Scouting Virginia's 2029 Class: Defenders to Watch

The Prep Soccer state rankings for the Virginia 2029 class will be released this week. Prior to the release of the full rankings, check out a scouting report on some of the defenders who impressed in recent months at the club level.    [player_tooltip player_id='339229' first='Dempsey' last='Livengood'] is a versatile player on the [program_tooltip program_id='283449' first='Richmond' last='United'] 2011 ECNL team. She previously played as a winger, but looks to have found her home as a left back in recent events for her club team.   The attributes that helped her stand out as a left winger have elevated her game as a left back. She has elite pace and great 1v1 skills. She is good on the dribble on the wing and creates advantages when she is left alone on the wing. She hits a terrific cross with her left foot from the run of play.   Livengood was a top performer for her squad during the playoffs. The two-way play is outstanding and a real tangible difference-maker as a prospect.     Giron is a center back on the [program_tooltip program_id='283449' first='Richmond' last='United'] 2011 ECNL team. She can also play as an outside back.   Giron is an experienced center back who shows a high level game understanding. She's right footed and comfortable playing out of pressure with the ball at her feet. She plays with her head up. She is a target on set pieces for her side.   She is a leader of the backline and show excellent organizational skills for a back four. Giron is one of the top center backs in the ECNL and continues to show her value to any team she is on.     Sheen is a versatile player on the [program_tooltip program_id='281469' first='Arlington' last='SA'] 2011 ECNL team. She can play in a variety of spots, but has the highest future somewhere along the back line. She is an excellent player for a back three. She is a smart defender who reads the game well and organizes her team.   Sheen is a physical defender who likes to get into the challenge and uses her body well. She times her tackles well and knows when to step into the duel. Sheen is excellent as a cover defender and knows how to position herself to help her teammates.   She's good on the ball and doesn't force the pass. Sheen has the tools to be a top center back for a long time.     Ly was one of the stars of the ECNL playoffs. She's a center back who had a stellar season at the club level. The aspect of her game that really stands out is her quality and comfort with passing from either foot. She can handle pressure and split the pressure lines with the ball on either foot.   Ly is an elite prospect and has firmly established herself as one of the best in Virginia in this class. Her performance in Seattle confirmed that she is a star in the center back spot.     Riddlemoser is a left back who previously played for [program_tooltip program_id='281469' first='Arlington' last='SA'] 2010 ECNL. She is a new addition to [program_tooltip program_id='283514' first='VDA' last=''] for the upcoming club season. She is going to be one to watch this season.   She is an elite two-way player. She is a great individual defender with the quality to shutdown top wingers thanks to her technique and athleticism. Going forward, she has the pace to run past players and hit in a cross.   She's going to thrive in a new environment this season and should have every opportunity to shine as a top left back in the state.

The Prep Soccer state rankings for the Virginia 2029 class will be released this week. Prior to the release of the full rankings, check out a scouting report on some of the defenders who impressed in recent months at the club level.