ECNL PHX Standouts – Aerial Duel Specialists

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>PHOENIX, Arizona - The ECNL National Event at the Reach 11 Complex wrapped up on Sunday. The event featured some of the best teams in the country in the 09, 08, and 07/06 age groups.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>From the games, there were certain attributes that stood out. One trait that was common on the winning sides was having a player (or players) who would also win the aerial duels. Below is a scouting report on some of the players who stood out for having that prowess. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["272290"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6734f9832b9ea"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">White soared above the competition in the Desert. In her first ECNL event, White showed why she is among the best of the best in the country. Her aerial dominance on set pieces certainly stood out from the crowd as the Hawks star leapt over defenders to win headers and be a consistent target for her side. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["82545"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6734f88b2b00e"} --> <!-- wp:image {"id":272291,"sizeSlug":"medium","linkDestination":"none","align":"right"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-medium"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/11/JulietHaras-Legends08.jpg?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-272291"/></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Haras is a talented and versatile player who has been a key piece for this Legends squad. One aspect of her game that seems under appreciated is her aerial dominance. She is a towering figure on the field, and she uses her height as an asset. She was regularly clearing the service away from Real Colorado with her vertical advantage.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["112188"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6734f88b2b08d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The LAFC So Cal 09 defender scored on a goal on a gorgeous header off of a corner kick. She rose above the opposition with a powerful, unstoppable shot. Jesic was a key piece of the defense that recorded two shutouts in Arizona. The left center back was a weapon in the attack for her side and an asset defensively.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["112175"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6734f88b2b0df"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Maroney, perhaps, should have been on the standout defenders list as well. She was outstanding for Slammers. Maroney's play on the cross and handling of long clearances showed her quality in the aerial duel. Her height and athleticism certainly give her an advantage, but her understanding of the flight of the ball and anticipation set her apart. Maroney was excellent in all facets. I thought he distribution was among the best from the center backs at the event.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["272273"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6734f88b2b122"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jenkins impressed me with her play all over the field. The captain of the Legends squad helped her team to an undefeated weekend in Phoenix. There were some moments when she did well in battling an aerial duels that stood out. She has a knack for reading the flight of the ball - feels like she might be a multi-sport athlete. She was especially good at getting into the right position to cleanly win possession on second balls too. Jenkins play in the center of the field set the tone of her side.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["272280"],"_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":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6734f88b2b161"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Plunkett was very good in the game against Slammers. She was getting on the end of every dropkick from the opposing goalkeeper. She was involved in the attacking third trying to get her head on service. Plunkett was equally as good on the ball. She made quick decisions and helped set up chances for her teammates.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->