All posts by Chace Hutchison

Class A Boys – Lincoln Southwest vs. Omaha South – Tuesday, May 18th @ 8:00 PM

Lincoln Southwest – #1 Seed (17-0)

Road To The Finals

• Quarterfinals – Defeated Grand Island 3-0
• Semifinals – Defeated Creighton Prep 1-0

Key Players

• #1 Nolan Fuelberth – Senior goalkeeper will have to live up to his shot-stopping reputation one final time. The Northern Illinois commit has been a record setter all season. A championship trophy would be an incredible ending to a wonderful career.
• #8 Eli Rhodes – Senior midfielder that controls the most critical part of the pitch. Rhodes has scored 13 goals and assisted 12 times this season. He is the engine of the squad.
• #11 Braden Lackey – Senior attacker that has accounted for 15 goals and 9 assists. He is a next level talent that has introduced himself to us this season.
• #17 Ramzy Hamouda – Senior attacker is perhaps the most explosive player on this team. Hamouda has the ability to take over a game; he could be the difference maker here. His stats are 8 goals and 5 assists.

Omaha South – #2 Seed (20-1)

Road To The Finals

• Quarterfinals – Defeated Millard West 3-1
• Semifinals – Defeated Gretna 3-0

Key Players

• #9 Edwin Cisneros – Junior forward that has been impressive all season. To understand this talent, only a few clips of his highlights will be needed. Cisneros is a speedy and passionate player that has a certain edge to his game. He will be one to watch next season. He has 10 goals and 10 assists this year.
• #11 Emanuel Palga – Senior midfielder that was listed by us as a player to watch before the season started. Palga has lived up to that billing during the 2021 season. He will be an important factor versus Southwest. 10 goals and 5 assists this season.
• #14 Kevin Becceril – Senior midfielder that is a leading candidate for the boys player of the year. Becceril would add to an already impressive career with this championship. He has been practically unstoppable in front of goal with 25 goals and 4 assists.

NEST Analysis: The top two seeds will meet for what could be an epic match. This game has everything that a soccer supporter could ever want. High quality players will be all over the field, many of them are quite accustomed to putting on a show. Both teams will attack from the very start of the game and neither knows how to back down. Southwest will be attempting to complete its perfect season; this is the moment they have been waiting for. Omaha South continues its tradition of excellence with another trip to the promised land.

Prediction: Who knows about this one?!? I don’t believe anyone could tell you with 100% confidence the outcome of this game. However, this industry requires that I take a stand. If I am going to do that, it’s time to get specific. This game will need more than regulation to decide a champion. It will be 2-2 at the end of regular time, Southwest will score the deciding goal in the first overtime. Lincoln Southwest 3-2.

Class A Girls – Gretna vs. Millard North – Tuesday, May 18th @ 5:00 PM

Gretna – #2 Seed (20-1)

Road To The Finals

• Quarterfinals – Defeated Kearney 4-1
• Semifinals – Defeated Lincoln East 2-1 SO

Key Players

• #3 Madelyn White – Sophomore attacker that has stood out in the most important of moments. White is a force on the side with a nonstop motor. She has scored 14 goals and assisted 16 times this year. With her, it looks like another division one prospect will be coming out of Gretna.
• #12 Savannah De Fini – Junior forward for the Dragons that will be at the top of our watch list next season. She has a special instinct for finding the back of the net. 23 goals and 16 assists for the 2021 season.
• #24 Sarah Weber – The senior star and record setter controls the midfield for the Dragons. She is the undisputed best player every time she steps on the field. Weber is the player of the year on the girls side with 47 goals (not a typo) and 29 assists (also not a typo).
• #25 Taylor Daffer – Defenders are not appreciated or recognized enough by the overall soccer community. So much of what they do is hard to quantify, yet so important. Daffer is a game changer and will be a wonderful addition to Creighton at the next level.

Millard North – #8 Seed (13-7) 

Road To The Finals

• Quarterfinals – Defeated #1 seed Lincoln Southwest 1-0 SO
• Semifinals – Defeated Omaha Marian 2-1

Key Players

• #7 Campbell Zimmers – Senior midfielder that has committed to play at South Dakota at the next level. She is one of the state’s best and a major reason why the Mustangs are in this position. Zimmers has 18 goals and 6 assists this season.
• #14 Sena Ahovissi – Senior forward for the Mustangs that has a few of the best highlights this year. However, her game is much more than those snap shots. Her on the ball skill and off ball movement set her apart. Sena has 18 goals and 2 assists to her name. She will need to find a few more in this last game.

