Archives June 2021

At Nebraska Soccer Talk, we love covering everything soccer related. For the most part, that means covering games and providing analysis/opinions. However, our overall mission and purpose is far reaching and ambitious. Our goal is to bring the soccer community closer together through collaboration and communication.  There are countless people that deserve recognition for their efforts as a player, official, or coach. Throughout the year, we will be highlighting these individuals through our Get To Know Me articles.

This will be a series made up of three different components. All of which is meant to bring attention to the soccer community.

1. Get To Know Me (Coach Edition) – These individuals are responsible for building their programs, growing the game of soccer, and mentoring the next generation. We look forward to learning about their lives and philosophies.
2. Get To Know Me (Player Edition) – This article series will focus on high school juniors and seniors that have demonstrated themselves to be quality players and people. With these features, our community will learn about some of the most impressive players in the state.
3. Future of the Game – This article series will focus on the freshmen and sophomore classes. These are players that we will be covering for years to come.

Thank you to every individual that provided information for this idea. We appreciate your thoughtful and timely responses.

Mia McVay

Parent(s)/Guardian(s): Sara McVay and John McVay

High School Soccer Team: Girls Bellevue West High School Soccer Varsity Team

Position: Left defender

Club Team: Evolution Soccer Club 6

Grade: 9th

What is your favorite subject in school? Why?

History because I find it interesting to learn about what life was like in the past.

What are your goals as an individual player? What are you doing to achieve those goals?

My goals as an individual player is to earn an opportunity to play college soccer. In order to reach those goals, I am going to continue to work hard all the time, stay determined, focus on improving my skills, and be a good teammate. 

Who’s your favorite soccer player and why? 

Marcelo Vieira because he plays the same position as me. I also like watching how he masters that position, which helps me out with skills and things I can do in that position during my games.

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment, or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

Contact us on our website or email @ nebraskasoccertalk@gmail.com.

Connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, or listen to our podcast.

Chace Hutchison

At Nebraska Soccer Talk, we love covering everything soccer related. For the most part, that means covering games and providing analysis/opinions. However, our overall mission and purpose is far reaching and ambitious. Our goal is to bring the soccer community closer together through collaboration and communication.  There are countless people that deserve recognition for their efforts as a player, official, or coach. Throughout the year, we will be highlighting these individuals through our Get To Know Me articles.

This will be a series made up of three different components. All of which is meant to bring attention to the soccer community.

1. Get To Know Me (Coach Edition) – These individuals are responsible for building their programs, growing the game of soccer, and mentoring the next generation. We look forward to learning about their lives and philosophies.
2. Get To Know Me (Player Edition) – This article series will focus on high school juniors and seniors that have demonstrated themselves to be quality players and people. With these features, our community will learn about some of the most impressive players in the state.
3. Future of the Game – This article series will focus on the freshmen and sophomore classes. These are players that we will be covering for years to come.

Thank you to every individual that provided information for this idea. We appreciate your thoughtful and timely responses.

Madelyn White

Parent(s)/Guardian(s): Michael and Gillian White

High School Soccer Team: Gretna High School Girls Varsity Soccer

Position: Right and Left forward, but sometimes center forward

Club Team: Midwest Premier Academy NPL ‘04

Grade: I am currently in my Sophomore year (10th)

What is your favorite subject in school? Why?

My favorite subject in school is Biology because I feel it comes easy to me.  I love learning about all the different cells and how species have evolved.

What are your goals as an individual player? What are you doing to achieve those goals? 

My goals as an individual player are to become unpredictable and move off the ball better.  To achieve these goals, I come to practice ready to work hard and learn from not only my coaches but my teammates as well.  I will also train on my own.  A future goal of mine is to play ball in college and beyond.

Who’s your favorite soccer player and why?

Tobin Heath is by far my favorite player because she is athletic, passionate, and a great leader. Tobin gives her all every game and takes control of the field.

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment, or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

Contact us on our website or email @ nebraskasoccertalk@gmail.com.

Connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, or listen to our podcast.

Chace Hutchison

At Nebraska Soccer Talk, we love covering everything soccer related. For the most part, that means covering games and providing analysis/opinions. However, our overall mission and purpose is far reaching and ambitious. Our goal is to bring the soccer community closer together through collaboration and communication.  There are countless people that deserve recognition for their efforts as a player, official, or coach. Throughout the year, we will be highlighting these individuals through our Get To Know Me articles.

This will be a series made up of three different components. All of which is meant to bring attention to the soccer community.

1. Get To Know Me (Coach Edition) – These individuals are responsible for building their programs, growing the game of soccer, and mentoring the next generation. We look forward to learning about their lives and philosophies.
2. Get To Know Me (Player Edition) – This article series will focus on high school juniors and seniors that have demonstrated themselves to be quality players and people. With these features, our community will learn about some of the most impressive players in the state.
3. Future of the Game – This article series will focus on the freshmen and sophomore classes. These are players that we will be covering for years to come.

Thank you to every individual that provided information for this idea. We appreciate your thoughtful and timely responses.

Cole Hoppe

Math; I’ve always been pretty good at it and enjoy problem solving

I’m continuing my academic and athletic career at William Jewell College

Virgil Van Dijk; He is arguably the best defender in the world so he is a great player to analyze and learn.

Don’t take any training session for granted. Being disciplined enough to do the little things everyday will make a big difference later. Take care of your body outside of training with your recovery, it is very important.

Many people have helped me in becoming the player I am today and I am blessed to have so many supportive people in my life. My club team and coach Chris Dunford really pushed me to becoming a better player though. I’m very thankful to be apart of that team.

Chace Hutchison

At Nebraska Soccer Talk, we love covering everything soccer related. For the most part, that means covering games and providing analysis/opinions. However, our overall mission and purpose is far reaching and ambitious. Our goal is to bring the soccer community closer together through collaboration and communication.  There are countless people that deserve recognition for their efforts as a player, official, or coach. Throughout the year, we will be highlighting these individuals through our Get To Know Me articles.

This will be a series made up of three different components. All of which is meant to bring attention to the soccer community.

1. Get To Know Me (Coach Edition) – These individuals are responsible for building their programs, growing the game of soccer, and mentoring the next generation. We look forward to learning about their lives and philosophies.
2. Get To Know Me (Player Edition) – This article series will focus on high school juniors and seniors that have demonstrated themselves to be quality players and people. With these features, our community will learn about some of the most impressive players in the state.
3. Future of the Game – This article series will focus on the freshmen and sophomore classes. These are players that we will be covering for years to come.

Thank you to every individual that provided information for this idea. We appreciate your thoughtful and timely responses.

Alyssa Judkins

Parent(s)/Guardian(s): Barb and Greg Judkins

High School Soccer Team: Burke Girls Varsity Soccer

Position: Center back (left)

Club Team: Sporting Omaha FC 2002/2003  Premier

Grade: 12

What is your favorite subject in school? Why?

Physics. I like the math processes of it, figuring out  how things work, and it helps that I have a really great physics teacher at Burke.

What are your future plans?

I’ll be attending Creighton University  playing soccer there and majoring in a science or math field.

Who’s your favorite soccer player and why?

My favorite current women’s player is Kelly O’Hara. She’s the type of defender that I always wanted  to be, aggressive, competitive, smart, and has the ability to get forward and join the attack. I also just  love watching her play because you see just how competitive she is and how she fights for every  single ball throughout the entire game no matter what.

My favorite current men’s player is Heung-Min Son. He is a forward/midfielder for the English Premier  League team, Tottenham, which happens to be my favorite team in the EPL. Son is so extremely fun to  watch. With his insane speed and his vision of the field, he’s such a pure goal scorer, especially with his  partner forward Harry Kane. I also really appreciate how his reaction when he scores a goal never changes, even after scoring so many in his career. His love for the game is still as strong as ever.

