LONG BEACH, Calif. – Texas A&M defender Bella Yakel landed a spot on the TopDrawerSoccer Team of the Week, the media outlet announced Tuesday.
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Yakel marshaled the only SEC backline to record two shutouts on the week. The senior captain played all 180 minutes as the Aggies blanketed Texas and Oklahoma with a smothering defense. The Maroon & White limited the Longhorns and Sooners to a combined five shots-on-goal in the two matches. Defusing their main threats, Yakel marked leading scorers Ava McDonald and Amalia Villareal of Texas and Naomi Clark of Oklahoma, holding the trio without a shot-on-goal.
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In Thursday's 1-0 victory over Texas, the Longhorns went the first 86 minutes without a shot-on-goal. Yakel also assisted on the match's lone goal, sending a low, driving free kick to set up Trinity Buchanan's game-winner.
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Yakel helped preserve the shutout against Oklahoma with a team save off the goalline in the 62nd minute.
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The Long Beach, California, native has played all 1,170 minutes for the Aggies this season. Yakel entered the campaign as the most seasoned A&M player having amassed 4,132 minutes during her three seasons at Portland. The center back has 70 Division I caps on her resume, including 62 starts.
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Yakel is the second Aggie to earn the honor in 2025. Kaylee Noble was recognized following her hat trick against Lafayette in September.
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Yakel marshaled the only SEC backline to record two shutouts on the week. The senior captain played all 180 minutes as the Aggies blanketed Texas and Oklahoma with a smothering defense. The Maroon & White limited the Longhorns and Sooners to a combined five shots-on-goal in the two matches. Defusing their main threats, Yakel marked leading scorers Ava McDonald and Amalia Villareal of Texas and Naomi Clark of Oklahoma, holding the trio without a shot-on-goal.
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In Thursday's 1-0 victory over Texas, the Longhorns went the first 86 minutes without a shot-on-goal. Yakel also assisted on the match's lone goal, sending a low, driving free kick to set up Trinity Buchanan's game-winner.
Â
Yakel helped preserve the shutout against Oklahoma with a team save off the goalline in the 62nd minute.
Â
The Long Beach, California, native has played all 1,170 minutes for the Aggies this season. Yakel entered the campaign as the most seasoned A&M player having amassed 4,132 minutes during her three seasons at Portland. The center back has 70 Division I caps on her resume, including 62 starts.
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Yakel is the second Aggie to earn the honor in 2025. Kaylee Noble was recognized following her hat trick against Lafayette in September.