Soccer Athletes of the Week
Adidas Men’s Soccer Athlete of the Week – Week 2
Click to enlarge imageGILBERT DE LA LUZ • TACOMA
SOPHOMORE • FORWARD
Gilbert De La Luz, Franklin Pierce HS / Tacoma, WA., registered a double hat-trick in Tacoma's 7-1 win over Shoreline last week. He grabbed 3 goals and 3 assists to up his league leading 5 goals and 5 assists on the young season.
"Gilbert is a returning starter and team captain this year," said TCC head coach Jason Gjertsen. "Gilbert has been a pleasure to coach. He has a nose for goal and is a very composed finisher. He is a versatile player and can play many different positions in the attack.”
Adidas Women’s Soccer Athlete of the Week – Week 2
Click to enlarge imageDANIELLE CHANG • COLUMBIA BASIN
SOPHOMORE • FORWARD
Danielle Chang, James B. Castle HS / Kaneohe, HI., registered 3 goals and 3 assists in three wins for the undefeated Hawks last week in wins over Everett, Rogue and Pierce.
Chang's 4 assist are currently tops in the league and her 4 goals are tied for fourth.
"The returning sophomore forward showed her all round game in CBC’s non-league matches this week," said CBC head coach Omar Anderson. "Dani recorded 3 goals and 3 assist in CBC’s home-stand this week. She's not only a proven goal scorer but also creator for the Hawks offense."
2019 Adidas Women’s Soccer Athlete of the Week – Week 1
Click to enlarge imageSOPHIA PAGNOTTA • WHATCOM
FRESHMAN • FORWARD
Sophia Pagnotta, Sehome HS / Bellingham, WA., collected 3 goals and an assist to lead the Orcas to wins over Bellevue and North Idaho last week at the NWAC Soccer Friendlies. Her hat-trick against Bellevue was the first on the season in NWAC women's soccer.
"Sophia was an impact player for the Orcas at the NWAC Friendlies, coming focused and ready to help her team, said Whatcom head coach Mary Schroeder. "She scored 3 goals in Whatcom’s win over Bellevue and assisted the game winner against North Idaho. Sophia’s sister Lyla is an assistant at Whatcom after playing 2 years there. We are all excited to see what Sophia is able to accomplish this season!"
2019 Adidas Men’s Soccer Athlete of the Week – Week 1
Click to enlarge imageMASA FUKUSHIMA • TACOMA
SOPHOMORE • MIDFIELDER
Masa Fukushima, Tokiwa HS / Saitama, Japan., tallied 3 goals to lead defending conference champion Tacoma Titans two a pair of wins over Whatcom and Spokane and a draw with Chemeketa.
The sophomore midfielder registered 7 goals and 7 assists for last season's championship squad.
"Masa is a returning NWAC all-star," said Tacoma head coach Jason Gjertsen. “He is a very dynamic midfielder. He can score goals and he can create goals for his teammates as well. Masa brings a lot of maturity and discipline to the Titan midfield."
Under Armour Men’s Soccer Athlete of the Week – Week 11
Click to enlarge imageEVAN BREWER
TACOMA • FRESHMAN • GOALKEEPER
Evan Brewer, Federal Way HS / Federal Way, WA., stopped two PK attempts vs. sixth-ranked Southwestern Oregon in the PK shoot-out Saturday to advance second-ranked Tacoma to the Final Four. Brewer's 0.78 goals against average is fifth in the NWAC.
“Evan is one of two very good keepers we have at Tacoma," said Titan head coach Jason Prenovost. "They have kept each other sharp all season and it paid off on Saturday. Evan is a great shot blocker and very good in the air. He put us on his back in OT and shootouts. Having him do what he did in shootouts breathes confidence into an already confident group of shooters."
Under Armour Women’s Soccer Athlete of the Week – Week 11
Click to enlarge imageMAGGIE HIGGINS
CLARK • SOPHOMORE • GOALKEEPER
Maggie Higgins, Mark Morris HS/ Longview, WA., has been one of the cornerstones of an amazing Clark defense that has only allowed six goals on the season. She has a 0.79 goals against average. Higgins played in nine of Clark's 12 shutouts and 80 minutes in the Penguin's 4-0 win against sixth-ranked Bellevue, making five saves.