Throughout your high school career, you have undoubtedly learned many lessons and matured as a  player. Based on those lessons and experiences, give three pieces of advice to your freshman self.  

• Trust your instincts: A lot of times, especially as an underclassman, you may think or want to  do something a certain way, but your brain gets in the way saying that you must be wrong,  “you’re just a freshman”. But most of the time you know yourself the best, therefore know  the best way for you to succeed. Trust your gut and be confident that your knowledge of the  game is just as strong as anyone else’s.

• Take everything as a learning experience: High school soccer can be very different from club soccer, and sometimes very intimidating. You are joining a whole new player pool and trying  to make an impact with this new group of people that you barely know. But with every new  experience comes a chance to learn new things. Even if things aren’t going the way you  thought they would, take the chance to learn new things, try a new position, or work on your  technical or tactical skills. Keep getting better, no matter the situation.

• Don’t let others affect your work ethic: This is a lesson I got from a past club coach, Jake  Watson. Going into high school season, I knew that it would be a lot different from club. I  wouldn’t have my teammates to push me and have that external force driving me forward.  So, when you lose one driving force, you need to create another within yourself. You need to  learn to motivate yourself and even if the others around you aren’t working hard, do the extra  sprint, stay focused on your technique, and try to perfect every part of your game.

Who has helped you become the player that you are today? How did they help you? Is there anything  you would like to tell them?

There are 2 coaches who have made me into the player I am today, both of whom have taught me  completely different, but extremely important lessons about the game of soccer. The first, and  possibly the most influential, was one of my first club coaches, Sean McCoy. He was my coach from  the age of 11 to 13. During those years, Sean taught me the grit, the physicality, and the raw mentality  of the game of soccer. He also began the process of building my leadership and confidence on and off  the field. His coaching is what built me from the ground up. The lesson’s he taught me were exactly  what I needed at that age that allowed my love for the game to grow as the years went on. The  second coach who was a huge influence on my game was Alex Mason. Alex taught me the intellectual  side of the game. The importance of watching soccer, my technical ability, and my tactical awareness  were all built from the lessons he taught me as my coach. The combination of the two coach’s abilities  to build every part of my game was so instrumental to my progression as player. But through their  years of coaching they never forgot to teach me how soccer is a sport that requires you to love the  game. Through the good and the bad, they encouraged me to always enjoy playing like it was the last  time I would ever touch a ball. For that and for the immense time they have spent helping me and  training me, I would like to give them a huge thank you. I will always remember the lessons you  taught me and will use them for the rest of my life.

Could you see yourself coaching soccer someday? Is that a path that you are interested? 

Coaching is an interesting thing to me. I do love the tactical side of soccer and teaching or helping  people understand that side of the game has always been one of my favorite parts. But coaching is  still a very daunting task for me to look at. Because I’ve had such great and incredible coaches it  seems almost impossible to step into their shoes and do the same thing they’ve done. It’s like the standard for coaching is so incredibly high that I feel very hesitant to attempt it. But if the chance  were to ever come to me someday, I think my competitive spirit would definitely take over and I would have to give it a go.

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment, or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

Contact us on our website or email @ nebraskasoccertalk@gmail.com.

Connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, or listen to our podcast.

Chace Hutchison

At Nebraska Soccer Talk, we love covering everything soccer related. For the most part, that means covering games and providing analysis/opinions. However, our overall mission and purpose is far reaching and ambitious. Our goal is to bring the soccer community closer together through collaboration and communication.  There are countless people that deserve recognition for their efforts as a player, official, or coach. Throughout the year, we will be highlighting these individuals through our Get To Know Me articles.

This will be a series made up of three different components. All of which is meant to bring attention to the soccer community.

1. Get To Know Me (Coach Edition) – These individuals are responsible for building their programs, growing the game of soccer, and mentoring the next generation. We look forward to learning about their lives and philosophies.
2. Get To Know Me (Player Edition) – This article series will focus on high school juniors and seniors that have demonstrated themselves to be quality players and people. With these features, our community will learn about some of the most impressive players in the state.
3. Future of the Game – This article series will focus on the freshmen and sophomore classes. These are players that we will be covering for years to come.

