By René Ferrán
This week, we’re taking a position-by-position look at some of the top players in Oregon high school girls soccer. Our first list focuses on the goalkeepers.
How the lists were compiled: Coaches were contacted and encouraged to nominate players for these lists. Many coaches declined to respond; thus, these lists are not comprehensive. Let us know about any other players you think should be added.
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G Katelynn Balsiger, St. Mary’s (Medford), Sr.
Balsiger was the District 5 goalie of the year and a 3A/2A/1A all-state honorable mention selection last fall, leading the Crusaders to the district title and a spot in the state quarterfinals. Coach Martin Nelson noted that if she wasn’t so valuable in net, he’d move her to striker. “She has a great touch and finish,” he said.
G Liya Brooks, South Eugene, Sr.
It’s been a hard year for South Eugene, which lost standout midfielder Lyla Lauderbach to a fatal car crash in early September. The Ax started the season 4-3-3, with Brooks — who transferred to South Eugene last year too late to become eligible — playing a key part. Brooks, who has played goalie for Jamaica’s U-20 women’s team and received a September callup to the senior national team, has allowed just eight goals this season.
G Aleena Calvert, Forest Grove, Sr.
Calvert was an honorable mention all-Pacific selection for the Vikings last season, posting seven shutouts during the regular season and backstopping a defense that allowed just 18 goals in 18 games. Coach Nacho Olvera called her “one of the reasons why we made it to the semifinals last year.”
G Izzy Cory, Mountainside, So.
Cory had a solid first season on the varsity last year, recording six shutouts and posting a 1.00 goals against average while receiving All-Metro honorable mention. Mavericks coach Travis Schoonover said that she “had another great start to the season. She has made some great saves and is one of the best goalkeepers in the state.”
G Addison Dye-Blondell, Sheldon, So.
Dye-Blondell played behind all-Southwest first-team keeper Sydney Quinney last season, but this year, she’s backstopped one of 6A’s top defenses, posting eight clean sheets and allowing just two goals through 10 games (9-0-1). Irish coach Phil Larsen called her “a very smart, athletic and skilled keeper.” She makes the very difficult saves look easy.”
G Litzy Gonzalez Hidalgo, Woodburn, Sr.
Gonzalez Hidalgo played as a central midfielder for the Bulldogs as a freshman when they won their first 4A state championship. She eventually moved into the net and came up with the game-clinching save in the eighth round of the shootout in last year’s 4A final to defeat Hidden Valley and secure a second consecutive title. “Litzy has quick reflexes and excellent foot skills to dominate in the back,” coach Andrea Whiteman said. “She is a leader on the field and in the classroom, supporting her teammates and always trying to become the best version of herself for her team.”
G Dakota Greenwood, Brookings-Harbor, Jr.
Greenwood was the Far West goalie of the year and a second-team 3A/2A/1A all-state selection last fall, posting seven shutouts. She’s started all but one game during her career and had three clean sheets during the Bruins’ 3-5-2 start to this season. “Dakota has developed the ability to read the game, fearlessly attacking the ball and uses her voice to give direction,” coach Brian Carlson said. “Dakota has good footwork, and our defenders have confidence in their ability to play the ball to her when under pressure. She is a consistent, comfortable presence on the back line.”
G Gracelyn Hedlund, Henley, Sr.
Hedlund was a first-team all-Skyline selection last fall, when she posted eight clean sheets — including one in the 4A state play-in round that qualified the Hornets for the playoffs.
G Michaela McCollum, Grant, Sr.
McCollum shared time with Abby Winkler in net during the Generals’ 6A state championship run last season, but with Winkler now at Seattle Pacific, the job is McCollum’s alone. The Gonzaga commit hasn’t disappointed, allowing just eight goals in total — and five during the run of play — during their 7-2-2 start to the season. “It’s a great comfort to our defensive line to have her back there,” coach Manolis Tjuanakis said. “She’s good with her feet, so she can be used like a field player to get out of pressure.”
G Charlotte Overton, Sherwood, Jr.
Overton took over for graduated All-Pacific keeper Tali Kozma this season and posted two shutouts and a 1.73 goals against average during the Bowmen’s 5-4-2 start. “Charlotte is a tenacious keeper who gives everything she’s got on the pitch,” coach Natasha Cohen said.
G Serafina Preciso, La Salle Prep, Fr.
Preciso stepped into the spot vacated by the graduation of all-league keeper Hannah Reddick, who backstopped the Falcons to the 5A state final, and coach Andrew Frazier said, “she has already demonstrated all-state quality saves.” She had three clean sheets and a 1.27 goals against average through 11 games. “She is a very active shot blocker with great diving ability. She is fearless,” Frazier added.
G Rylee Todd, Mountain View, Sr.
Todd has started all four seasons for the Cougars, making the all-Mountain Valley second team as a junior, when she made 87 saves in 14 games. She has two shutouts this season in the 5A Intermountain Conference. “Rylee is a hard-working goalkeeper who continues to impress even after four years,” coach James Erickson said. “Her ability to come up with big saves at critical moments in the game really fuels a fire in the team. She has single-handedly kept our team in games multiple times and always seems to make the highlight reel come game film day.”
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