The spotlight shines on those players whose skill, talent and achievements merit formal recognition following another stellar season across the three soccer classes of the IHSA.

Chicagoland Soccer recognizes individual and team accomplishment from the fall 2023 season with the publication’s eighth-annual all-state team.

The continuity remains ever vital and necessary given what this generation of players and coaches have experienced in the shadow of the pandemic. The Class of 2024 were freshmen during the shortened, special spring-season after the state tournament was canceled for the first time in the 50-year history of the IHSA series.

This continues to honor the state’s best players, regardless of school size or region.

The publisher, editors and writers utilized game reports, player evaluations and input from coaches in creating the final team. 

Any player who participated for an IHSA member high school, public or private, was eligible for consideration. 

Given the vastness of the enterprise, there were many more deserving players than available slots. As usual, the scope of the enterprise was daunting, with representation from the largest enrollment school in the state, near west suburban Morton, to one of the smallest in Class A in state champion North Shore Country Day.

In all, 663 student-athletes from 249 schools are honored 

To earn recognition, statistics were important in evaluating which players were chosen and where they were placed. In context it is also very important to adjudicate the numbers and balance them within the context of team success, strength of schedule and quality of competition. 

The all-state team recognizes 121 players. The overall list is organized by position: keepers; defenders; midfielders; and forwards. 

This team has one more keeper than its typical 11 because of the combined work of Class 3A state champion New Trier’s stellar pair of goalkeepers. There are 23 defenders, 36 midfielders and 50 forwards. 

Players are listed alphabetically by position. The “First Team,” designation highlights the players whom Chicagoland Soccer feels were the top 11 players in the state at their position.
A separate Special Mention highlights noteworthy players from the Class of 2024. 

The All-State Watch List highlights the top underclassmen.

The Little All-State Team is composed of players from small schools, co-op programs or historically under-recognized progtrams whose statistical success merited higher recognition than Special Mention or the Watch List.

Players from the network of Chicagoland Soccer’s  62-subscribing teams were not given priority.

 

Goalkeepers 

Tyler Balon, Lyons, senior
Quick and fluid, he ruled the box with cool precision and aggressive intensity, using his body brilliantly to take away angles and cut off the point of attack. In 1,755 minutes, he posted 10 shutouts and a 0.911 goals-against average for the state runnerup. Pitched three shutouts in the Class 3A state series, punctuated by the 1-0 state semifinal victory over Naperville North.

Jack Bouska, Naperville North, sophomore 
A breakout star in his varsity debut, he commanded the box with precision, timing, exceptional anticipation skills and superb athleticism. Demonstrating great lateral movement, The co-Golden Gloves winner in the DuPage Valley Conference posted 15 shutouts and permitted just 17 goals in 1,810 minutes for a 0.751 goals-against average for the Class 3A third place state finisher.

Shafer Brahm, New Trier, senior
Formed a devastating partnership with junior Thomas Terry that propelled the Trevians’ state championship run. Among his attributes are excellent size (6-foot), range, recovery time, anticipation skills and poise in the box. In 1,110 minutes, he conceded just 10 goals for a 0.714 goals-against average. Posted five shutouts.

Joe Brudnak, Springfield, senior 
Quick, mobile and highly technical, he showed great instinct, timing, and the ability to anticipate the disparate actions and flow of the game. Playing against a challenging schedule, he posted 14 shutouts and conceded just 17 goals in 1,821 minutes of action for a 0.747 goals-against average. He finished with 124 saves for the AA sectional qualifier.

Peter Buikema, Timothy, junior 
The final heir of a great family of keepers, he showcased excellent timing, skill, composure and a highly proficient presence in the box. Athletic, fast and technically assured, he registered 11 shutouts and permitted just 15 goals in 1,755 minutes for a 0.684 goals-against average for the Class AA supersectional qualifier. Named the Chicagoland Christian Conference Keeper of the Year.

Jose Flores, Stagg, senior 
Wiry, fast and explosively quick, he used brilliant timing, body control and footwork as a defensive wall for the Chargers. In 1,410 minutes, he posted 12 shutouts and permitted just 10 goals for a supersectional qualifier. In the sectional championship match, he shut out a Bloom team that scored 117 goals. Finished with a 0.567 goals-against average.

Uriel Garcia-Perez, Grayslake Central, senior
Electric, fluid and highly intuitive, he was the defensive foundation for a two-time state finals qualifier. His timing, athleticism, anticipation and poise repeatedly thwarted the point of attack of offenses. A repeat selection, he posted as many shutouts (nine) as goals conceded in 1,231 minutes. He registered a microscopic 0.593 goals-against average. The Northern Lake County Conference Keeper of the Year had his number retired by the school.

