Class of 2027 Girls' Piedmont Region Standout GKs and Defenders

<p>With these next two articles, it's the girls' turn to be highlighted. Just like in the previous articles for the boys (<a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2026/02/class-of-2027-boys-piedmont-region-standout-gks-and-defenders/?itm_source=parsely-api">1</a> & <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2026/02/class-of-2027-boys-piedmont-standout-midfielders-and-attackers/?itm_source=parsely-api">2</a>), the highlighted standout players from <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2026/01/best-of-girls-class-of-2027-northern-piedmont/">northern</a> and <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2026/01/best-of-girls-class-of-2027-southern-piedmont/">southern</a> Piedmont are going to be evaluated. This article is dedicated to the goalkeepers and defenders, with the next one focusing on the midfielders and attackers.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Goalkeepers</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Maya is the model to look at when looking for the modern goalkeeper. Her main characteristic is her ability to participate in plays. She often offers herself as another passing option for her team whenever they need some clarity. It's almost as if she's a deep-lying midfielder. When she gets the ball, she receives and controls it with remarkable serenity. This is especially interesting when she's very far off her line. Though it's not something she does too often, she is not scared to travel well into almost midfield to help circulate the ball. Her goalkeeping is very correct as well. She constantly looks to keep danger as far from the goal as possible. Her determination to do so is remarkable to watch.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Blythe is a dominating figure in goal for the teams she represents, offering security whenever she's called upon. Whenever there's any sort of danger in or around the box, she's very aware. She does not let any play get the better of her thanks to her awareness. One of the most notable aspects of her game is her timing. The first area we see this in is her ability to claim crosses. She makes it seem like second nature, even if she's surrounded by teammates and opposition alike. If she can't keep the ball in her possession, she'll parry, or punch, it far from her. Another area we see it in is her ability to come off her line. She doesn't do so just for the sake of it. If it's a one-on-one situation, she imposes herself mentally and physically. She asserts her dominance as well as timing her movements correctly.</p>    <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Defenders</h2>    <p class="text-gray-700">Cassidy is a defender with plenty of potential, especially because she can play as a center back or right back. Her qualities make her better suited as a center back, though. One of her main attributes is her anticipation. She gets in front of attackers constantly and easily. If she has to drift away from her position to do so, she will. The commitment she has with keeping the ball far from the box is remarkable. Her timing in one-on-one scenarios is also fantastic. She knows exactly when to stand back and when to go in for the ball. When it comes to tackling, she's strong and clean. Though she can go in quite hard, she rarely does so in a dirty manner. She showcases this the most with stand tackles. However, it's most admirable in the rare slide tackle. Knowing that they can be the most dangerous, she knows how to combine the right force with precision.</p>     <p class="text-gray-700">Mia is a similar defender to Cassidy. Her timing, anticipation, and strength make her a great defender to watch. She can also play right back and as a defensive midfielder. Though she's not as fast as Cassidy, she is just as determined. She doesn't give her opponents an inch of space once she gets near them. If she doesn't win the ball back herself, she'll make sure her presence allows for another teammated to do so.</p>

With these next two articles, it's the girls' turn to be highlighted. Just like in the previous articles for the boys (1 & 2), the highlighted standout players from northern and southern Piedmont are going to be evaluated. This article is dedicated to the goalkeepers and defenders, with the next one focusing on the midfielders and attackers.