All posts by Chace Hutchison

This list was developed while considering many different factors including program track records, recommendations from coaches, game observations, and roster strength. With that being said, much of this is subjective and opinions can vary. To the best of our ability, these rankings will reflect the reality of the soccer environment. Adjustments will be made as the season progresses and many conversations will take place. We look forward to those discussions.

Also, included in each article is a section titled Teams on the Verge. These teams ranked just outside our Top 10 but are considered to be in contention. The rankings are fluid and flexible; any team could quickly enter our Top 10 list.

Class A Girls Top 10 Ranking

1. Gretna (13-0)
2. Lincoln East (10-1)
3. Lincoln Southwest (11-0)
4. Papillion-La Vista South (8-3)
5. Omaha Marian (7-3)
6. Elkhorn South (6-3)
7. North Platte (10-3)
8. Millard North (7-6)
9. Columbus (7-4)
10. Millard West (6-4)

Teams on the Verge: Lincoln Southeast, Omaha Central, Papillion-La Vista

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

This list was developed while considering many different factors including program track records, recommendations from coaches, game observations, and roster strength. With that being said, much of this is subjective and opinions can vary. To the best of our ability, these rankings will reflect the reality of the soccer environment. Adjustments will be made as the season progresses and many conversations will take place. We look forward to those discussions.

Also, included in each article is a section titled Teams on the Verge. These teams ranked just outside our Top 10 but are considered to be in contention. The rankings are fluid and flexible; any team could quickly enter our Top 10 list.

Class A Boys Top 10 Ranking

1. Omaha South (10-1)
2. Lincoln Southwest (10-0)
3. Gretna (12-1)
4. Creighton Prep (8-4)
5. Lincoln East (7-3)
6. Lincoln Southeast (7-3)
7. Papillion-La Vista South (7-5)
8. Millard West (6-3)
9. Kearney (7-4)
10. Grand Island (6-4)

Teams on the Verge:  Lincoln High, Millard North, Millard South, Omaha Burke, Omaha Westside, Papillion-La Vista

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

With a little less than a month until the state tournament, now seems like an appropriate time to recognize current statistical leaders from around Nebraska. Below we have listed the top overall point accumulators for each class and gender. This includes goals and assists as of April 14th, 2021. We also wish to recognize those that occupy the goal and have been called into action throughout the season.   

MaxPreps is our preferred method of statistical collection and that is where these numbers originate. MaxPreps relies on accurate and timely information from all programs, therefore we do too. 

It goes without saying that this list does not necessarily represent a Top 10 list of players in the state. The absence of a player does not indicate that they are non-impact or not worthy of recognition. Some individuals simply cannot be judged based on their stat lines. 

Class A Boys – 4/14

Goalies

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

With a little less than a month until the state tournament, now seems like an appropriate time to recognize current statistical leaders from around Nebraska. Below we have listed the top overall point accumulators for each class and gender. This includes goals and assists as of April 14th, 2021. We also wish to recognize those that occupy the goal and have been called into action throughout the season.   

MaxPreps is our preferred method of statistical collection and that is where these numbers originate. MaxPreps relies on accurate and timely information from all programs, therefore we do too. 

It goes without saying that this list does not necessarily represent a Top 10 list of players in the state. The absence of a player does not indicate that they are non-impact or not worthy of recognition. Some individuals simply cannot be judged based on their stat lines. 

Class B Boys – 4/14

Goalies

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

With a little less than a month until the state tournament, now seems like an appropriate time to recognize current statistical leaders from around Nebraska. Below we have listed the top overall point accumulators for each class and gender. This includes goals and assists as of April 14th, 2021. We also wish to recognize those that occupy the goal and have been called into action throughout the season.

MaxPreps is our preferred method of statistical collection and that is where these numbers originate. MaxPreps relies on accurate and timely information from all programs, therefore we do too.

It goes without saying that this list does not necessarily represent a Top 10 list of players in the state. The absence of a player does not indicate that they are non-impact or not worthy of recognition. Some individuals simply cannot be judged based on their stat lines.

Class A Girls – 4/14

Goalies

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

With a little less than a month until the state tournament, now seems like an appropriate time to recognize current statistical leaders from around Nebraska. Below we have listed the top overall point accumulators for each class and gender. This includes goals and assists as of April 14th, 2021. We also wish to recognize those that occupy the goal and have been called into action throughout the season.