Daniel Happach, Morton (Ill.), senior 
The two-time selection exhibited elite timing, movement, toughness and skill inside the box. One of the best players in central Illinois, he registered 13 shutouts and conceded just 15 goals in 1,681 minutes for a superb 0.714 goals-against average.

Joseph Heiar, Dunlap, sophomore
Active, fast and highly physical, he utilized great footwork, balance, athleticism and body control. Playing against a top-notch schedule, he registered 10 shutouts and permitted just 19 goals in 1,703 minutes for the AA sectional finalist. His goals-against average was a very impressive 0.893. 

Jordan Rolon, St. Charles East, senior
The DuKane Conference Keeper of the Year used toughness, skill, balance and great footwork to post 12 shutouts and permit just 22 goals in 27 games for the supersectional qualifier. In an impressive 1,949 minutes of work, he posted a 0.901 goals-against average.

Chris Slawek, Crystal Lake South, senior — FIRST TEAM
A signature performer on the Gators’ state championship team, he utilized superb size (6-foot-1) and range as a disruptive stopper. He was at his best in the major moments, allowing just three goals and posted four shutouts in the seven-game state series. He finished with 14 shutouts over 26 games. In 1,810 minutes of work, he allowed 16 goals for a 0.707 goals-against average. In the Gators 12-game, season-ending win streak, the team allowed four goals.

Thomas Terry, New Trier, junior
The second part of the Trevians’ double-headed wall, he commanded the box with his size, quickness, speed, great athleticism and ability to read the game. His aggressive style stymied opposing attacks. In 880 minutes, he conceded eight goals, registered five shutouts, and finished with a goals-against average of 0.641.

 

Defenders

Dillon Baker, Moline, junior 
The athletic and dynamic outside backliner closed down space and repeatedly stymied opponents’ top offensive threats. He contributed to nine shutouts for a one-loss Class 3A sectional finalist. He added an assist. 

Patrick Bohan, Naperville Central, senior 
A three-time selection, this two-way talent excelled in every phase of the game as a: disruptive stopper; set piece specialist; and connector of the attack. Great in the air, he powered a backline that posted 10 shutouts for a Class 3A sectional finalist. He added two goals and four assists.

Manny Casillas, Romeoville, senior 
This repeat selection is one of the state’s most versatile players. His shot-creation unlocked the attack, yielding eight goals and 14 assists. He led a defense that posted eight shutouts for a sectional qualifier.

Damien Drzewiecki, Palatine, senior 
A heady, intuitive and physical talent, he showed a great flair for the big play and influencing both sides of the field. His play keyed a backline that posted 10 shutouts for the one-loss 3A sectional finalist. Offensively he recorded seven assists. 

Kevin Farina, New Trier, senior 
The lanky (6-foot-4), physical and disruptive center back solidified a defense that posted nine shutouts against elite competition. He also contributed five goals, including one in the Trevians’ state championship win, and four assists.

Thomas Graham, Notre Dame (Peoria), senior
He was the best two-way talent on the Class AA state powerhouse that appeared in consecutive state championship games. Big, aggressive and skilled, he impacted every action, a virtual wall on a backline that posted 17 shutouts for the state runnerup. He added two goals and two assists.

Sam Hess, Naperville North, sophomore 
A converted attacking player made the leap to the backline with flair, precision and athletic grace. His heady and aggressive style brought together a defense that posted 15 shutouts for the 3A state third place finisher. He added two goals and an assist.

Alex Huelsman, Stevenson, senior 
The architect of the Patriots’ skilled backline, he combined toughness, passion and athleticism. His heady and intuitive style powered a defensive unit that registered eight shutouts for a sectional qualifier.

Sam Lappin, Glenbrook North, senior 
He combined vision, footwork, balance and a great feel for the game as the central force of a dynamic backline that posted seven shutouts for the Class 3A fourth place finisher. He contributed a goal and four assists to the attack.

Charlie Maguire, Oak Park and River Forest, senior 
The primary reason the one-loss Huskies generated more shutouts (15) than goals conceded (11) was quick, fast and nervy. He played all over the field as a defensive anchor and connector of the attack. He added two goals and four assists.

Pacifique Ndayishimiye, West Aurora, senior 
His evocative first name personified his game as an athletic, dynamic and disruptive stopper. Rangy and big, he played wherever necessary, scoring four goals (two game-winners) and contributing six assists while leading a backline that posted 11 shutouts. Named the MVP of the Southwest Prairie Conference. 

Chase Petersen, Glenbrook North, junior
His remarkable ability on set pieces as a throw-in specialist was a thing of beauty and contributed an astounding 10 assists. His physical, sharp and instinctive game touched all sides, keying a backline that posted seven shutouts for the Class 3A Final Four team.

