Best XI – ECNL National Finals – Champions League: Defenders

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This is the continuation of the BEST XI series highlighting the amazing performances during the 2026 ECNL National Finals Championship matches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As a reminder: We have broken up this series into three parts focusing on each position group. Forwards, Midfielders and Defenders &amp; Goalkeeper. Using a traditional, balanced formation (4-4-2), each player profiled will fit into that formation model which will make up Prep Soccer's Best XI for the 2026 ECNL National Finals Championship matches for the Champions League tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are the Defenders that are being recognized for making up the<strong> BEST XI</strong> as well as an Honorable Mention that we could NOT leave off:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Defenders of the BEST XI:</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["112596"],"_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-6a5c7bfc2ddc5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mya may play in traditional midfield role most matches, but this time around she made her presence known in the defensive back field. She battles for every 50/50 ball and skillfully dispossesses her opponents at will. Muniz has a notable touch to her passes that seem to be weighted perfectly for her attacking teammates. Her ability to play in the defensive 3rd and transition forward into the attack through distribution, helped lead her team to victory. Mya has been recognized at the USYNT level, and she showed everyone why that's the case while helping lead her team to a 2026 ECNL National Championship.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["378772"],"_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-6a5c7bfc2ddfd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the top performances by a center back in this year's ECNL Nationals came from Dirschl. In the Championship match, she overpowered her opponents using raw strength and athleticism. Her height is a problem on set pieces on both the attacking and defensive thirds. Kendyl boasts superior height and an unprecedented aerial game that is reminiscent of a future Oklahoma Sooner teammate of hers, Ally Laccinole. Having them both on the back line at the same time will be unreal. Kendyl has elite ball control and thoughtful clearances that help her attacking teammates become successful consistently. The Best XI is where Kendyl should be and will be in the future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["280237"],"_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-6a5c7bfc2de20"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Crockett had an outstanding Championship match versus Concorde Fire Platinum ECNL G11. When you a have defensive minded, lock down athlete like Brazil, you can build your team around a player like that. She played a physical game that broke down her opponents and allowed her to move into space cleanly. Brazil has amazing body control, and wicked tackles. Crockett found herself on the scoreline as well which is a bonus coming from one of your top tier defensive players. This USYNT call up is well on her way to a spectacular youth career that should lead her to playing at the next level without a doubt. Keep your eyes on this one, you will see her name often.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["319078"],"_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-6a5c7bfc2de41"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Alicia is another midfielder that thrives in that position but was drawn back to help more in the defensive 3rd in the Championship match versus [program_tooltip program_id='278040' first='So' last='Cal Blues ECNL'] G11. She was the primary selection when taking free kicks and she showed both power and accuracy with her strikes. Her velvety ball control and superior confidence on the pitch was awesome to watch. McNabb looks to have a great feel for the defensive part of the game but also has the range to be an attacking powerhouse as well. She fits perfectly into the Best XI as a defender, but her versatility could have placed her almost anywhere on the pitch. Concorde Fire Platinum ECNL G11 had a great Nationals and will be back vying for that ECNL National Championship very soon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading">Honorable Mention Defender:</h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":382233,"_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-6a5c7dab6fee9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Chumo is a young and upcoming player out of the prestigious [program_tooltip program_id='283476' first='Slammers' last='FC'] HB Koge program. She wowed during the final match versus Sting Black ECNL G12/13. Rylee was all over the pitch. If the ball was there to be possessed, she was there to possess it. She battled during every tackle and used her size to leverage taller and stronger opponents. Chumo has solid awareness of the field and knew where every teammate was going to be before they did. Fantastic touch passes to her attacking teammates led to eventual scores and an ECNL National title in 2026. Rylee is already demonstrating what an impactful defender she is, and it's going to be fun watching her continue to grow.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Follow me on Instagram: <a href="https://instagram.com/prepsoccerpnw" id="https://instagram.com/prepsoccerpnw">@prepsoccerpnw</a> or on X: <a href="https://x.com/coldbrew25">@coldbrew25</a> for the latest rankings, news and articles about your favorite PNW High Schools, Club Teams and Athletes! DM's are always open for suggestions on which matches, athletes and teams I should watch and follow! Have a great High School season and as always, Keep Grinding!!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->