MaxPreps is our preferred method of statistical collection and that is where these numbers originate. MaxPreps relies on accurate and timely information from all programs, therefore we do too.

It goes without saying that this list does not necessarily represent a Top 10 list of players in the state. The absence of a player does not indicate that they are non-impact or not worthy of recognition. Some individuals simply cannot be judged based on their stat lines.

Class B Girls – 4/14

Goalies

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.

Annie Mulder

Parent(s)/Guardian(s): Jane and Dan Mulder

High School Soccer Team: Lincoln East Girls Varsity

Position: Center back

Club Team: Gretna Elite Academy ENCL 04

Grade: Sophomore 

What is your favorite subject in school? Why?

My favorite subject in school is science because I think it’s fun learning about some many different things.

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

One of my goals as an individual player is to play division one college soccer. To achieve this goal I train daily and surround myself with players and coaches who will help me to get there. I also maintain good grades.

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?

A main goal I have for my high school team is to win state! Beyond that goal I hope for my team to become a close knit group that everyone can rely on if anyone would need help in or outside of soccer. I hope to accomplish us as a team, always improving, to work together, and become a concern for all other teams in the state.

Who’s your favorite soccer player and why?

My favorite soccer player is Julie Ertz. She’s my favorite because I really love the intensity she has when playing the game. She’s very aggressive and gets things done no matter how challenging it may be. Her movement on the field is another thing I really admire about her. One day I hope to be somewhat compared to how she plays!

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.

Andre Watts

Name of High School Program: Papillion LaVista Monarchs Boys  (11th year)

 Club Team: Gretna Elite Academy Girls 2013 assistant

Occupation Outside of Coaching: Elementary Art Teacher Portal and Golden Hills Elem

Favorite Professional Soccer Team: Liverpool

Soccer Idol (Player or Coach): Brazilian Ronaldo

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?

Jay Mims-Union Omaha-Back when he was with Creighton we played on several indoor and outdoor teams together and have always just talked soccer.  When he was at UNO I was able to attend practices and training sessions.  Over the years, he has always been someone willing to share ideas with young coaches.  He even provided a free leadership seminar over the Covid break in 2020. Jay has gone out of his way to include me in some amazing soccer experiences.

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.

Getting to the state semifinal in 2019 a year after we had only won 4 total games in the previous season.  You start to question if what you are doing is reaching the student-athletes and then something like this run we went on validates everything and provided memories that will last a lifetime.

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? 

-Quality-Family, School, and Soccer

-Giving Back-Community

-Enjoy the Process as success comes in many forms.

I try to provide a variety of opportunities for my players to grow as individuals within their family, school, and team.  We feel that giving back is important as all of the people came before them provided the opportunities that they now take part in. The experience should be a fun one…don’t get so caught up in outcomes as much as enjoying each soccer opportunity and time with the team while learning how to play the game.

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

I guess it’s all tied to that idea of giving back. So many people in my younger years provided quality coaching to me and it’s my turn to pay it forward.  The relationships you build with your players are what keep me in the coaching world. I now have a few former players who are getting into coaching themselves and being a mentor to them is very rewarding.

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.

Zack Wayman

Name of High School Program: Columbus High Girls Soccer

Occupation Outside of Coaching: High School Social Studies Teacher

Favorite Professional Soccer Team: Arsenal

Favorite Soccer Coach: Jurgen Klopp

Favorite Soccer Player: Christian Pulisic

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? 

Have a few, starts with my high school coaches; Scott Steinbrook and Robert Mishou at Kearney High School during my playing days, they were the first to get me on the path to coaching. Then it was Matt Bice, former Nebraska ODP director, and former coach of Nebraska United Club team. It was him who taught me how to teach the game and connect to players. Finally Jess McHargue, Lexington Boys High School coach, an old club coach during my days in Kearney and my boss at Lexington while I was his assistant for two years (State Semi-finalists class B 2019). He taught me a lot about setting the standards and building a program from the ground up, he allowed me to grow and prepare for where I am now. For all of these coaches I am extremely grateful. Special shout out to Mike Doria, former head coach at Millard West (boys) for letting me volunteer coach to the State Semi-finals when I student taught (Spring 2017).

