Rankings Analysis: Best Defenders from CA’s 2027 

<!-- wp:paragraph {"align":"center"} --> <p class="has-text-align-center"><strong>USE PROMO CODE JR30 for a discount on your first PrepSoccer subscription </strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The PrepSoccer California player rankings for the class of 2027 were released this week. <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/california/rankings/girls/2027-rankings/">Check out the full list.</a> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Learn more about <a href="https://prepsoccer.com/2023/09/behind-the-scenes-the-prepsoccer-2027-state-rankings/">our ranking process for this class here</a>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The defenders class features some strength at left back and left center back. This a group with players who are likely to contend for starting spots at the Youth National Team level in the near future and a group of players with a lot of potential to develop into top players for the next level. Check out a scouting report on a handful defenders below. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["146307"],"_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_0_evaluation":"Listed as a midfielder on her player profile, I've mainly seen her play as a left back for her Legends ECNL squad. Physical, dynamic, and skillful, Sia offers all the attributes that coaches look for from outside backs. She's left footed, which already puts her at the top of the list for left backs. She's also excellent at striking the ball - both in shooting at long range-passing. She's been identified by US Soccer Scouts as one of the top players in that position and called into US Youth National Team Talent ID events. Easily one of the best outside backs in this class in the state, and at the national level.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["111103"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Looking at Bilal's highlights from the past year, it's obvious that she's put a serious effort into improving her game in the past 12 months. She's been diligent in her approach and the results are starting to show. She earned the start at right center back for her ECNL side in the opener of the season last month. She was a key player in the shutout. She was tenacious defensively, never giving an inch to the attacker. She's confident in possession and limits mistakes. There's every reason to believe Bilal will continue to improve this season, which makes her one of those players with a really high ceiling from this class.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":2,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64fe029f57a0a"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkQ9h4sLrcE","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=wkQ9h4sLrcE </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["111208"],"_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_0_evaluation":"Wescott is the captain of the Mustang SC 09 ECNL team. She plays as the left center back for the team. She is excellent at dropping off to support her teammates. She is always in option in the pass because of the work she does off the ball. She's left footed but looks comfortable under pressure with the ball on either foot. Wescott is a solid defender. She moves her feet well and stays in front of the attacker. Wescott is a good leader on the field and a key player for her team's success.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["111174"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Roney plays as a center back for her club side, San Juan SC 09 ECNL. She is a versatile player though and could feature in a number of roles on the field. There is a potential defensive midfielder in the making as well with her player profile. She started as a left center back in a recent ECNL game. She is right-footed - and does have a preference to putting a tackle with her right foot. Her best attributes are in possession of the ball. She is comfortable on the dribble and not afraid to take on players on the dribble, which isn't something every coach wants from their center back, but she rarely is caught in possession thanks to her strength and skill on the ball. Roney has a high ceiling and could develop into a top player in this age group.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["147332"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Jordyn u0022JDu0022 Daniels is one of the best outside backs in California in the 2027 class. She had a stellar showing during the ECNL playoffs last season. She plays either spot on the outside of the back four for San Juan. She has ELITE recovery pace. She does so well in using her body to shield attackers off the ball. She can man-mark the top winger out of the game. She offers a dangerous option flying forward from the outside back spot with her pace. She has high-level potential.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["112227"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"Left center back for the DMCV Sharks 09 ECNL team. Called up to the US U14 GNT camp earlier this year. DeLeon has the physical profile of a high level center back. Tall, athletic, and covers ground quickly with a long stride. She has been  one of the standouts for the DMCV Sharks team for some time. She is confident on the ball and does well in finding her outlets with accurate passes. She could improve on her communication with her other defenders when tracking runs from the No. 9 but she has the speed to usually catch any striker that drifts past her shoulder. DeLeon has a lot of potential as a left center back.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["147210"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"Maya is a center back for the Eagles SC 09 ECNL team. She has been part of the US Soccer Talent ID Regional Camp for her age group in the past. She is one of the top center backs in the state. Her play with her club team has been among the best in her position for the ECNL. She is great at anticipation and reading the play. She steps in front of forwards and cuts out the entry pass. US Soccer Scouts often look for center backs who are comfortable on the ball and make good decisions in possession, which are two of Maya's top attributes.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["112146"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"Laughrey plays as the left center back for the Beach FC ECNL 09 squad. She is right footed. She is a modern game center back. Confident on the ball under pressure, Laughrey is usually the path that Beach uses in the build-out. Her teammate trusts her with her decision-making. She is a strong defender in 1v1 situations with excellent anticipation on entry passes. She could improve on her slide tackles, but she is a very good defender overall.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":6,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64fe029f57b8a"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3HKx0yzHFQ","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=L3HKx0yzHFQ </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["145055"],"_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_0_evaluation":"Ralph is ranked as one of our top defenders in this class. It's easy to see why from her highlight reel - below. The game film backs it up. She is a stellar defender. Always in an athletic stance, Ralph moves her feet really. She is tall and can match up with tall center forwards. She is athletic and can contain smaller, quick speedsters. She plays as a center back, but with her athletic make-up she could be an outside back as well. On the ball, she is an excellent passer. Accurate, hits the ball with pace, great vision, she has all the characteristics of a center back bound for the highest level. She is a complete package type of player.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64fe029f57bed"} /--> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_Vv3E1EtQE","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=b_Vv3E1EtQE </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["147416"],"_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_0_evaluation":"[player_tooltip player_id='147416' first='Elle' last='McMurrey'] is a center back on the San Diego Surf 09 ECNL team. She was part of the US Club Soccer id2 International Team that went to England last year. The Surf style of play asks for the center back to be confident on the ball and make good decisions in possession. McMurrey fits the bill on both of those counts. Surf's success has instilled some fear in the opposition as very few teams will try to press them because McMurrey and the rest of the squad will pick them apart with their passing. Her skill on the ball is very similar to a center midfielder and she will step up a level when the opportunity presents itself. She also gets playing time at defensive midfield as well. I think she projects as a top level center back in the future, but she has high level potential in either role.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64fe4f4e65936"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->