Isaiah Pina, Romeoville, senior — FIRST TEAM
A marvelous talent who altered the trajectory of the game with his skill, athleticism and positional flexibility. His speed and two-way talents unleashed his versatility. He scored 21 goals and recorded seven assists, and powered a backline that posted eight shutouts for a sectional qualifier. He earned Joliet Herald-News Player of the Year honors.  

Kane Riebeling, Columbia, senior 
This athletic, fast and thrilling player impacted the game from multiple points of view. He was the disruptive force of an annihilating backline that posted 17 shutouts for a Class A state third place finisher. Added two goals and an assist.

Nick Roe, Benet, senior — FIRST TEAM
Quite simply one of the best players of the past decade, the disruptive shutdown talent used his size, speed and quickness as the defensive force of a backline that posted 14 shutouts. The three-time selection and repeat first-team player scored eight goals and posted two assists for the AA sectional finalist.

Roberto Salinas, Elgin, senior
A fast and heady talent, he played with flair and style as the leader of a dynamic and athletic backline that posted eight shutouts for a back-to-back supersectional qualifier. He added two goals and an assist.

Wilson Smiejek, Lane, senior 
The repeat selection displayed a great feel for the game, and a highly technical and disruptive presence for the Chicago Public League power. The leader of a backline that posted eight shutouts showed great poise and fearlessness. He added four goals and an assist.

Brendan Smith, Triad, senior
Fast, heady and very skilled, he brought toughness and energy to a skilled backline that posted 14 shutouts for a Class AA supersectional qualifier. A terrific two-way threat, he added four goals and five assists for the suburban St. Louis powerhouse.

Cohen Spengler, Rochester, senior 
The disruptive stopper combined size, power and toughness for an elite backline that posted 12 shutouts for a Class AA Final Four team. He showed a great ability to neutralize the top offensive threat of the opposition. He also contributed a goal and assist.

Nikita Stepanov, Vernon Hills, senior
This instinctive presence on the backline was a relentless performer, who showcased elite speed and athleticism as a two-way talent. He had the versatility to play anywhere on the field and produced nine goals and three assists. 
 
Collin Sullivan, Lyons, senior — FIRST TEAM
His return from an injury ignited the Lions’ state title game march. His elite size, power and soccer IQ  made all the pieces brilliantly flow together. Great on set pieces and in the air, he powered a backline  that registered 10 shutouts for the Class 3A runnerup. The Bucknell recruit also scored two goals and added four assists.

Duvan Trujillo, Leyden, senior 
Meshing quickness, anticipation, and a great feel for the game, he was the connective thread of a backline that posted nine shutouts. He played with great energy and gusto for the Eagles, who fell 2-1 to eventual champion New Trier in the Sweet 16.

Jake Walker, St. Charles East, senior
Fast, disruptive and very skilled, he used his athleticism, quickness, balance and vision to continually thwart the opposition’s attack. He repeatedly showed a flair for the big moment, keying a backline that posted 12 shutouts for the supersectional qualifier. He added two goals and an assist to the cause.. 

Midfielders

Lucas Ahonen, Warren, senior
The two-time selection was one of the top players in Lake County. Showing jet speed, quickness, creativity and the ability to play on or off the ball, he showed great touch and vision. He finished with 14 goals and eight assists. 

Max Aquino, Morton, senior 
After a year away playing academy, the two-time selection showed an unsurpassable poise, purpose and versatility. He was always a main focus of opposing defenses. Despite missing more than a month of the season due to a knee injury, the UIC recruit finished with seven goals and six assists for the 3A sectional finalist.

Johnny Arvanetes, Andrew, senior 
A skilled, poised and heady talent, he played with flair and style as one of the top talents of the South Suburbs. He had great range and a feel for the ball, and contributed eight goals and distributed eight assists for the 3A sectional qualifier.

Tyler Chrisman, Lemont, junior
Agile, quick and very dangerous with the ball, he stood apart with his playmaking, shot creation and ability to control the middle. Electric off the dribble, he finished with six goals and 12 assists. 

Walter DeLaPaz, St. Charles North, senior 
An active and highly skilled talent, he showed range, toughness, balance and excellent vision. Anticipating the game beautifully, he played with great pace and a furious abandon. He was always under control. The two-time selection finished with 14 goals and eight assists.

Angel Diaz, Speer, junior 
His offensive production was simply too great and overwhelming to ignore. His rise is in concert with the Pride, which have announced themselves as a quality program. Speed, ball handling, touch and finishing talent propelled every avenue of his game. He finished with a staggering 122 points on 52 goals and 18 assists. 