Thank you to every individual that provided information for this idea. We appreciate your thoughtful and timely responses.

Riley Wrhel

Parent/Guardian: Janet Wrhel

High School Team: Lincoln Northeast High School Girls Soccer

Position: I typically play center defensive midfielder

Grade: I am a senior

What is your favorite subject in school? Why? 

My favorite subject is science because ever since i was younger I enjoyed all the aspects that went into it and the chemical reactions.

What are your future plans?

I will be continuing my academic and soccer career at Hastings College

Who’s your favorite soccer player and why?

My favorite soccer player is Carli Lloyd. She is a big team player and never gives up no matter what obstacles are thrown at her. Her mentality is what I dream of having.

Throughout your high school career, you have undoubtedly learned many lessons and matured as a player. Based on those lessons and experiences, give three pieces of advice to your freshman self.

When I was a freshman I came into the team very nervous and with little to no confidence in my abilities. I would probably tell freshman me that it’s ok to make mistakes but you have to recover quickly from them and not dwell on the past. I would also probably tell her that it doesn’t matter what other people say about you or your abilities, you know who you are and that’s all that matters. Finally I would tell her to just relax and have fun. It’s only high school.

Who has helped you become the player that you are today? How did they help you? Is there anything you would like to tell them?

The main people that have helped me become who I am are my coaches and my teammates. They are supportive and help whenever I need help but push enough where it makes me want to be better. The main thing I would like to tell them is just Thank you. Thank you for always being there and helping me.

Thank you for reading and being a part of our new community. A like, share, comment, or recommendation of content would be greatly appreciated. In order to financially support our efforts, sponsorship/partnership opportunities have become available. Sponsors will receive vast exposure to the Nebraska soccer community through different media avenues. The sponsorship process is easy and reasonable.

Contact us on our website or email @ nebraskasoccertalk@gmail.com.

Connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, or listen to our podcast.

Chace Hutchison

At Nebraska Soccer Talk, we love covering everything soccer related. For the most part, that means covering games and providing analysis/opinions. However, our overall mission and purpose is far reaching and ambitious. Our goal is to bring the soccer community closer together through collaboration and communication.  There are countless people that deserve recognition for their efforts as a player, official, or coach. Throughout the year, we will be highlighting these individuals through our Get To Know Me articles.

This will be a series made up of three different components. All of which is meant to bring attention to the soccer community.

1. Get To Know Me (Coach Edition) – These individuals are responsible for building their programs, growing the game of soccer, and mentoring the next generation. We look forward to learning about their lives and philosophies.
2. Get To Know Me (Player Edition) – This article series will focus on high school juniors and seniors that have demonstrated themselves to be quality players and people. With these features, our community will learn about some of the most impressive players in the state.
3. Future of the Game – This article series will focus on the freshmen and sophomore classes. These are players that we will be covering for years to come.

Thank you to every individual that provided information for this idea. We appreciate your thoughtful and timely responses.

Chace Hutchison

Before you start scrolling the list, please read the opening carefully.

First, not every senior is on this list.  There are several reasons behind this.  Some players I couldn’t find stats, accolades, or information on, but all of these seniors on this list are here because someone (the player themselves, their parents, their coaches, a teammate, and we even had another player’s parent reach out to make sure someone was included).  We did not leave anyone off on purpose.

The second piece, there may be some slight inaccuracies or missing information in this article.  I got my information from many different sources, including some sources that are not always correct (namely social media and MaxPreps statistics).  On top of that, no matter how hard I tried to log in and pay for a Lincoln Journal Star account (to access their postseason awards), their website wouldn’t accept any of my credit cards.  Local newspapers shouldn’t complain about their readership when they don’t have a functioning and easy website for readers to pay for access, but I digress.

Lastly, Chace and I enjoyed covering high school soccer immensely this season and we can’t wait to do an even better job next Spring.  We have been blessed to receive a little support from coaches and parents over the past two weeks, and we will thank them when the time is right, but we can also use more support.  We will be coming out with a Patreon account this summer, but if you would like to get the ball rolling on your support now you can visit our Nebraska Soccer Talk Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/nebraska_talk.  

Any individuals that support us now, will be instantly included in the Patreon supporters group when we get it started and will receive benefits in line with their support!

Class A Boys – Senior Send-Off

Jayden Kreis – Goalkeeper, Papillion La Vista – Kreis was a 2-year starter for the Papillion La Vista Monarchs.  In that time, he compiled a 20-14 record with 10 shutouts.  Kreis is committed to Buena Vista University Soccer, a Division III school in Storm Lake, Iowa.  Omaha World Herald Class Honorable Mention.

Efren Flores – Goalkeeper, Millard South – The Patriots rode Cooney Magic and a solid goalkeeper (and captain) in Efren Flores to their first state tournament berth in many years.  Flores’ performances earned him a nod on the OWH Class A Second Team nod and a LJS Class A Honorable Mention. Flores is committed to Concordia (NE) University to continue his education and soccer career.

Alexander Arriola – Midfielder, Bellevue East – Arriola was captain of the Bellevue East Soccer and plays club soccer for Gretna Elite Academy.  Per his Twitter, Arriola has committed to continuing his career at Upper Iowa University Soccer, a Division II school in Fayette, Iowa.

Cole Lammel – Defender, Millard South – Lammel was a three-year member of the Millard South Patriots Varsity.  The Millard South squad made the 2021 State Tournament this year.  Lammel was named to the LJS Super State First Team and the Class A All State team.  Also named to the OWH First Team All Nebraska, First Team Class A, and First Team All-Metro.  Per his Twitter, Lammel will be joining Northwest Missouri State Football as a kicker/punter, Northwest Missouri State is a Division II powerhouse located in Maryville, Missouri.

 Nick Sells – Defender, Papillion La Vista – Sells appeared in the 35 matches in his career for the Papillion La Vista Monarchs.  He was a Class A Honorable Mention by the LJS and OWH.  He is continuing his soccer career at Carroll University, a Division III school in Waukesha, WI.

Patrick Long – Forward, Gretna – Long notched 7 goals and 2 assists (in 8 games) for Gretna High School en route to State Championship berth and a semifinal finish.  Goal of the season candidate against Bryan in District Finals.  Long is continuing his soccer career at Midland University.  Long earned Class A Honorable Mention honors from Omaha World Herald.  Long also picked up MVP honors from the SONE Senior Soccer Showcase.

Sam Sundstrom – Defender, Elkhorn South – Appeared in all 15 games for the Storm in the 2021 season, earned Class A Honorable Mention from LJS and second team all-metro from OWH.

Haider Al-Barakat – Forward, Lincoln East – Earned Class A Honorable Mention from LJS, Class A second team from OWH, and named to the 2020 Nebraska U18 Boys Best XI during the 2020 Nebraska State Cup.  Barakat notches 13 goals and 5 assists for the Lincoln East Spartans in the 2021 season.

Jacob Miller – Midfielder, Lincoln Southeast – Earned Class A Honorable Mention from LJS and OWH.  Notched 2 goals and 1 assist this season.  Helped lead Knights to 2021 Class A State Tournament.

Caden Linsea – Midfielder, Gretna – Linsea just committed his future to Nebraska Wesleyan University.  He was a member of a Gretna team that finished its season in the State Tournament Semi-Finals.  Caden plays his club soccer for Gretna Elite Academy.

Eli Rhodes – Midfielder, Lincoln Southwest – Rhodes, the scorer of one of the most dramatic goals in recent State Championship history, was named to the LJS Super State team, OWH All Nebraska First team, and Class A All-State team.  Eli finished high school with a 3.9 GPA, and finished this season with 15 goals and 16 assists.  Rhodes is headed to Dakota Wesleyan where he will continue his academic and soccer careers.

