ECNL Phoenix – Standout Defenders

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Top-level players and up-and-coming players left their mark on the field, and some got their names on a scout's must-watch list.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>USE THE PROMO CODE almasin30 for a discount on your first subscription</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When it comes to standout defenders, the ECNL Phoenix showcase had no shortage of such.&nbsp; The players from the 2028 and 2027 classes were on hand to either make a name for themselves or to solidify their top-level rankings, with hopes of becoming a rankings riser.&nbsp; These players laid it out on the field and left nothing behind.&nbsp; They played with such intensity that scouts clearly had them on their “must-watch” list.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Some of the teams came in with impressive records, while others used this tourney as a springboard in hopes of getting their team eligible for the national playoffs. Whichever the case may be, here are the players and their teams' results at ECNL Phoenix.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Team Results and Overall Records</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='283257' first='Bay' last='Area Surf'] ECNL G09 - California - Tourney Record of 3-0 (Won [program_tooltip program_id='283395' first='Legends' last='FC'] San Diego 2-0, Won Utah Royals FC-AZ&nbsp; LAFC 2-1, and won [program_tooltip program_id='283395' first='Legends' last='FC'] 4-0) - Overall Record of 18-3-0</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='283257' first='Bay' last='Area Surf'] ECNL G10 - California - Tourney Record of 1-2 (Won Beach FC United 1-0, lost to [program_tooltip program_id='283395' first='Legends' last='FC'] 1-0, and lost to Slammer FC HB Koge 1-0) - Overall 15-3-3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='278040' first='So' last='Cal Blues ECNL'] G10 - California - Tourney Record of 0-1-2 (Tied Eastside FC 1-1, tied [program_tooltip program_id='283641' first='De' last='Anza Force'] 1-1, and lost to Mustang SC 2-0) - Overall 9-6-3</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[program_tooltip program_id='278676' first='Sting' last='Black ECNL'] G10 - Texas - Tourney Record of 1-1-1 (Lost to Internationals SC 2-1, Won [program_tooltip program_id='283425' first='[program_tooltip program_id='283424' first='Pateadores' last='']' last=''] 3-0, and Tied [program_tooltip program_id='283395' first='Legends' last='FC'] San Diego 2-2) - Overall 7-4-8</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Featured Players:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1. [player_tooltip player_id='111147' first='Elena' last='Vera'] - 2027 - [program_tooltip program_id='283257' first='Bay' last='Area Surf'] ECNL G09 - Midfielder/Defender - #36 in the Nation, #8 in CA and #6 in position - Wake Forest commit</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2. [player_tooltip player_id='262616' first='Aris' last='Yu'] - 2028 - [program_tooltip program_id='283257' first='Bay' last='Area Surf'] ECNL G10 - Midfielder/Forward - #206 in the Nation, #56 in CA and #17 in position</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>3. [player_tooltip player_id='211821' first='Katherine' last='Saur'] - 2028 - [program_tooltip program_id='278040' first='So' last='Cal Blues ECNL'] G10 - Defender - #185 in the Nation, #51 in CA and #15 in position</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>4. [player_tooltip player_id='214717' first='Lucy' last='Goodin'] - 2028 - [program_tooltip program_id='278676' first='Sting' last='Black ECNL'] G10 - Defender - #49 in TX and #31 in position</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>5. [player_tooltip player_id='332740' first='Bella' last='Giti'] - 2028 - [program_tooltip program_id='278040' first='So' last='Cal Blues ECNL'] G10 - Defender/Midfielder&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6. [player_tooltip player_id='350667' first='Abby' last='Theall'] - 2028 - [program_tooltip program_id='278676' first='Sting' last='Black ECNL'] G10 - Defender/Midfielder</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Standout Players:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>1. [player_tooltip player_id='111147' first='Elena' last='Vera'] - 2027 - [program_tooltip program_id='283257' first='Bay' last='Area Surf'] ECNL G09 - Midfielder/Defender - #36 in the Nation, #8 in CA and #6 in position - Wake Forest commit</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["111147"],"_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-69d7fe9e37d3f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The versatile U-17 USYNT member played exceptionally well at ECNL Phoenix. Helping her team to a 3-0 tourney record and an 18-3-0 overall record. Her high level of fitness resulted in the ability to lock down opposing attackers. She showed strengths in dictating the tempo of the game and creating a strong presence in the backline, with the ability to make quick transitions during counterattacks. I've covered a few of her matches, and she is always consistent and reliable. Elena is currently ranked #36 in the nation, #8 in CA, and #6 in position. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing her rise in the rankings as well as playing a big part in the U.S. squad at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Morocco.