Chase Dwinal, Normal, senior
This heady and graceful talent flashed a great anticipation, vision and feel for the game. Play flowed naturally around him, underscored by his command and cool presence. He finished with eight goals and eight assists.

Christian Escobedo, Glenbard North, senior 
A dynamic all-around talent, he showed great technical facility, balance, footwork and vision. He touched all sides, revealing a natural playmaking capability and a superb finishing touch. Dangerous either on or off the ball, he finished with 18 goals and 16 assists.

Johnny Esparza, St. Laurence, senior
His speed, skill, open style of play and flair for the dramatic propelled the Vikings to the best state finish in program history. Great in the air and devastating in space, he scored 18 goals and distributed 22 assists for the Class AA third place finisher.

Mitchell Fein, Grayslake Central, senior 
A cerebral and dynamic player, he showed passion, purpose and a great feel for the game. Always in control and aware of his surroundings, he maximized every opportunity into a personal advantage. He finished with 16 goals and seven assists for the AA power.

Nolan Getzinger, Crystal Lake South, senior 
A two-time selection he powered the Gators to the second AA state championship in program history. His elite playmaking, vision, range and ability to control all factions charged the attack. He improved his assist total by more than three and a half times his junior output. The architect of the attack scored 15 goals and added a school season-record 29 assists.

Lance Grandgeorge, Somonauk/Leland/Newark (co-op), senior  
Previously a two-time Little All-State player, his extraordinary offensive output mandated his inclusion here. His flair, creativity and relentless style created terror in the opposition. Despite being double- and triple-teamed, he scored an astounding 58 goals and added 15 assists for a state-best 131 points.

Thatcher Hogan, Notre Dame (Peoria), junior 
A tough, physical and highly skilled talent, he brilliantly utilized his size, speed and power. Highly creative and industrious with the ball, he shaped the middle attack. Quick on the ball and dangerous in the air, he finished with 19 goals and 15 assists for the AA runnerup.

Gibson Hunt, Triad, senior 
At once selfless and fearless, he was the organizing force of a dominant and versatile attack. Superb at reading the game and exploiting advantages, he finished with 14 goals and 25 assists for an AA supersectional qualifier.

Eli Jarrell, Naperville Central, sophomore 
After playing on a state championship as a freshman, he took advantage of an expanded role to showcase his versatility, speed and shot-making prowess. The co-Golden Boot winner in the DuPage Valley Conference finished with a team-best 15 goals and seven assists for a 3A sectional finalist.

Ian Lee, Glenbrook North, senior 
A heady and electric talent, he showed a great grasp and understanding of the game while  exploiting open space and finishing with great authority and purpose. Adept at pushing the ball in space, he finished with 30 goals and 10 assists for the 3A fourth place finisher.

Giovanni Magana, Marmion, junior 
A fantastic and highly creative talent, he was a brilliant set piece specialist on free and corner kicks. Elusive in space, he repeatedly found ways to damage the opposition. The Lawless Award for Player of the Year in the Chicago Catholic League Blue Division, he finished with 15 goals and nine assists.

Zach Malinsky, Maine South, senior
He showed great poise, intelligence and command of the game which opened multiple possibilities. Dangerous as a creator or finisher, he scored 17 goals and contributed seven assists. Malinsky was the first player in program history to be twice-named team MVP.

Giovanni Melgoza, T.F. North/T.F. South United (co-op), senior 
One of the top talents in the South Suburbs, he showed great poise, intelligence and a terrific flair and style. He was the fulcrum of the attack, playing with pace and high energy. He finished with 22 goals and nine assists.

Jorgie Morales, Round Lake, junior
Explosive with the ball and dynamic in space, he dominated the middle attack with his speed, vision, shotmaking and savvy. He put defenses under constant duress with his playmaking. He finished with 18 goals and 11 assists for a 3A sectional finalist. 

Hudson Nielsen, Huntley, senior 
The  versatile talent, who could orchestrate the attack or play off the ball, competed with great assurance while always under control. He was terrific in the air and at the point of attack. He finished with 18 goals and seven assists.

Liam O’Donoghue, Geneva, senior
The DuKane Conference Player of the Year, the versatile and heady talent was great on the ball and directing the attack. He used his size brilliantly. Accomplished on set pieces, he finished with 10 goals and seven assists. 

Aidan O’Neill, New Trier, senior — FIRST TEAM
The Chicagoland Soccer Player of the Year made his only year of high school soccer an unforgettable one. His speed, control, power and grace lifted the Trevians’ attack into a higher register. Seemingly always in the center of activity, the Northwestern commit scored a team-best 20 goals and distributed eight assists for the 3A state champions.

