ECNL PHX Standouts: Top Center Backs with Brickwall Defense

PHOENIX, Arizona - Prep Soccer was on hand with multiple scouts for the ECNL National Event at the Reach 11 Sports Complex. Below are the players who stood out for their defensive play from the games I saw in person at the event.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/11/AvaCollier-Nationals08.jpg?w=1024" alt="Ava Collier of Nationals 08 ECNL blocks an attempt from the opposition. " class="wp-image-272110"/></figure>    Cotten helped create the first goal for Sting in the win over Wilmington Hammerheads. Her accurate service from long distance forced a clearance that resulted in an own goal. Cotten stood out for her play defensively. She shut down the opposition with her tackling, interceptions, and organizing skills for her side.      Sexton's play against Eclipse Select 09 was highlight-reel worthy. She does so well in her positioning that it is frustrating playing against her because she's always in the right spot. She also showed great patience when she won possession of the ball. She never mindlessly booted the ball forward, she always would survey her options and make the choice that would help her team retain possession.      Chung had some saves off the line in the battle against Sting Royal 09. She never quit on the play and showed the soccer smarts to get back behind the goalkeeper to help block off a chance on a breakaway.     <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-medium"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/11/DawsonCochrane-Hammerheads09.jpg?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-272104"/></figure>   Cochrane was a bright spot on the Hammerheads defense against a talent Pateadores side. She battled against the dynamic midfield and quick attackers from her center back spot. She helped secure the victory from the final day of the event.      <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-medium"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/11/RhiMahon-PeytonMarinos.jpg?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-272106"/></figure>   Despite being extremely shorthanded, Mahon and Solar still had a stellar showing in Phoenix. The US Youth National Team defender was playing right center back when I saw the Solar squad on Sunday. She battled against So Cal Blues star [player_tooltip player_id='20055' first='Peyton' last='Marinos']. It was a tough ask, and Mahon did extremely well on the day.      <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-medium"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/11/AllisonHeasty-Rapids09.jpg?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-272107"/></figure>   Heasty had a stellar outing for Rapids in the final day of the event. The center back impressed with her tenacious tackling and fearless approach. She jumped into tackles with her long legs and won the battle with her excellent technique. She was the leader for her side and played a crucial role in the victory on the day.      <figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-medium"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/11/NadiaLeunig-Rush08.jpg?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-272108"/></figure>   Leunig could probably play up to four spots on the field at the next level. She has the chops to play center back, the intelligence to play defensive midfield, and the cutthroat attacking instincts to be a forward. There was one play on Sunday that stood out to me when she made an athletic slide to cut out a pass. It showed her elite understanding of passing lanes and how to trick an opponent into playing a pass that looks open, but she clearly was going to stop it.     Bundy was excellent against Legends, which is one of the most difficult teams to play against with their talent all over the attack. Bundy also offered service into the attack with her excellent passing.      Jernigan is a star in her role for her team. She was outstanding on Sunday in the win over Colorado Rush. She shut down numerous attacks and was the catalyst for beginning the transition forward for her side. Jernigan has a bright future at center back.      It felt like the Rush team was under pressure through much of the first half against Hawks, but Rudden met the challenge and excelled in difficult circumstances. She won a number of tackles and stood up players in the open field. She is an exception 1v1 defender in the center back role.      Watt had her hands full against the electric San Diego Surf attack. She matched up well against the Youth National Team talent on that team. Watt showed good instincts defensively and used her body well to hold off forwards.      <figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-medium"><img src="https://prepsoccer.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/8/2024/11/PaytonFraser-Eagles09.jpg?w=300" alt="" class="wp-image-272109"/></figure>   Fraser is a left-footed left center back for the Eagles 09 team. She was one of the standouts against the talented Midwest United team. She had a number of key plays to slow down the opposition. She also showed off a strong leg with the ability to switch the point of attack quickly.      Proctor showed some great instincts in the game against LAFC So Cal. She reads the game well and is fearless in the tackle. She is a willing 1v1 defender and has no hesitation taking on the player in the open field.      Collier was a bright spot for Nationals. I thought she did well moving her feet and staying in front of attackers. She was able to time her tackles well and shut down the forwards with her play.

PHOENIX, Arizona - Prep Soccer was on hand with multiple scouts for the ECNL National Event at the Reach 11 Sports Complex. Below are the players who stood out for their defensive play from the games I saw in person at the event.