ECNL RL California: Day 2 Standout Midfielders

On day 2 of ECNL RL California, we saw some of the best midfield performances. Many tidy, technical, skillful, and classy players on display!   Arguably one of the most influential, important, toughest, and most underrated positions, this was the midfielder's time to shine, and they did exactly that!    Gabriella is a tidy and technical player. Her good ball control and passing, along with her awareness, enable her to find good passes and pockets of space to run into. Alanis carries the ball well, taking small touches and keeping it close to her feet. Fast and skillful, she weaves through the heart of the opposition team, leaving them stumbling and wondering "what just happened?" She does a great job at showing for the ball and being an option for the defense and offense. Alanis a great well-rounded and key player in the midfield.     A well-rounded midfielder, Ghorban is very versatile in the midfield. She is smart and excels at moving into open space, showing for the ball, holding her run when necessary, and finding the best passing option. She is physical as well, pressing hard and is not afraid to put her body up against someone else. Ghorban often goes under the radar but is always a presence on the pitch, working hard and contributing wherever she can.     An attacking-minded midfielder, Bond plays as a 10 or, at times, as a forward. With good movement off the ball, she likes to make forward darting runs in through the opposition's defense. Bond is a technical player with good passing, ball control, awareness, and distribution abilities, often pulling off one-twos with perfection and playing into open space. She also has the makings of a great captain; she is uplifting and supporting, often being the first one to walk over to a teammate after making a mistake, or before or after a game. Bond is an all-around dynamic player, providing that clinical edge to the midfield and attack.     Stimmel is a very tidy, technical, and tactical player. She possesses excellent footwork and a strong first touch, making her a threat when in possession of the ball. With just a simple touch or a subtle feint, she can easily evade defenders. She has a keen understanding of the game, knowing when to step up and press or when to keep it simple by passing the ball back or sideways without forcing the play. Stimmel does a great job of getting into position, making forward runs, and finding opportunities to pass. She is constantly moving, checking, and ensuring she is an option for her teammates. Stimmel is a very well-rounded midfielder, completing the midfield, and showing what it truely means to be a midfielder.     Hansell has very good defensive and technical traits. Able to play really anywhere in the midfield. Good movement off the ball; she likes to make forward runs and drop deep for defensive support. She is also a very good passer of the ball, setting herself up with a good first touch, playing to feet, or just putting the right amount on the through ball. Hansell is a great option to have start a game or come of the bench; she helps tie and bring the midfield together.     Possessing good skills on and off the ball, Eugenio is a talented midfielder, normally playing as a 6. Despite her smaller stature, she is no pushover. Tidy, quick, and agile, she uses her size to great effect; slipping out of tight situations or weaving her way through opposition players. Good ball control and awareness, she finds pass and switches the field easily. Eugenio brings stability and reassurance to the midfield whenever she's on the field.     Eva is a talented central midfielder. A good work ethic; Israelsen works hard in the midfield to track back, apply pressure, and/or show for the ball. Fast and having good ball control, it's not uncommon to see her carry up the field with or without the ball. She does well at recognizing forward runs from both her side and the opposition, resulting in successful interceptions. A player with a lot of potential, Israelsen on the ball is clean and sharp, and off the ball, she is direct.     Gonzales shines in the midfield. Predominantly an 8, everything goes through her. She is great at picking up the ball from the defense and quickly finding her forwards, acting as the catalyst. Skilled at set pieces, she has popped up with many goals and assists, catching and making good contact with the ball, she delivers enticing balls and finds the back of the net with power and precision. Always moving, Gonzales is consistently an option or outlet for her teammates. With great ball control, passing, and a first touch, she is fantastic at one touch passing; gliding and slicing through the midfield. Mature and hardworking, Gonzales connects the defense to the offense and brings her side together.

On day 2 of ECNL RL California, we saw some of the best midfield performances. Many tidy, technical, skillful, and classy players on display!