Karol Noga, Palatine, senior — FIRST TEAM
He was the orchestrator of the Pirates’ undefeated regular-season powerhouse. His passing, playmaking and off-the-dribble creativity optimized the attack. Though injured late in the season, he was named the Mid-Suburban League West Division Player of the Year and produced 14 goals and 10 assists for the 3A sectional finalist. 

Aaron Palacios-Chaves, Bolingbrook, senior
One of the state’s most versatile talents, he impacted every corner of the field with his defense, playmaking and ability to read the game. His balance, body control and quickness on the ball was electric. His game transcended statistics. His versatility was evidenced by his seven goals, two assists, and key role in the Raiders’ seven shutouts.

Angelo Piech, Brother Rice, junior 
A poised, intelligent and highly creative talent, he was one of the best players in the Chicago Catholic League Blue Division. He was the offensive instigator who pushed the pace and leveraged the attack. He finished with 11 goals and 10 assists for the Class AA supersectional qualifier.

Nick Prus, Crystal Lake South, junior
Heady, fast and dynamic with the ball, he was a critical piece of the Gators’ state championship run. Great in space and a scoring-opportunities generator, hots on goal, he finished with 14 goals and three assists. SHe scored the game-winner in the state championship victory over Notre Dame (Peoria).

Steven Rhee, Glenbrook North, senior
An unsung piece of the Spartans’ 3A state finals team, he showed a cool toughness and grace under pressure. Great on set pieces and the run of play, he attacked with vigor and finished with authority. He helped make the offense sing with 11 goals and seven assists. 

Johnny Roussakis, Lincoln-Way Central, senior  
A tenacious and fierce competitor, his game was virtually impossible to fully gauge or measure. His impact was felt in multiple ways, a physical and heady talent who set the tone. The defensive-oriented playmaker had a goal and seven assists for a 3A sectional qualifier. His two-way talent proved crucial to a defense that allowed just 12 goals.

Oliver Salgado, Leyden, senior 
The conductor of a superb attack, he combined excellent footwork, vision, ball handling and creativity. His burst gave flow and urgency to the attack. He finished with 17 goals and added nine assists for one of the surprise teams of the season and a Class 3A sectional finalist.

Haris Sarajilija, Lyons, senior
His steady improvement propelled the Lions’ improbable state tournament run. Exceptional on set pieces, he was also fantastic in space or in the air. He used his body brilliantly, with a real flair for finding the goal. He finished with 14 goals and nine assists for the Class 3A runnerup.

Justino Saucedo, Solorio, senior 
The latest elite playmaker off a perennial Class AA state power, he played with toughness, poise, intensity and a sureness of purpose. He showed the rare ability to make everyone around him better. He finished with 12 goals and 17 assists for the sectional finalist.

Karsten Ternes, Wauconda, senior
A savvy, skilled and highly intuitive player, he showed a natural flair for the game. His playmaking opened up new levels of creativity. The Field Player of the Year in the Northern Lake County Conference finished with eight goals and four assists.

Aidan Welch, Althoff, senior
The four-year starter is one of the top players in the St. Louis suburbs. The latest of the Crusaders’ high-end individual talents, he parlayed quickness, speed and a great finishing touch into 25 goals and seven assists.

Logan Wilkins, Beecher, junior 
The Bobcats’ high-wire offense blitzed the state. His all-around talent, ball distribution, speed, vision and creativity unleashed the wave. He made a seamless shift from a scorer to showcase a deft touch and superb passing talents. He finished with 33 goals and 38 assists for a Class A sectional finalist.

Diego Zarco, Champaign Central, senior — FIRST TEAM
A classic “coach’s son,” the freewheeling, smart and tactically advanced player was always two steps ahead of the competition. His open-field game created havoc for defenses trying to slow the Chargers down. He scored 15 goals and dished out 34 assists for the AA sectional finalist. The Champaign News-Gazette Player of the Year. 

Owen Zobrist, Freeburg, senior 
Another player whose distinctive play transcended region and class size. He combined excellent foot skills with vision, playmaking and a smart finishing touch. He scored 19 goals and created six assists for the A powerhouse.

Forwards

Ali Ahmed, Crystal Lake South, junior 
A fast, fluid and high-energy talent, he powered the top of the attack for the AA state champions. His powerful runs and brilliant finishing abilities struck fear in the opposition. His balance, skill and vision took hold with a team-best 25 goals. He also contributed four assists.

Ante Basan, Notre Dame (Niles), junior 
He flashed great toughness, skill, athleticism, was dangerous off movement and very skillful with the ball. He had great separation speed and a flair for finding the goal. The East Suburban Catholic Conference MVP finished with 23 goals and eight assists for a sectional qualifier that stunned Oak Park and River Forest in the playoffs.