NEST Analysis: A finals matchup involving teams with polar opposite stories. One expected to be in this game and the other had only themselves to rely upon. Anything less than a championship appearance would have been a disappointment for Gretna, we wrote as much at the beginning of the year. Those were lofty expectations but their talent dictated and eventually justified those statements. The Dragons delivered in style with their beautiful style of play and showmanship. They are going to be on the attack, expect a determined squad from the opening whistle.

On the other side of the pitch, perhaps a team of destiny. Hovering around the .500 mark all season, very few saw Millard North being in the championship game. To be here, the Mustangs had to defeat Gretna in the district finals which came down to a shootout. It took longer than most, but North has figured out their system and really come together as a team. Now it is time to stay disciplined and look for one of their top goal scorers to rise to the occasion.

Prediction: Millard North is such a wonderful story, and they have found a way over and over again. However, they just defeated Gretna, giving the Dragons an added sense of motivation. Gretna wins 3-1 with Sarah Weber getting 2 of those goals.

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 season, 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 are 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.

 KIMMEE (KIMBERLEE) DAVENPORT

Parent(s)/Guardian(s): CHARLES & LORI DAVENPORT

High School Soccer Team: BELLEVUE WEST SR HIGH SCHOOL-GIRLS TEAM

Position: RIGHT/LEFT-CENTER BACK

Club Team: SPORTING OMAHA FC 04 PRIEMER

Grade: JUNIOR

What is your favorite subject in school? 

BIOLOGY, THE BODY HAS ALWAYS MADE THE MOST SENSE TO ME.

What are your future plans?

I WANT TO MAJOR IN NURSING. I AM NOT OPPOSED TO PLAYING SOCCER IN  COLLEGE I WOULD LOVE TOO, BUT IT DOES NOT MAKE IT OR BREAK IT FOR ME.

Who’s your favorite soccer player and why? 

BECKY SAUERBRAUNN, ONE OF MY COACHES SAID I HAD THE SAME PLAYING  STYLE AS HER AND SHE WAS MY FAVORITE EVER SINCE.

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. 

CHANGE IS GOOD

EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON

DON’T TAKE EVERYTHING TO HEART

 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? 

MY FIRST SELECT COACH MITCH KAVANAGH. HE SHAPED ME INTO THE  AGGRESSIVE LEADER OF A PLAYER I AM TODAY. I WOULD LIKE TO THANK HIM  FOR ALWAYS BELIEVING IN ME AND PUSHING ME TO DO MY BEST.

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 season, 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 are 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.

 Meredith Proctor

Parent(s)/Guardian(s): Steve and Cathy Proctor 

High School Soccer Team: Burke Girls Varsity Soccer

Position: Anywhere on defense but I am playing Right Back this year. 

Club Team: Nebraska Roots 06G I. 

What grade are you currently in? 9th 

What is your favorite subject in school?

Spanish because learning a new language and about a  different culture is really fun and interesting.

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

As an  individual player, I want to become more confident on the field. I also want to focus less on the  outcomes of the game and focus more on what I can do better to grow as a player. I want to achieve  these goals by identifying my weaknesses and putting forth effort towards what needs to be better.

 What goals do you have for your high school team during the 2021 season and beyond?

As a team, I  hope we are always tight-knit like a family on and off the field. As a high school team, we spend so much  time together because of practices almost everyday and games every week. When you are close and  comfortable around your teammates, I feel like it’s a lot easier to communicate with each other and  work well together.

Who’s your favorite soccer player and why?

Kelley O’Hara because she is a powerful female athlete  and I look up to her a lot especially because she plays defense, so I like to watch her to try and  constantly improve my game.

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 season, 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 are 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.

Madilynne Warren 

Parent(s)/Guardian(s): Kelly Warren and Jennifer Warren

High School Soccer Team: Elkhorn South High School (Girls)

Position: Forward

Club Team: Midwest Premier Academy

Grade: 9th grade

 What is your favorite subject in school?

