Yakel Named to TopDrawerSoccer Team of the Week
Oct 07, 2025 | Soccer
LONG BEACH, Calif. – Texas A&M defender Bella Yakel landed a spot on the TopDrawerSoccer Team of the Week, the media outlet announced Tuesday.
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.
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.
Yakel helped preserve the shutout against Oklahoma with a team save off the goalline in the 62nd minute.
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.
Yakel is the second Aggie to earn the honor in 2025. Kaylee Noble was recognized following her hat trick against Lafayette in September.
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.
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.
Yakel helped preserve the shutout against Oklahoma with a team save off the goalline in the 62nd minute.
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.
Yakel is the second Aggie to earn the honor in 2025. Kaylee Noble was recognized following her hat trick against Lafayette in September.
Players Mentioned
Weekly Press Conference: G Guerrieri
Monday, October 06
Highlights: Texas A&M 1, Texas 0
Thursday, October 02
Texas Postgame: G Guerrieri, Hattie Patterson, Trinity Buchanan
Thursday, October 02
The Aggie Soccer Hour (Ep 5)
Wednesday, October 01