Easton Bogard, Oak Park and River Forest — FIRST TEAM
The Indiana commit confirmed his status as one of the best players in the country. Dangerous from anywhere on the field, he played with great abandon and tenacity. He overpowered defenders with his elite size, speed, footwork and superb finishing-touch. A three-time selection, he finished with 33 goals and 15 assists for the undefeated regular-season powerhouse. Named Illinois’ Player of the Year by the state coaches association.

Miles Calderon, Glenwood, junior 
His superb blend of size, speed, quickness and finishing touch powered the Titans’ attack. Dangerous up-top and dynamic in the air, he optimized the offense. He finished with 21 goals and eight assists for the perennial downstate power.

Emmanuel Calixto, Eisenhower (Blue Island), senior
One of the best players out of the South Suburbs, he thrived offensively despite constant double- and triple-teams. Quick, fluid and elusive, he showed elite instincts, balance, footwork and vision. He scored 35 goals and added three assists.

Americo Castaneda, Mt. Carmel (Chicago), senior 
After missing his junior year, he returned with a vengeance to become one of the top players in the Chicago Catholic League Blue Division. With an unorthodox style on the ball, he darted through tight windows and showed off a great finishing touch. He played fast and was always in command. He finished with 12 goals and eight assists.

Sesbastian Chavez, Plainfield Central, junior
A breakout talent who showed a thrilling command and feel for the game, he showcased elite playmaking and shot creation. Utilizing great balance, footwork and speed in the open field, he finished with 20 goals and 17 assists.

Ricardo Cruz, Kankakee, senior
An explosive and thrilling athlete, he powered the Kays to one of the best seasons in program history. His blend of speed, finesse, playmaking and shotmaking created a constant state of duress for the opposition. He was great in the air, and dangerous from anywhere on the field. He finished with 44 goals and nine assists for the Class AA sectional qualifier.
 
Luca Davies, Hinsdale Central, senior — FIRST TEAM
The repeat selection was a singular athlete and playmaker who brought together athleticism, power, skill and touch. Great in the air, he flashed separation speed and elite finishing skills around the goal. He zoomed up the Red Devils scoring charts with 26 goals and three assists for the 3A sectional qualifier. Named the Suburban Life Player of the Year.

Hendrik DeVries, Timothy, senior 
Ostensibly a basketball player on grass, he leveraged his elite size (6-foot-4) into a devastating weapon, especially on set pieces with his extraordinary ability as a throw-in specialist. Playing all over the field, he was an offensive engine for the Trojans. Finished with 18 goals and five assists for the AA supersectional qualifier. 

Ahmed Dhalai, Reavis, senior
A repeat selection and the only player to make Chicagoland Soccer all-state teams with different programs. The Richards’ transfer turbocharged the Rams’ attack with his fast, nervy and explosive game. Great from distance and impossible to cover one on one, he repeatedly found a pathway to the goal. He scored 40 goals and contributed eight assists. The two-time South Suburban Conference Red Division Player of the Year finished with 107 career goals. 

Kacper Dziubek, Stagg, senior
Despite missing six games with an injury, he combined size, speed, power and a great situational awareness of the game. Great in space and highly technical and assured at the point of attack, he finished with 14 goals and five assists for a 3A supersectional qualifier. 

Antonio Ferreira, Marian, junior 
“He never waits for chances to come to him,” coach Diego Herrera said. “He creates problems out of nothing.” Combined size, quickness, speed and elite creativity with a steady and sharp feel for the game. He finished with 37 goals and 13 assists for a Class AA sectional qualifier.

Lennon Flores, Oak Forest, junior 
He fulfilled the promise of his sophomore season with a breakout campaign, utilizing his open-field speed and finishing touch. He put constant pressure on the backline. Coached by his older brother, he finished with 17 goals and three goals.

Trent Giansanti, Geneva, senior 
A two-time selection, this big, rangy and assured talent optimized his talents in both the open field and off set pieces. Cool, poised and savvy he played with distinction and flair as shown by his 17 goals and four assists.

Evan Goldberg, Lake Zurich, senior 
One of the top players out of talent-rich Lake County, he proved virtually impossible to cover on the ball and was very dangerous off movement. Great off the dribble, the North Suburban Conference Player of the Year finished with 18 goals and five assists.

Quinn Graham, Niles North, senior
“One of the best players we’ve seen this year,” said one rival coach. His elite blend of size, speed, athleticism and creativity set him apart. He showed a great knack for the goal and a fearless desire to create or finish. He scored 41 goals and delivered 10 assists.

Gustavo Herrera, York, senior
One of the most consequential players in program history, the three-year starter played on a state title team (2021) and fourth place team (2022). Heady, cool, and superb with the ball, he showed a great feel for the game and an ability to create plays from scratch. Fast and elusive, he scored 17 goals and recorded 12 assists for a 3A sectional finalist.

Kayden Hudson, Notre Dame (Peoria), junior — FIRST TEAM
The repeat selection took his game to a whole different level by nearly doubling his scoring output. Fast, mobile and nearly impossible to cover in space, he showed a great instinct and flair for the goal; he optimized his scoring chances while improving his playmaking. He scored 38 goals and accounted for 13 assists for the two-time consecutive Class AA state finalist. Twice named Peoria Journal-Star Player of the Year.

Sebastian Khoury, Palatine, senior 
In his only year of high school ball, he demonstrated imagination, flair with the ball and an outstanding understanding of the flow and rhythm of each game. He contributed 12 goals and nine assists for the one-loss Class 3A sectional finalist. 

Brodie King, United, sophomore 
One of the top talents in the Quad Cities, he made his name and reputation as a heady, quick and sharp player. Decisive with the ball, he created off the dribble and finished his chances in space. Superb in the air, he finished with 18 goals and six assists.

Reese Kruschke, Young, senior 
A top player for the Chicago Public League playoff semifinalist, he combined size, speed and a great technical touch with the ball. Great with his movement and cutting, he demonstrated a great feel for finding open spaces. He scored 18 goals and recorded six assists for the 3A sectional qualifier.

Landon Kutscher, Rochester, junior
An elite two-way talent who toggled between the top of the attack and the backline, he powered the Rockets’ state finals run with his power, toughness and technical ability at the point of attack. A great competitor, he finished with 19 goals and seven assists for the AA fourth place finisher.

Nick Lansford, Dunlap, senior
One of the top players out of central Illinois, he combined size, power, speed and quickness into a nearly unstoppable offensive package. He worked through tight windows and flashed a great presence and command around the goal. He finished with 27 goals and four assists for a Class AA sectional finalist.

Jonathan Magana, Bloom, senior 
The repeat selection ended his superb career as one of the most explosive and prolific scorers in the state. Fantastic off the dribble, he was a force of nature, impossible to slow down. He scored 37 goals and delivered 12 assists for a 3A sectional finalist and tallied four goals in the sectional semifinal. Named the Player of the Year in the Daily Southtown.

Bryan Maldonado, Evanston, senior 
Fast, dynamic and decisive with the ball, he showed a great ability to beat defenders off the dribble or finish in the air. Authoritative and fast, he finished with 11 goals and five assists for the sectional qualifier.

Shauri Mateso, West Aurora, senior 
A breakout talent, he flashed next-level speed, quickness and elusiveness in space. His electric burst off the dribble helped him record 16 goals and eight assists for the Southwest Prairie Conference champions.

Edward Mulgado, Goode, senior 
The driving force of one of the great local stories, the rise of the small charter school to prominent status in the city. Fast, tough and fluid with the ball, he scored 19 goals and added 11 assists for the city finalist.

Eduardo Nava, Elgin, senior 
The free spirit was a pure scorer animated by intensity. He played with wild abandon and prodigious skill, and was always in motion and opportunistic around the goal. He finished with 36 goals and eight assists for the Maroons, who reached the Class 3A supersectional round the past two seasons.

Krystian Niziolek, Conant, junior 
He deepened the promise and excitement of his breakout sophomore year with his eclectic blend of size, power, speed and athleticism. A two-time selection, he posted his second-consecutive double-double with 16 goals and 10 assists.

Omar Ortiz, Bloom, junior 
The architect of the Blazing Trojans’ elite attack, he made all the pieces flow beautifully together with his elite playmaking, shot creation and finishing touch. At his best in the biggest moments, the two-time selection finished with 25 goals and 27 assists for a two-loss sectional finalist.

Devin Parikh, Lane, senior 
Mobile, fast and highly skilled, he showcased his size and power to great effect. Terrific in the air and punishing around the goal, he finished with 12 goals and nine assists for the city power.

Vincent Pratt, Springfield, junior 
The best player on the perennial state power, he excelled as an elite finisher and superb secondary playmaker. Playing with a great flair, energy and style, he finished with 24 goals and 14 assists for the AA sectional qualifier. 

Noah Radeke, Naperville North, junior — FIRST TEAM
Staking his claim to being the best player in his class, he combined a reserved ferocity, heady play and natural scoring-instinct second to none. Big, mobile and fast, he commanded the ball, and made things happen as a playmaker and finisher. Unselfish and daring, he finished with 22 goals and 20 assists for the Class AA third place finisher.