Science because I want to be in the healthcare system when I am older.

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

The goals I have as an individual player are keeping a strong mindset on the game and being a team player. Through wins and losses, mistakes are made on the field. From when you make that mistake you have the mental choice to either give up or keep working hard. That’s the goal I want to keep for myself. When you give up on yourself, you give up on your team. You can only learn from the mistakes that are made while playing soccer. When I lose the ball or make a bad pass, I always remember to tell myself that it’s okay and a few mistakes do not define my play. Being a team player is a strong asset to the game and a developing team. Keeping a mindset like that will build up both myself and my teammates. I am making myself a team player by always having an upbeat attitude with my teammates and always reminding them that they are doing great.

What goals do you have for your high school team during the 2021 season and beyond? What do you hope to accomplish as a group throughout your high school career? 

The goals I have for my high school team during the 2021 season and beyond are working hard as a team to create a bond on and off the field and making it into the state tournament. As a group, I hope to accomplish improved team technical, and social skills, along with long lasting memories and a state champion title.

Who’s your favorite soccer player and why?

My favorite soccer player is Neymar Jr. I enjoy watching him play because of his dedication to the game and how hard he works. Even during tough injuries he pushes through and comes back better than he was before. His hard work on and off the field gives me motivation to always work hard and you can make it far even if people around you don’t believe in you.

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 season, 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 are 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.

Brian Anderson

Name of High School Program: Omaha Burke Girls

Occupation Outside of Coaching: Art teacher at Burke

Favorite Professional Soccer Team: Chelsea FC

Philosophy: Our first goal is to live up to the standards set in the Burke
High School motto, Loyalty, Integrity, Honor. In doing so, we hope to create and maintain a
winning attitude through teaching young women the value of leadership, teamwork, discipline,
toughness (mental & physical), and self-sacrifice. All of this will be integrated into a competitive
environment. You will compete against yourself, your teammates and your opponents. We hope
each young woman will a have a positive experience and develop a sense of pride in Burke High
School. We will teach you to make good decisions. We will teach to you not be afraid to fail. We
will teach you character through winning and more importantly, through losing. We will teach
you to have a competitive drive on and off the field.

Who would you consider to be your soccer mentor? What is the story behind your selection? How did they help you in your soccer journey?

Mike Bailey. He was head boys coach at Burke when I started my coaching career in
2003 with the boys team. I worked as his JV coach and his Varsity Assistant. He taught me everything he knew and was an amazing example to try and emulate. Much of which I still do today.

Describe a favorite soccer memory that you have been involved with. This memory could be from your playing or coaching experiences. Tell us the story and impact of this memory.

Beating #1 seeded Norfolk in the 2017 District Semifinal as the #4 seed. We had had THE most
injury plagued season I have ever been a part of. We had 9 concussions, an ACL tear, and ankle
sprain, a thigh bruise and 2 bouts of stomach bugs and a GK with a back injury. It was a year of
constant changes and adjustments. I had some fierce competitors sidelined with concussions that
couldn’t STAND not playing. We had some heart-to heart talks about what was most important
in life; playing now or dealing with brain issues at age 25. We followed all the rules and did
things the right way and finally had my entire team at full strength (minus the ACL tear) for the
first round of districts. We went in as the 4th seed, traveled to #1 seed Norfolk and beat them 3-1!
It wasn’t just the win, but how hard the players battled all season and never gave up when it
would have been so easy to just call it quits.

List and describe three important pillars or values of your program. What is the culture of your program built on? What do they mean to you?

1. Competition
2. Don’t be afraid to fail
3. Toughness, both mental and physical
Team unity. When all players are putting the team before self, good things happen.
All of these things combined mean I am more concerned about helping shape young women that will be successful in life BECAUSE they played soccer. Sports teach so many things, and I try to focus on all of those aspects that AREN’T soccer before and during the coaching of the game I love.

What is your motivation for coaching? This is a time-consuming and challenging occupation. Why do you do it? 

I love the feel of belonging and community that sports brings.
Being an art teacher, I am certified to teach K-12 and one of the main reasons I chose to teach at
the secondary level was that school pride that sports can bring to a school. Also I love being able
to connect with and get to know students that DON’T take art. I always have some soccer players
in my art classes, but I would miss out on knowing some pretty amazing humans if I didn’t coach
too!

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 season, 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 are 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.

Laine Alber

Parent(s)/Guardian(s): Kathy Alber and Corey Alber

High School Soccer Team: Burke Girls Varsity Soccer 

Position: I normally play goalie 

Club Team: I play for SOFC

Grade: I am currently a junior

What is your favorite subject in school? Why? 

My favorite subject in school is either math or science, but I specifically love chemistry. I like STEM classes because they always have a specific answer to each question and I love the challenge of finding that one answer.

What are your future plans? 

Currently, my plan is to go to a college somewhere in town or in the state and my dream school is Creighton! I want to major in biology or chemistry in hopes of following the pre-pharmacy track to become a pharmacist when I am older!

Who’s your favorite soccer player and why? 

My favorite soccer player is Rose Lavelle on the US women’s national soccer team! I have loved her ever since she joined the team, mainly because she was such a young player that was living out every little girl’s dream. I have always looked up to the women’s national team because they are so extremely talented and dedicated, so when Lavelle joined the team, she was just another great addition that contributed so much to the game. 

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. 

I have learned so much about myself as a soccer player throughout my high school career and I am so incredibly grateful for all of the memories I have made by being a part of Burke’s soccer team. To my freshman self, I would say to remember the love I have for soccer; I tend to get so wrapped up in my own thoughts during games and practices that soccer becomes more of a stressor than a blessing. I often need to remind myself that the love I have for this sport is stronger than anything else and that I need to resort to that love and passion when I am facing hardships.

Another piece of advice I would have for my freshman self is to start viewing each game and practice as a new opportunity to improve and get better. Every failure and success has taught me so much in my soccer career and it all allows me to improve as a player, so it is always helpful to have that growth mindset that focuses on my progress rather than my struggles.

The final piece of advice I would have for my freshman self is to cherish each moment that I am able to play soccer with my teammates at Burke. With our season being cancelled last year because of the pandemic, everything has been put into perspective for me and I never want to take my high school soccer experience for granted again. I have formed so many life-long friendships by playing for Burke and the memories I have made with this team will continue to stick with me for the rest of my life. 

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? 

Without a doubt, my sister Payton Alber has helped me become the soccer player and person I am today. I owe absolutely everything to her; she has taught me everything I know and she is truly the person I look up to most. Payton helps me stay grounded in life and she is constantly encouraging me to be hardworking and give 100% on and off the field. I remember growing up and watching her play soccer her entire life, so naturally I wanted to start playing soccer as well. My sister has always come to my soccer games and practiced soccer with me in our backyard; she has always been my number one supporter and I cannot thank her enough for it. 

Could you see yourself coaching soccer someday? Is that a path that you are interested in following? If so, why? 

I could easily see myself coaching soccer someday! I do not think I will ever lose passion for this sport so I would love to see myself pass on my love for soccer to another generation of kids. In my day to day life, I would not consider myself a leader, but this completely changes when I step onto the soccer field. Soccer gives me a sense of confidence and authority that I often lack in other parts of my life. Being a soccer coach would allow me to step up as a leader and teach kids about this amazing sport and hopefully give them the confidence that I gain from soccer as well. 

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 season, 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 are 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.

 Camdyn Pilkington

Parent(s)/Guardian(s): Mark and Janna Pilkington

High School Soccer Team: Elkhorn South Girls Soccer

Position: Outside back, defensive mid

Club Team: Midwest Premier Academy

Grade: 11th

What is your favorite subject in school? Why? Chemistry because my teacher is awesome, and we are always doing something fun or interesting experiments.

What are your future plans? Go to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and do something in the medical field, I don’t plan to play college soccer.

Who’s your favorite soccer player and why?

I would say my favorite soccer player is Julie Ertz because I have always followed her and liked her as a player and as a person. I think the foundation she created with her husband is really cool, and I like that she makes an impact on and off the field.

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. 