Cedar Moyer – Forward, Gretna – Moyer shared the points lead for Gretna, but led the Dragons in assists this year.  He helped the Dragons reach the State Tournament Semifinals, and his consistent performers put him in the LJS Super State Second Team, OWH All Nebraska Second Team, OWH All-Metro team as well as the Class A All-State Team.  Moyer has committed to continuing his education and his soccer career at NJCAA powerhouse, Iowa Western Community College.

Damien Tran – Midfielder, Lincoln Southeast – Tran earned Class A Honorable Mention from LJS and OWH, notching 1 goal and 1 assist and helping lead Lincoln Southeast to the 2021 State Tournament.  Tran plans to attend the University of Nebraska and study Pre-Medicine.

Emanuel “Wawa” Palga – Midfielder, Omaha South – One of the most interesting final games of a high school player’s career did not stop Wawa Palga from earning his proper place in the LJS Super State First Team and the Class A All State Team.  Palga also earned the prestigious award of captain of OWH All Nebraska First Team, and was named to the Class A and Metro first teams.  Wawa was one of the most entertaining players to watch in Nebraska Boys Soccer this year, stacking up 11 goals and 5 assists while dazzling fans with his skill and speed on the ball.  He is awaiting a D1 offer to play college soccer at the next level.

Kevin Becerril – Forward, Omaha South – Kevin Becerril led the front-line for the State Champion and nationally ranked Omaha South Packers.  Becerril combined consistent finishing skill with solid hold-up play to finish top in the state in goals, and second in the state in points.  Becerril’s performances netted him a spot on the LJS Super State First team, OWH All Nebraska 1st team, OWH First team all-Metro, as well as the Class A All State team.

Luis Garcia – Midfielder, Omaha South – Luis Garcia was a consistent performer for the State Champion Packers.  While he didn’t necessarily stack up the state-wide accolades (apart from his Class A Honorable Mention and Second Team All-Metro), he played an important midfield role for Omaha South.  He had 4 player of the game performances for Omaha South this season.

David Rojas – Midfielder, Omaha South – Rojas was my player to watch for the Packers before the State Championship game, and he ended up scoring a goal.  Rojas was an unsung player for the Packers for most of the season, but he had clutch moments when it mattered including earlier in the season versus Creighton Prep.  Rojas was a Class A Honorable Mention.

Ian Krenzer – Goalkeeper, Creighton Prep – Krenzer captained the Junior Jays to a 2021 State Semifinal appearance, and earned a spot as a LJS and OWH Class A Honorable Mention.  4.1 GPA, and missed only a couple games due to injury.  Krenzer plays club soccer for NFC, and plans to continue his education at University of Nebraska Lincoln for business.

Tristan Rainey – Defender, Omaha Northwest – LJS and OWH Class A All-State Honorable Mention.

Peyton Hylok – Defender, Papillion La Vista South – Hylok made his mark this season as a LJS and OWH Class A Honorable Mention and Co-Captain of Papillion La Vista South Boys Soccer.  Hylok is heading to the Kansas City area to continue his education and soccer career at Johnson County Community College.

Collin Manzano – Forward, North Platte – Manzano, the Southeast Community College soccer commit, scored 3 goals and dished out 6 assists for the North Platte Bulldogs.

Ian Becerra – Midfielder, Lincoln High – Becerra was a Class A All-State Selection by the Lincoln Journal Star and Omaha World Herald.  This Spring, Becerra scored 9 goals and notched 5 assists.  Becerra is continuing his education and soccer career at Santa Rosa Junior College in California.  Along with being a stand out 4 year soccer player, Ian was also a four year letterwinner in Cross Country.  

Chance Hergott – Defender, Papillion La Vista South – Chance Hergott made the most of his senior season earning Academic All-State, as well as LJS and OWH All State Honorable Mention honors.  The athletic and talented left back is heading to Truman State University where he will study in business and compete for their soccer team.

