Real Colorado National started the event with an emphatic 6-0 win over Atlanta Fire United and although the team’s offense was very productive, they also shone for their defensive stability. The team’s backline leader, Fassora was extremely reliable and consistent and helped shut down their opponents’ offensive attempts. The center back thrived with her positioning and was always at the right spot to make stops or cover her teammates. Fassora also displayed an interesting potential to help the team offensively with her smart passing and her accuracy and power in free kicks.

If Ballek was Real Colorado National’s offensive standout, Fassora shone just as much on the backline. The team’s defensive general, she led their backline efforts with a strong and reliable game. The center back was very vocal during the match, making adjustments and keeping her teammates connected in the game, but also stepped up to cover them and stop plays when she had to. Fassora’s distribution out of the back was very effective too and she also contributed offensively with her free kicks, sending some into the penalty box and others directly to the goal.

Fassora is the defensive leader of her Real Colorado National G07 team that will match up with Slammers FC HB Koge, SUSA FC and San Diego Surf this week in Tennessee. She’s not the tallest or most physical center back, but her quickness and explosiveness make of her a tough matchup for any forward, especially when away from the penalty box. Fassora times her tackles very well and is great at understanding the big picture in every play, knowing what to prioritize in her decision-making. She’s also excellent at taking free kicks and finishing from distance and contributes in a strong way with the team’s goal-scoring.

Fassora might be the most versatile defender in this class. She can play center back or outside back at the next level. She has the foundational skills to be a star in either role. As a center back, she has elite recovery speed and can cover for the other defenders in a back four. Or she could figure as a one of the back three in a back three. As an outside back, she is good on the ball and can get forward in possession. She is also a shutdown defender in 1v1 duels against wingers. Fassora is going to be an early starter at the next level – it’s just a matter of wherever the coach needs a consistent everyday player.