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Elena's Social Media Highlights - U.S. U-17 National Team</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.ussoccer.com/teams/u-17-womens-national-team">https://www.ussoccer.com/teams/u-17-womens-national-team</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>2. [player_tooltip player_id='262616' first='Aris' last='Yu'] - 2028 - [program_tooltip program_id='283257' first='Bay' last='Area Surf'] ECNL G10 - Midfielder/Forward - #206 in the Nation, #56 in CA and #17 in position</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["262616"],"_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-69d809048cd8e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Aris is one of the key players on the Surf G10 team. Although they didn't get the results at the ECNL Phoenix tourney, her team is still one of the best teams in the nation. Her ability to read the attack allows her to get into the right lanes to make clean tackles or force players to the wings. Aris is also a leader on both her club team and her high school team. I'm sure she's ready to get both teams back into contention and make runs at both levels. She and her parents should expect a busy June 15th, as Surf had one of the most scouts in attendance (100+) at the recent showcase. As for her surf team, they will be one of the four top teams to represent the U.S. in the UK. Looking forward to also seeing her and her top-tier team at the national playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Aris's Social Media Highlights - ECNL Phoenix</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNsyVM3M2io","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNsyVM3M2io </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>3. [player_tooltip player_id='211821' first='Katherine' last='Saur'] - 2028 - [program_tooltip program_id='278040' first='So' last='Cal Blues ECNL'] G10 - Defender - #185 in the Nation, #51 in CA and #15 in position</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["211821"],"_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-69d809048ce34"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Known for her precise long ball passes. She can hit players in stride while they make diagonal and overlapping runs into the 18. The JSerra and So Cal Blues standout is quickly gaining national recognition as a top defensive prospect. While watching one of her matches at ECNL Phoenix, it was evident that she is a player who performs well under pressure while keeping her composure and playing with a fearless approach in protecting the backline. As a SoCal PDP player with First Team All-Trinity League honors, let's just say that we will be hearing a lot about Katherine and possibly see her as a rankings riser while currently holding the #185 rank in the nation, #51 in CA, and #15 in her position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Katherine's Social Media Highlights - JSerra vs. Mater Dei</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2rCBf2d0r0","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h2rCBf2d0r0 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>4. [player_tooltip player_id='214717' first='Lucy' last='Goodin'] - 2028 - [program_tooltip program_id='278676' first='Sting' last='Black ECNL'] G10 - Defender - #49 in TX and #31 in position</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Lucy's Social Media Highlights - [program_tooltip program_id='278676' first='Sting' last='Black ECNL'] G10 vs. [program_tooltip program_id='283243' first='Albion' last='Hurricanes FC']</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WQAeD31-vwu0026amp;t=40s">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WQAeD31-vwu0026amp;t=40s</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>5. [player_tooltip player_id='332740' first='Bella' last='Giti'] - 2028 - [program_tooltip program_id='278040' first='So' last='Cal Blues ECNL'] G10 - Defender/Midfielder</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["332740"],"_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-69d812a0a47a6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">She's a versatile player who can also play as a defensive midfielder as well as at the center back position. Bella is a key part of the defensive backline. She is a good size and can make clean tackles when making 50/50 challenges. Bella is not afraid to make contact but uses her high soccer IQ to anticipate the attack and make key defensive stops. I really liked how she was able to shut down running lanes and go up against some top-level attacking players from some high-powered offenses. Bella is a player who will continue to improve, and it will be great to see if she and her team can make it to the national playoffs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Bella's Social Media Highlights - Scrimmage Highlights</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_-hPV8ohxU","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_-hPV8ohxU </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>6. [player_tooltip player_id='350667' first='Abby' last='Theall'] - 2028 - [program_tooltip program_id='278676' first='Sting' last='Black ECNL'] G10 - Defender/Midfielder</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["350667"],"_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-69d812a0a480c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">She is good at making aerial challenges and plays well with the ball at her feet. Abby's versatility as a midfielder is evident in quick and precise passing as well as her ability to assess the game and make great decisions on both ends of the field. I really liked her ability to cut off runners. Her size and quickness were some of her strengths in slowing down some of the higher-ranking teams in the tourney. She's a player scouts should take a good look at, as she's a player we will be hearing a lot about in the near future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Abby's Social Media Highlights - [program_tooltip program_id='283499' first='Sting' last='Dallas'] Black ECNL G10</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYn9hJng7Yk","type":"video","providerNameSlug":"youtube","responsive":true,"className":"wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio"} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYn9hJng7Yk </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed -->