© Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
Fullback is one of those soccer terminologies that hangs around through tradition and nothing more. There really isn’t much “back” about these players in the modern game; many of them spend most of their time, and are far more effective, going forward. Denver Summit, over the last few weeks, have shown just how important these players can be in an attacking sense.
In their 3-1 win over the Orlando Pride last Sunday, and in their 4-1 win over the Houston Dash the previous Sunday, Denver lined up with Ayo Oke and Janine Sonis as their fullbacks. Both players, in their own unique roles and unique ways, made a material impact in both games.
Denver like their left-back to hold position while their right-back takes a higher starting point on the flank. Oke, starting on the right, caused endless headaches for Orlando’s defensive scheme last weekend, just as she did when Denver and Orlando first met earlier on this season. The 23-year-old causes a decision-making problem for Orlando’s zonal marking setup — should their left-back move up to mark her, or their left winger drop back?
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