"It's been an honor to have Maggie part of this team," said Penguin head coach Jeff Castagnola. "She's played a huge role in the success of this program over the past two years. She has a quiet confidence, strong hands, and has the ability to make big saves in big games."
Under Armour Men’s Soccer Athlete of the Week – Week 10
Click to enlarge imageCAMRON MILLER
WHATCOM • SOPHOMORE • CENTER BACK
Camron Miller, Glacier Peak HS / Snohomish, WA., has been an integral piece of the North Region champion Whatcom defense that has only surrendered 19 goals in 20 matches this season. In last week's action, the third-ranked Orcas shutout fifth-ranked Peninsula in a 1-0 win and Shoreline 8-0.
“Cam Miller has been a leader on and off the field for the past year," said WCC head coach Jason Jorgensen. "He has put the work in the weight room in the off season while playing with Bellingham United in the Spring/Summer. He has grown tremendously after his first year and was named this year's team captain He has helped lead the backline with a conference best 8 shutouts. He is a threat in the air and on the turf. He has 26 shots with 11 shots on goal, 1 goal and two assists on the season. We are proud to have Cam be a part of the Orca Nation and a family member for life. Excited to see him reach his potential in the coming years."
Under Armour Women’s Soccer Athlete of the Week – Week 10
Click to enlarge imageMICKY RAMIREZ
SPOKANE • FRESHMAN • GOALKEEPER
Micky Ramirez, Kiona-Benton HS/ Benton City, WA., has a 1.03 goals against average while helping Spokane to an East Region title and a 13-2-4 overall record. She was a wall in goal against East runner-up North Idaho last week with 7 saves and a clean sheet.
Micky has exceeded our expectations in the goal during her freshman campaign, said Sasquatch head coach Jim Martinson. "She has helped the team to a record 11 shutouts on the season and has started in 18 matches thus far. Micky’s work rate and toughness in the net have been an asset for both her and the team and she has a massive contributor in our team winning the East Region Championship this fall."
Under Armour Men’s Soccer Athlete of the Week – Week 9
Click to enlarge imageJOSE SERNA
PENINSULA • SOPHOMORE • MIDFIELDER
Jose Serna, Highland HS / Cowiche, WA., has been the glue in the midfield for the 3rd ranked Pirates. He has 4 assists on the season, two which were against Skagit Valley in last week's win. A defensive midfielder, Serna has led the Peninsula defense in only allowing 12 goals in 19 games this season.
“Chema is our captain and leader," said Pirate head coach Jake Hughes. "He has humbly lead our team this season with consistent performances and high quality play. He is a great teammate and is respected by his peers. His tireless work rate and ability break up play makes him a solid midfielder. We are proud and grateful to have Chema represent our program.
Under Armour Women’s Soccer Athlete of the Week – Week 9
Click to enlarge imageSHELBY VERMEULEN
LOWER COLUMBA • SOPHOMORE • MIDFIELDER
Shelby Vermeulen, La Center HS/ LaCenter, WA has been a tremendous surprise for the 3rd place Lower Columbia Red Devils this season. Vermeulen leads the Red Devils in scoring with 15 goals this season and has scored in 10 of our 12 league matches so far this season. She scored 3 goals in LCC's two match wins this past week.
Said LCC head coach Bryan Vogel, "Shelby has a team-leading 15 goals on the year, including scoring in 10 of 12 league matches and an 8 game scoring streak to start conference play. She helped lead the way last week, scoring twice in a 5-1 victory over Green River and scoring one more in a 4-0 win over Grays Harbor. The two victories helped LCC into a tie for 3rd place."
Under Armour Women’s Soccer Athlete of the Week – Week 8
Click to enlarge imageALEXIS JOHNSON
BELLEVUE • FRESHMAN • MIDFIELDER
Alexis Johnson, Lake Washington HS / Kirkland, WA., has been the spark plug for the fourth-ranked Bellevue Bulldogs this season helping to lead the undefeated team to a 11-0-1 overall record and a tie for first place in the West Region at 9-0-1.
"I am very happy to have Alexis Johnson in my team," said BC head coach Richard Romain-Dika. "The coaching staff gave her the nickname of N'golo Kante because she has an incredible work-rate like the international Frenchman and carries herself like him on and off the field. She has over 85% passing completion as a defensive midfielder. She runs an average of 11 miles per game. She has contributed to more than 50 % of our goals so far this season."
