in the right spots defensively to help shut down the opposition.      Gissendanner starred in her role at right back. She was active getting forward, but she was also unpredictable in her approach. She would take players on the dribble, but also look for the early pass when it was on. She was quick and physical defensively. She shut down the opposition with her play.      Hall showed off a great all-around game during the Showcase Event. She was excellent in the win over Tulsa. She intercepted passes with her expert positioning. She quickly started the counter attack. Hall's quality on both sides of the ball really stood out from the play.

PHOENIX, Arizona - Perhaps the most unheralded spot on the field is the outside back. The position can be overlooked as successful players in those roles aren't in the spotlight that often or even involved in the play much after one or two times shutting down the opposition.