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Top Forward‑to‑Defender and Defender‑to‑Forward Threats

Top Forward‑to‑Defender and Defender‑to‑Forward Threats
Photo: Social Media
Roshelle Gobin
Roshelle Gobin April 24, 2026 @ 07:57 PM
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In this article:

Lola Malloy
Lola Malloy 5'6" | F/D | 2028
CA
Mackinley Gossett
Mackinley Gossett 5'10" | D/F | 2028
MO
Cecelia Schlegel
Cecelia Schlegel 5'7" | D/F | 2028
PA
Bristol Kersh
Bristol Kersh D/F | 2026
GA
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Imagine a player who can lead the line and anchor the back line with equal conviction. She presses like a striker, times off‑the‑ball runs to stretch defenses, and finishes with composure. Then she flips roles: reads the game like a center back, wins aerials. Clears with purpose, and closes passing lanes without sacrificing shape. That duality appears whether her primary label is forward or defender — a forward‑to‑defender hybrid or a defensive‑forward hybrid. Both profiles share the same traits: physicality, tactical intelligence, and the ability to turn defensive recoveries into instant attacks. Below are players who demonstrate this two‑way impact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["349047"],"_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-69eac733ebe91"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Malloy is a forward‑turned defender whose game is aggressive, controlled, and composed. Trained first as a forward with defense as a secondary role. She times runs to crash the net and finishes with conviction. While her defensive instincts lets her read play, win one‑on‑one duels, and recover quickly. Consequently, transitions are rapid: winning aerials or shielding the ball becomes the trigger to drive forward. Crisp, quick distribution through the middle turns possession into momentum. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Meanwhile, strong outside runs stretch defenses and intelligent switches of play create multiple scoring opportunities. That forward‑defender hybrid profile—combining attacking instincts with defensive discipline makes Malloy a matchup nightmare.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["150733"],"_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-69eac733ebfb0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kersh is more attack‑minded player but shows tactically ability of a defender in her style of play. The left forward uses athleticism to read defenders and exploit gaps. She times runs, presses aggressively, and finishes with clinical composure. Her scoring rate of 28 goals in six games highlights elite finishing. She brings defensive physicality to her attacking game, winning duels and recovering quickly to support the back line. The result is a player who looks effortless while blending relentless offense with disciplined defending.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.instagram.com/p/DWWrzJhjkTY/","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"instagram","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://www.instagram.com/p/DWWrzJhjkTY/ </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["279321"],"_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-69eac733ec0a6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A uniquely versatile player, she comfortably slots in as both a center back and a forward. Using her height and physical presence equally in each role. Defensively she is solid and difficult to beat positionally disciplined, strong in the air, and hard to pass around. While on the attack her long, powerful stride allows her to make incisive off‑the‑ball runs. consistently find the back of the net. Seamlessly she has combined defensive reliability with finishing instincts. Proving that the forward‑to‑center‑back profile is both a tactical asset and a constant threat. Players like her demonstrate true versatility, a rare understanding of space. Imulating the ability to change a game at both ends of the pitch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Madi Bowlin","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"103","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Bearden High School","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"FC Alliance ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-69ebac7661cee"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bowlin is a physical forward‑defender who finishes at a consistently high level. She wins 50/50s and uses her strength to dominate aerials and clearances. Her crossing ability reflects that same power and range, turning defensive clearances into accurate long passes. She mixes range and power to threaten the back of the net, timing runs to meet service and convert chances. Her speed is undeniable, her first touch is sharp, and her passing accuracy stretches play across the field. She also shows a keen eye for quick through balls. That combination of physicality, technical finishing, and range makes her a true two‑way weapon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["268444"],"_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-69ec11881cf00"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">This center back excels in 1v1s and stays composed under pressure. She times her tackles precisely and rarely gets beaten, then quickly recovers to restore the defensive shape. Moreover, she refuses to give up on loose balls or second chances. When an opportunity to attack opens, she will take it. Because she blends reliable defending with genuine attacking instincts, her game feels unpredictable in the best way. Opponents can't easily read whether she will hold position or surge forward. As a result, she creates problems for both attackers and defenders, turning defensive moments into immediate threats up field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->

Imagine a player who can lead the line and anchor the back line with equal conviction. She presses like a striker, times off‑the‑ball runs to stretch defenses, and finishes with composure. Then she flips roles: reads the game like a center back, wins aerials. Clears with purpose, and closes passing lanes without sacrificing shape. That duality appears whether her primary label is forward or defender — a forward‑to‑defender hybrid or a defensive‑forward hybrid. Both profiles share the same traits: physicality, tactical intelligence, and the ability to turn defensive recoveries into instant attacks. Below are players who demonstrate this two‑way impact.

Lola Malloy

Lola Malloy

CA
F/D
HEIGHT 5'6"
POS F/D
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Lola
Malloy F/D
Class
2028
Height
5'6"
HS
St. Ignatius College Prep
|
CA
Top Forward‑to‑Defender and Defender‑to‑Forward Threats
Malloy is a forward‑turned defender whose game is aggressive, controlled, and composed. Trained first as a forward with...
Written by Roshelle Gobin
Read more at PrepSoccer.com
Prep Soccer

Lola Malloy

Instagram Twitter
State: California
School: St. Ignatius College Prep
Club: De Anza Force
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Notre Dame (IN)
Bristol Kersh

Bristol Kersh

POS D/F
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Bristol
Kersh D/F
Class
2026
GA
Top Forward‑to‑Defender and Defender‑to‑Forward Threats
Kersh is more attack‑minded player but shows tactically ability of a defender in her style of play. The...
Written by Roshelle Gobin
Notre Dame (IN)
Read more at PrepSoccer.com
Prep Soccer

Bristol Kersh

State: Georgia
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Mackinley Gossett

Mackinley Gossett

MO
D/F
HEIGHT 5'10"
POS D/F
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Mackinley
Gossett D/F
Class
2028
Height
5'10"
HS
St. Michael the Archangel Catholic
|
MO
Top Forward‑to‑Defender and Defender‑to‑Forward Threats
A uniquely versatile player, she comfortably slots in as both a center back and a forward. Using her...
Written by Roshelle Gobin
Read more at PrepSoccer.com
Prep Soccer

Mackinley Gossett

Instagram Twitter
State: Missouri
School: St. Michael the Archangel Catholic
Club: Union KC
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Madi Bowlin

Madi Bowlin

POS F
CLASS 2027

Madi Bowlin

School: Bearden High School
Club: FC Alliance
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation
Cecelia Schlegel

Cecelia Schlegel

PA
D/F
HEIGHT 5'7"
POS D/F
CLASS 2028
View Player
​
Cecelia
Schlegel D/F
Class
2028
Height
5'7"
HS
Freeport
|
PA
Top Forward‑to‑Defender and Defender‑to‑Forward Threats
This center back excels in 1v1s and stays composed under pressure. She times her tackles precisely and rarely...
Written by Roshelle Gobin
Read more at PrepSoccer.com
Prep Soccer

Cecelia Schlegel

State: Pennsylvania
School: Freeport
Club: Century United
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Prep Soccer

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