Super seniors: Six headline team
Here is The Arizona Republic’s All-Arizona boys soccer team and the eight finalists for Player of the Year, along with the best of the rest, for the 2019-20 school year. The Republic will announce the Player of the Year for each sport later this spring.
Marlon Arce,
Phoenix Alhambra, F, Sr.
He led the state in scoring during the winter season with 90 overall points. He had 41 goals (each counts as two points) and eight assists for the Lions, including four against Tucson and three against San Luis late in the season. He led the Lions to
a 16-4-2 record.
Anthony Hidalgo, Brophy, D, Sr.
He had a monster season, the perfect complement
for Montanile, forcing the action back to the offense with his ability to mark the top scorers in the state. He also had 18 goals and nine
assists.
Alex Huguez, Peoria Sunrise Mountain, F, Sr.
He was fifth in the state in scoring with 73 points, scoring 29 goals with 15 assists. He was instrumental in the Mustangs big push in the 5A playoffs, before an injury slowed him down. He returned
to high school soccer after playing exclusively club last year.
Cole Johnson,
Scottsdale Chaparral, GK,
Sr.
He had nearly 20
saves during a remarkable season that keyed the Firebirds’ run to the 6A final. He was instrumental in keeping Montanile and company in check in a Jan. 16 1-1 tie against Brophy. It was the only time Brophy
didn’t beat an Arizona team during the season.
Francesco
“Case” Montanile, Phoenix Brophy
Prep, F, Sr.
He was The Republic’s Player of the Year last season when he led the Broncos to the 6A state title. He had an even better season this year
for the repeat champions with 15 goals and 33 assists. He has signed to play NCAA Division I soccer at UCIrvine.
Sergio Pacheco,
Phoenix Washington,
MF/F, Sr.
He had 13 goals and 16 assists, leading the Rams to the 4A state championship, a year after forfeits spoiled any chance at a state title. He scored goals in 10
consecutive games. Washington won its last nine games behind Pacheco’s incredible speed and vision. He was the Black Canyon Region POY.
Luke Schaefer, Hamilton, F/MF,
So.
Only a sophomore, he has a phenomenal future, after making a big impact on a team that reached the 6A semifinals. He had 15 goals and five assists. He scored two goals in regulation in an overtime playoff win over Phoenix Trevor Browne.
Edwin Yepiz, Carl Hayden, F,
Jr.
He had 21 goals on his way to leading the Falcons to the 5A title that included an upset over nationally ranked Tucson Sunnyside in the final. He was the Metro Region’s Player of the Year, a combination of grace, speed and skill. And he’s got another year to play, making him one the most attractive college recruits in the
country.