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.

First as a player for Kearney High School, came back down two goals in the second half against Millard West in the State quarterfinals (2013) to win in a PK shootout. We won 3-0 making all three of our first shots (I shot 2nd) and our GK, Quincy Bennet, blocked all three of Millard West’s shots (never seen it in my life). What made that so sweet is Millard West was the only loss we suffered in the regular season (besides a District final loss, we got in on Wildcard) and we only had 3 returning players for that season (a lot of people counting us out).

Coaching memory: Coming back from 1 goal down to win in OT with Lexington Boys Soccer in 2019 against Omaha Roncalli in State Quarterfinals. We had such a young team with great potential and it was such an emotional and positive experience to know how hard those players had worked and dedicated themselves and were rewarded for their efforts. Now many of those players are Juniors and Seniors trying to win state with Lexington in Class B (definitely a team to watch out for).

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? 

Connect – be positive in our communication with each other in verbal and body language, be attentive listeners with our coaches and teammates.
Commit – putting others and the team goals ahead of your own. What role can you fulfill to help the team find success. Do the little things that no one sees so we can accomplish the big things when everyone is watching.
Care – When you care about someone or something you are willing to put it all on the line for them. Only when we first connect and commit to each other, can we then care for each other. When you care you are willing to sacrifice and suffer for your teammates, not just in running open for a pass or spacing or defensive backtracking but taking care of grades in the classroom, doing the little things right to maintain character standards, etc.
The biggest thing I want players to strive for is “leave the place better than you found it”, not just our team buses, or locker rooms or sidelines, but when players leave the program they left it in a better place and left a lasting legacy for the program to build upon. That is my biggest focus on our culture.

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

To give players information I wish I would have known to be as successful on the field as possible. Secondly to teach them life lessons so that players are able find success in their own ways and leave their own legacy before pursuing their next goals in their life.

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.

Ian Becerra

Parent(s)/Guardian(s): Gil Becerra & Janet Scott

High School Soccer Team: Lincoln High School, Boys Varsity Team, 4-year starter

Position: Attacking Midfield

Club Team: Hawks FC, 2002 Boys / NFC, 02 Stevenson – 2020 State Champions

Grade: 12th

What is your favorite subject in school? Why? History & Spanish. I have had awesome teachers – shout out to Chris Turley, Andrew Bargen, and Señora Stetson.

What are your future plans? Undecided. I plan to attend college and would like to continue playing soccer, but I’m still considering my options.

Who’s your favorite soccer player and why?

Andres Iniesta or Ronaldinho. I love Iniesta’s style of play and how he can see a play before anyone else and execute it through a perfect pass. I love Ronaldinho’s flair and how much he loves playing; he always has a smile on his face.

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.

Stay focused on your goals. There are a lot of distractions, but if you really want something, be willing to work hard for what you want. You never know what you can or can’t do until you try. There is no off-season in soccer. Always play to the whistle.

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?  

I have a lot of people to thank for helping me be the player that I am today. First, my parents have always pushed me to do better and work hard. My mom has sacrificed not just for me,  but for many other soccer kids. The Gil Becerra program has made all the difference. Chad Carter’s program helped too – he’s definitely taught me about style. Rashad Moxy pushed me to the limit – he made me cry, vomit, and cramp – but he made me better. He taught me to never be satisfied and to focus, not on my strengths, but on improving my weaknesses.

I want to thank all my club coaches since I was 4-yrs-old who have helped to shape my game and my personality. A special thank you to Coach Mike Dean of SOFC and Coach Malcolm Crummy of Hawks. Coach Alex Cerny believed in me and gave me a chance as a freshman. My 7th and 8th-grade cross country coach, Ms. Eastman, inspired my running. She taught me that every race and every game present a lesson to learn. Thank you to the 2006 Hawks team for teaching me about character and leadership. And finally, soccer is a team sport, so I have to thank my teammates on my club and high-school teams – I wouldn’t be the player or the person I am without them. 

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

Yes, because I’m good at seeing the little things that make a difference. I have mentored and helped coach younger Hawks players and I enjoy seeing their success in high-school. Soccer can be more than a sport, it can have major impact on what opportunities one has and what kind of character one develops. I want to be a part of this sport throughout my life.

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