ECNL Boys: FCD Goal Keepers & Defenders

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>FRISCO, TX</strong>: The 2023-2024 ECNL season is underway and this past weekend featured several of the top FC Dallas boys teams pitted against each other at their home fields in Frisco. FC Dallas is one of the biggest clubs in the state and they have a lot of talent coming through the club. This article will highlight some of the standout performances from defenders and goal-keepers from the inter-club matchups in the ECNL 07 and 06 boys divisions.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Donovan Pennington</strong>, Goal Keeper, FC Dallas White 05/06, 2025</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Parker Kelsey</strong>, Defender, FC Dallas Red 05/06, 2024</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Antonie Van Tonder</strong>, Center Back, FC Dallas White B07, 2025</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='16591' first='Noah' last='Wanzer']</strong>, Center back, FC Dallas Red B07, 2025</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cameron Parma</strong>, Goal Keeper, FC Dallas Red B07, 2025</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ethan Perez</strong>, Right Back, FC Dallas Red B07, 2025</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cameron Parma</strong> is a tall and athletic goal keeper with great technical ability and strong hands. His wingspan and athleticism allow him to reach difficult shots. He has excellent positioning and is not one to be caught out. Cameron is strong when coming off his line and when going up over attackers to win balls. He has better vision and passing than most keepers and is good at playing out of the back.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ethan Perez</strong> is a fit and quick outside back who can get up the field to contribute to the attack as a wing back. Ethan is a solid 1v1 defender who has the pace and fitness to make long recovery runs. He is good with his passing, and has the ability to deliver dangerous balls into the box from wide areas. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='16591' first='Noah' last='Wanzer']</strong> is a smart and very talented center back. Noah is one of those defenders that can take the air out of an attack. He is fantastic when it comes to his tackles, and is especially great when going to ground. He makes it difficult for attackers to get space on the ball or make runs in behind. Noah can lock forwards down with his marking and 1v1 defending. His athleticism, ability in the air, and high soccer IQ make him a supremely well rounded player.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Parker Kelsey</strong> is a center back with the strength, speed, and skill to be a top defender. He is wonderful in the air and he can judge a ball's trajectory well to help him often be the first player to the ball. Parker is a tenacious defender that isn't easily beaten and who will fight for every ball. His all-around athleticism is impressive and can set him apart from other center backs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Donovan Pennington</strong> is a solid goal keeper with good hands and very quick reflexes. One of his best attributes as a goal keeper is his ability to make incredibly quick reaction saves (especially with his feet) from point blank shots. He is not afraid of contact and is strong when coming off his line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Antonie Van Toder</strong> is a very talented and smart defender who is more versatile than most center backs. Antonie's passing and vision are excellent, and he can pick out forward runners with balls over the top. He is a very athletic player and in addition to his strength, speed, and fitness, he also has a great long throw. He does a lot of things for his team, and is the type of player who could be moved up top late in matches when you need a goal.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->