My sophomore season got cancelled due to COVID and that taught me to not take anything for granted, because anything can be taken from you in a heartbeat. Don’t get caught up in whether you’re a starter or not, you don’t have to start or play the entire game to be a contributor to the teams success. Have fun. High school flies by and especially losing an entire season has taught me to just have fun and take in every moment because it’ll be over before you know it.

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?

Definitely my parents. They have always supported me and been there for me, and I definitely don’t thank them enough for what they have done for me, so thank you Mom and Dad!

Could you see yourself coaching soccer someday? Is that a path that you are interested in following? If so, why?

I could definitely see myself coaching someday, because I want to keep soccer in my life, and since I am probably not playing after high school, I would love to coach to continue being around the sport.

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 season, 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 are 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.

Teagan Lynch

Parent(s)/Guardian(s): Christine Lynch and Michael Lynch

High School Soccer Team: Millard North High School Girls Varsity

Position: Center Mid

Grade: 9th

What is your favorite subject in school? Why?

My favorite subject in school is writing- especially journalism. I enjoy learning new things and then writing about them to bring awareness and knowledge to others.

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

I want to go state all four years of high school and continue to improve my skills. Working hard
in practice everyday and always trying to get better is helping me to achieve these goals.

What goals do you have for your high school team during the 2021 season and beyond?
What do you hope to accomplish as a group throughout your high school career?

My goals for my high school team is to not only qualify for state but do well or win it and bond
with my teammates. I think creating friendships that will last a lifetime is one of the most
important things.

Who’s your favorite soccer player and why?

My favorite soccer player is Pelé because he really changed the game of soccer when he
played. He also started from very little, but his determination and love for the game drove him to
become the best.

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

We are entering into the final stages of the 2021 season, and it has been a wonderful experience. While it has been a joy to watch the sport all season long, this is the time of year when it really matters. The energy and anticipation is almost overwhelming for soccer fans such as ourselves.  The district pairings have been released by the NSAA, and the process of establishing a state field is underway. Nebraska Soccer Talk gives our thoughts and analysis on the district/sub-district match-ups.

A-1

• Entering as the only undefeated team, Lincoln Southwest has state title capabilities and aspirations. They are the favorite in this field and have plenty of talent to justify the #1 seed.
• Lincoln High and Papillion-La Vista South are dangerous middle seeds that could surprise many after they play one another. PLS has been up and down this season but are very good when clicking. A few complete games for this squad and they will find themselves at Morrison.
• I like Lincoln High to reach the final game in this district where they will presumably play Lincoln Southwest. There, the Links are certain to put up a fight as they have done all season versus good competition.

A-2

• It is expected that Omaha South will make a finals appearance in district A-2. Anything else would be a huge shock to the Nebraska soccer landscape. South is gaining a reputation as a second half team. Teams tend to keep it close during the first half, but eventually South’s talent takes over when it matters.
• Its a toss up between Elkhorn South and Millard North. Elkhorn South has experienced injury problems throughout the season, but if they are healthy, this could be a very capable team.
• Millard North has had moments of brilliance, most notably against Gretna during the Metro Tournament. The Mustangs have defeated top teams before so they are not to be overlooked. A consistent level of play is the key here. Every minute will matter versus Elkhorn South and potentially Omaha South.

A-3

• Fremont should win the play-in game versus Omaha North, from there the Tigers have a huge challenge with #1 seed Gretna.
• Gretna has played fantastic soccer all year with multiple players stepping up in key moments. The Dragons should advance to state IF they play to their ability.
• Omaha Bryan will be the biggest challenger and threat to Gretna. They do lack a showcase win this season, but this is an opportunity to earn their first. There is talent on the roster.

A-4

• This district will have a lot of our attention due to the presence of two top 10 teams. Creighton Prep and Grand Island will be an exceptional match-up if they both advance to that game.
• Creighton Prep has earned that #1 seed. They have demonstrated themselves to be a top quality side versus Omaha South and others.
• Grand Island’s state title hopes are legitimate even with presence of Prep.The Islanders have won eight of their last ten games, playing very well throughout that stretch.
• Omaha Northwest is a dangerous three seed that Grand Island cannot overlook in that first game. Northwest was momentarily inside the Top 10 and have lingered in that 11-14 range all season.