Caden Tubaugh – Forward, Millard West – Tubaugh had a solid sophomore season, earning OWH Class A All State Honorable Mention, but his 2020-2021 year will be one for the books.  In 2020, Tubaugh won a State Cup with Gretna Elite Academy and committed his future to nationally-ranked NCAA Division II Maryville University.  This Spring, The 6’1” Tubaugh tallied 11 goals and 12 assists and played nearly every minute of every match, leading Millard West to a State Tournament appearance (where he netted against champions Omaha South in a losing effort).  He picked up postseason awards galore, including but not limited to LJS Super State, LJS Class A All State, OWH All Nebraska First team, OWH All-Metro first team, and Millard West Boys MVP.

Arturo Castro – Forward, Norfolk – LJS Class A All-State Honorable Mention.  Castro tallied 5 goals and 3 assists this season for the Panthers.

Jeff Sumaili – Midfielder, Omaha Burke – Sumaili netted 5 goals and 7 assists for the Burke Bulldogs, en route to LJS and OWH Class A All-State Honorable Mentions.

Ryan Brakke – Midfielder, Creighton Prep – Ryan Brakke, an LJS First Team Super State, OWH Class A First Team, OWH All Nebraska Second Team, and OWH All-Metro selection, helped lead the Junior Jays to a semifinal appearance in this spring’s state tournament.  Cited by his coach as both a tremendous leader and player, Brakke is staying in town and graduating from Junior Jay to Blue Jay.  The midfield standout has committed his future to the Creighton University soccer team.  Brakke plays club soccer for Sporting Omaha FC.

Soe She – Forward, Lincoln High – Soe is a young player who has persevered through some great adversity.  A Karen refugee, who lost his father at a young age, Soe She will be the first of his family to attend college when he attends Southeast Community College this Fall.  He plans to pursue a degree in electromechanical engineering.  Soe She is a talented soccer player, kind-hearted person, and always has a great attitude despite the challenges he has had to face.  We want to thank Janet Scott for sharing Soe’s story with us.

Anthony Acosta – Midfield, Grand Island – The midfielder from Grand Island helped lead his team to a State Tournament berth.  Next year, Acosta will continue his education and his soccer career at Dakota Wesleyan.  OWH Class A All State Honorable Mention

Caiden Lawn – Defender, Kearney – Defender Caiden Lawn was one of the veterans of a young Kearney Bearcat team.  Lawn was named LJS and OWH Class A All State Honorable Mention and earned Academic All-State Honors.  

Alex Eby – Defender, Papillion La Vista South – Eby was a 2021 OWH All-Nebraska, Class A, and all-Metro Second Team selection as well as being a LJS Class A All State Honorable Mention.

Cole Hoppe – Defender, Bellevue West –  Cole Hoppe was named all-state honorable mention as both a Sophomore and a Senior.  He was also named captain before the COVID-cancelled junior year and maintained that role for Bellevue West as a senior.  Hope is an incredible student, earning Academic All-State as a senior, a #1 Class Rank at Bellevue West, and a spot in the Bellevue West 30+ ACT Club.  He served as a DECA officer his junior and senior years.  Hoppe has committed to William Jewell College, where he will continue his soccer career and his education.  He plans to study Data Science and Statistics.

Martin Fuentes – Midfielder/Forward, Bellevue West – Fuentes was a 2021 LJS Class A All State Honorable Mention and a OWH All-Metro Second Team award winner.

Diego Salas – Forward, Grand Island – Salas, a LJS and OWH All State Honorable Mention, tallied 10 goals and 12 assists this season.  He helped the Islanders to a berth in the 2021 State Tournament. Salas is continuing his academic and soccer career at Southeast Community College.

Nolan Fuelberth – Goalkeeper, Lincoln Southwest – 2021 Super State Selection by LJS and All Nebraska First Team Selection by OWH, Fuelberth made 72 saves and only allowed 7 goals.  Nolan took Southwest to the brink of a State Championship game.  A goalkeeper with many strengths, Fuelberth is committed to Division I Northern Illinois.  Fuelberth was Nebraska Soccer Talk’s Class A Boys Player of the Year as well as the LJS player of the year and is one of the best players (if not the best) in the entire state.