Adam Reiniger, Collinsville, senior
A three-time selection, he was the model of consistency and efficiency at maximizing his offensive chances. Quick, mobile and very fluid, he finished with 21 goals and produced five assists for the supersectional qualifier. 

Nick Rezza, St. Ignatius, senior
One of the best players in the Chicago Catholic League Blue Division, he combined elite size, power, touch and a command of the game. He showcased a superb blend of vision, balance, footwork and touch. He scored 12 goals and added four assists for an AA sectional qualifier. 

Bryce Richards, Oak Park and River Forest, junior
A nervy, whirling dervish of a player, he operated in constant motion and activity. He was always around the ball and making things happen. The perfect counterpart to Easton Bogard, he was electric off the dribble and a constant threat. He scored 13 goals and added 14 assists for the Huskies.

A.J. Sabanovic, Streamwood, junior
An electric talent who combined elite size with a feathery touch, he flummoxed defenses with his unorthodox skill set. Big and fast, he used his size brilliantly in the air. He also demonstrated elite passing and playmaking skills for his size. He finished with 21 goals and 11 assists for a sectional qualifier. 

Sam Satisky, Galesburg, senior 
The Western Big 6 Conference Player of the Year was electric off the dribble and punishing in space or in the air. He played with flair and style, optimizing his chances and finishing with authority and purpose. He amassed 42 goals and 16 assists.

Reese Schlichting, Boylan, junior 
The top player out of Rockford and the next elite talent from the perennial power, he combined speed, quickness and superb finishing skills. He ended the campaign with 23 goals and nine assists for the AA sectional qualifier.

Leif Steele, North Shore Country Day, senior 
The emotional heart of the Raiders’ state championship team, he showcased good size (6-foot-2), power, skill and unselfishness. A small-school talent who could play at any level, he punished the opposition with his finesse and talent. He scored nine goals and had 12 assists, and created both goals in the state title win over University (Normal).

Jaxon Stokes, Naperville North, junior 
The co-Golden Boot winner in the DuPage Valley Conference was one of the most electric players in the state and arguably the hardest to stop one-on-one. He elevated his game to another level this season with his elite speed, quickness, creativity off the dribble and shot-making skills. Dynamic in space and clever with the ball, the repeat selection finished with 29 goals and 11 assists for the state finals powerhouse.

Owen Suda, Lyons, senior 
A big (6-foot-4), powerful and mobile talent, he powered the Lions’ late-season surge to the state title game. He commanded the box, leveraging his elite size and shot creativity with a team-best 16 goals and five assists.

Wyatt Suter, Triad, senior
Following in the path of his all-state brother Tobey, he seized an expanded role to become one of the state’s most feared offensive talents. Fast, creative and impossible to slow down, he scored 31 goals and added four assists for the AA supersectional qualifier.

Hayes VanBreusegen, Columbia, junior 
One of the best players in southern Illinois, he powered an elite attack. His blend of size, skill and power proved difficult to hinder. He finished with 22 goals and 12 assists, which included a goal and two assists in the Eagles’ Class A third place victory.

Isaac Warren, Mahomet-Seymour, senior 
A two-time selection, he fronted a remarkable counterpoint with Nolan Wheeler in staging an impressive attack. His quickness, playmaking and finishing touch knocked out opposing defenses. Exceeding his total of last year, he finished with 27 goals and 28 assists for an AA sectional qualifier.

Jayden Waski, York, senior
Another crucial component of the Dukes’ three-year run featuring a Class 3A state championship and fourth place finish, he was the ideal release valve and dual threat at the top of the attack. Heady, fast and very skilled with the ball, the DePaul recruit was dangerous as a playmaker or finisher, demonstrated by his double-double of 13 goals and 11 assists for a sectional finalist.

Nolan Wheeler, Mahomet-Seymour, senior 
Playing off two elite creators in Mehiki Jones and Isaac Warren, he punctuated the attack. A repeat selection, he combined speed, quickness, and open-field creativity that created constant duress on the opposition. He scored a team-best 38 goals and added 11 assists for the AA sectional qualifier.

Matthew Winterbottom, Champaign Central, senior 
A great competitor and natural scorer, he combined size, speed, power and finesse. Fast and very mobile, he played at a relentless pace and heightened work rate. He reached the 100-point barrier with 43 goals and 14 assists for an AA sectional finalist.                                    

Bartosz Wojda, Taft, junior 
The hero of the Eagles’ first city championship, he utilized speed, jet quickness, power and force with elite feel and touch. His passing mirrored his superb finishing power. He scored 18 goals and created eight assists for the Chicago Public League power that took state champion to a shootout in the regional final.