A-5

• This one will be fun as multiple matches could go either way. There is no clear cut overwhelming favorite in this district.
• Millard South and Kearney have played challenging schedules this spring. Theoretically, that should benefit them now as the urgency gets turned up.
• The Patriots garnered more and more respect as the season went along. They were a pleasant surprise to many, including us.

A-6

• Lincoln East has done enough to earn top seeding, but they are still searching for a breakthrough win. They have been so close to reaching their full potential, which programs are built on big wins. A-6 will be an opportunity to gain momentum before playing top tier teams.
• North Platte and Lincoln East faced each other on April 23rd. On that day, North Platte came away with the victory, what will be the result this time? Do not overlook the first round games.
• Millard West and Papillion-La Vista will be a great game to watch for all supporters. West probably has the edge, but not by much. This game could go either way when looking at the two squads.

A-7

• What a year for Lincoln, three teams from the city are #1 seeds in district play. The level of play within the city has greatly increased in recent years from top to bottom.
• Norfolk’s defensive capabilities give them hope in this district. If they are able to discover an attacking prowess, they have a shot to steal a game or two. They pushed Lincoln Southeast, Grand Island, and Lincoln East to the edge this season.
• At the beginning of the season, we gave a lot of attention to Lincoln Southeast. We called for lofty goals and thus far they have answered.
• Omaha Westside has the best situation of any two seed in Class A boys. Win two and you’re in.

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

We are entering into the final stages of the 2021 season, and it has been a wonderful experience. While it has been a joy to watch the sport all season long, this is the time of year when it really matters. The energy and anticipation is almost overwhelming for soccer fans such as ourselves.  The district pairings have been released by the NSAA, and the process of establishing a state field is underway. Nebraska Soccer Talk gives our thoughts and analysis on the district/sub-district match-ups.

B-1

• A fantastic season by Platteview has them in leading position to win this group. Really big steps forward for this program.
• The game between Conestoga and Nebraska City is a bit of a toss up. Very realistic possibility to have a seeding upset in that first round.

B-2

• Omaha Skutt has been the top team all season. They have faced little resistance due to their overwhelming talent at every level.
• Ralston has the best shot to surprise this district.

B-3

• Bennington should be the winner in this group. This is a team with two top level scoring options that will be a challenge for any team to stop.
• Mount Michael has been a tough team to understand in the 2021 season. They have played well against good teams, but have under-performed when they have the upper hand.
• Elkhorn North has a shot if the defense is able to step up. Logan Hanigan at forward can break a game open. In these scenarios, an upset is one or two goals away.

B-4

• Man, what a wild ride is has been for South Sioux City. They began the season in our Top 3, but struggled early on. We kept them in our rankings even when they fell to 1-6. However, due to the performances of other programs they eventually found themselves on the outside of the Top 10. SSC stormed back and are now a one seed. What will be the result in the post-season?
• Blair is inside our Top 10 in the latest rankings. I like the chances of this second seed.

B-5

• Beatrice has been the story of the season on the boys side of the sport. Their reward for an epic turnaround? Being placed in one of the most challenging and hard to predict districts.
• Waverly and Norris will be a great game to watch as two capable teams fight it out in an attempt to advance.
• Crete’s results have been all over the place but there is talent on this squad. They are a dangerous four seed.

B-6

• Schuyler has upped their game in recent weeks, they are beginning to look like a state tournament team. That improvement makes for an interesting scenario in the B-6 district.
• It would be unwise to not mention the #1 seed, Columbus Scotus. They won against Schuyler only a few days ago, and they will need to do it again.

B-7

• The GI Northwest co-op has paid off for the community. Two schools put their best talents together which resulted in a great season.
• Do not overlook Aurora as the four seed. Not necessarily predicting an upset but it is not out of the question.
• For Kearney Catholic, this season started off on the right foot as they advanced to 6-0. A 3-3 finish brings some hesitation to the post-season.

B-8

• B-8 features all central or western Nebraska teams, a noted change from other pairings.
• Lexington is the clear favorite as they have defeated several quality Class A & B teams. The Minutemen feature a few of the best players in the state.
• Scottsbluff is a relative unknown, they have played three Wyoming teams. It is unclear how to compare those wins with Nebraska based results.
• Lexington defeated Scottsbluff 6-0 earlier this season.

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