Braden Lackey – Forward, Lincoln Southwest – Despite being surprisingly denied a spot on LJS’ Super State and OWH First teams, Lackey is one of the best goalscorers in the state earning all-state, all conference, and LSW golden boot honors.  Lackey also named to the OWH All-Nebraska second team.  The leading goal-scorer for Class A runner-ups Lincoln Southwest and the 3rd leading goalscorer in Class A, Lackey also showed he could be a provider, tallying 9 assists.  Lackey’s combination of size and skill caused problems for every defensive unit that had to deal with him.  Lackey completed a decorated youth and prep career where he succeeded at the high school, club, and ODP levels.  He was a constant presence on the Nebraska ODP squad.  He plays his club soccer for Gretna Elite Academy, where he was a part of the 2020 State Cup winning team and will travel to the Midwest Regional Championships this year.  Braden is heading to Doane University next Fall, where he will continue his soccer career and his education.

Carter Hinman – Forward, Gretna – Carter Hinman had himself a senior year, with a great memory that it was probably his goal that led to the fence-breaking celebrations in Gretna’s district final.  He notched 14 goals and 4 assists, as he helped Gretna to a semifinal finish in this year’s State Tournament.  His personal and team success was rewarded with a spot on the LJS Super State Second Team, OWH All Nebraska First Team, OWH All-Metro first team, as well as the Class A Boys All-State Team.  Carter is headed to Concordia (NE) University to continue his education and his soccer career.

Carter Novosad – Forward, Lincoln Southwest – Novosad, the 5’11” senior, was a part of the Class A Runners-up Lincoln Southwest.  Novosad, who netted 5 goals and 3 assists this season, is committed to continuing his education and his college soccer career at Drury University.

Johnny Le – Midfielder/Defender, Lincoln Southwest – Le was a part of the Class A Runners-up Lincoln Southwest.  He was a big contributor to what made the Lincoln side so difficult to score on all season.  Le is committed to continuing his education and soccer career at Drury University.

Clayton Monroe – Goalkeeper, Lincoln Southwest – In case you were wondering how loaded Lincoln Southwest was at goalkeeper, Monroe was the backup behind Division I commit Nolan Fuelberth.  Monroe, a Rockhurst University commitment himself, played his club soccer for Capital Soccer Association out of Lincoln.

Spencer Kaufman – Westside – The Westside Warrior and Sporting Omaha player is committed to continuing his education and soccer career at Concordia (NE) University.

Braeden Bestmann – Defender, Lincoln Southwest – Bestmann was a consistent and talented defensive presence for the Class A Runners Up, and he has been rewarded handsomely for his efforts.  The Lincoln Southwest captain was named LJS First Team Super State, LJS First Team Class A, OWH All Nebraska Second Team, and OWH Class A First Team.  Bestmann was also named Academic All-State.

Brage Sather-Larsen – Forward, Omaha Bryan – Sather-Larsen scored lots of goals and picked up lots of awards this year.  The 15-goal scorer was named to the OWH Class A Second Team, OWH All-Metro First Team, OWH All-Nebraska Second Team, LJS Super State Second Team, and LJS Class A All-State.  A fantastic season for the Bryan striker.

Payton King – Forward, Grand Island Northwest – King scored 5 goals and dished 2 assists this Spring.  Helped GINW to a state tournament berth, named 2nd team all-conference in the Central Conference. King participated in the CCC and SONE showcases and is currently contemplating an offer from Mount Marty University Men’s Soccer to continue his soccer and academic careers.

Chace and I enjoyed covering high school soccer immensely this season and we can’t wait to do an even better job next Spring.  We have been blessed to receive a little support from coaches and parents over the past two weeks, and we will thank them when the time is right, but we can also use more support.  We will be coming out with a Patreon account this summer, but if you would like to get the ball rolling on your support now you can visit our Nebraska Soccer Talk Venmo: https://venmo.com/u/nebraska_talk. 

Joe Cleary