Under Armour Men’s Soccer Athlete of the Week – Week 8
Click to enlarge imageEDWIN ROMERO
WALLA WALLA • FRESHMAN • FORWARD
Edwin Romero, Walla Walla HS / Walla Walla, WA., registered a hat trick in the fifth-ranked Warriors' 4-0 win over Blue Mountain. Romero, who has a team leading 6 goals and 2 assists, followed that up with an assist on the loan goal in WWCC's 1-0 win over Treasure Valley. Romero has been instrumental in leading the Warriors to a 9-2-2 overall record and 1st place in the East at 7-1-1.
“Edwin has been a consistent contributor all year and has made an immediate impact on the team," said WWCC head coach Ben Rotert. "He is a player that can create goal scoring opportunities for himself and most importantly, create chances for him teammates. Edwin has a great work rate and continues to do what is best for the team. We are excited about his future with the program!”
Under Armour Men’s Soccer Athlete of the Week – Week 7
Click to enlarge imageJOE MONTERO
SW OREGON • FRESHMAN • FORWARD
Joe Montero, Junipero Serra HS / Woodland, CA., scored both game winning goals in the Lakers' 1-0 wins against Portland and Lane. Montero is currently tied for 7th in goals on the season with 8.
"Joe has been outstanding for us this season," said Laker head coach Brad Williams. "He obviously has the ability to score goals, but does much more than that for the team through his tremendous work rate and team play. Joe has already improved his game this season, and I am confident he will continue to grow as a student-athlete over his career at Southwestern Oregon.
Under Armour Women’s Soccer Athlete of the Week – Week 7
Click to enlarge imageJEWEL BOLAND
HIGHLINE • SOPHOMORE • FORWARD
Jewel Boland, Parkrose HS / Portland OR., led the top-ranked Thunderbirds to a pair of victories against west region rivals Pierce and Tacoma. Boland scored three goals and two assists in the wins, including both game winning goals. She is now tied for fifth in goals with 12 and is 3rd in the league in assists with 9. Her 33 season points is 4th in the league.
"Jewel has been a tremendous impact both on and off the field," said Thunderbird head coach Tom Moore. "She is following up her freshman year with a very solid sophomore run. I'm excited for her because she watches a lot of film and tries to work on her individual game constantly. I think she is very deserving of this recognition and we're all happy for her."
Under Armour Men’s Soccer Athlete of the Week – Week 6
Click to enlarge imageRYLEY KOHNSON
HIGHLINE • SOPHOMORE • FORWARD
Ryley Johnson, Lynnwood HS / Lynnwood, WA., scored 4 goals to go along with 3 assists in two wins against South Puget Sound and Bellevue in another strong season so far for #2 ranked Highline. Ryley is currently the second leading scorer in the NWAC.
Under Armour Women’s Soccer Athlete of the Week – Week 6
Click to enlarge imageSAMANTHA OLIVERIA
PENINSULA • FRESHMAN • FORWARD
Samantha Oliveira, Harmony Magnet Academy / Porterville, CA., led Peninsula in scoring on the week with 4 goals in 2 shutout wins over Shoreline and Everett. The Pirates have rebounded to 8-2-1 and a #2 ranking after starting 0-2 on the season thanks in part to Oliveira’s play.
"Sam has been a great teammate all season," said Pirate head coach Kanyon Anderson. "She is always looking to help others out. She is a fantastic soccer player and an even better person. We feel very fortunate to have Sam playing for us at PC."
Under Armour Men’s Soccer Athlete of the Week – Week 5
Click to enlarge imageDIEGO ESQUIVEL
SPOKANE • FRESHMAN • FORWARD
Diego Esquivel, Post Falls HS / Post Falls, ID., had both game winning goals against 8th ranked Columbia Basin and 5th ranked Walla Walla to put Spokane back into a three way tie for first place in the East.
"Diego is a dynamic player that loves competition and scoring goals," said Sasquatch head coach Kenny Krestian. "Following a slow start to the season, in which Diego has started all 9 matches, he now has 4 goals and 2 assists to lead the team in points. We are excited to watch Diego improve over the second half of the season as he continues to help his team improve as well."
Under Armour Women’s Soccer Athlete of the Week – Week 5
Click to enlarge imageJULIE WILLIAMS
CLARK • SOPHOMORE • CENTER BACK
Julie Williams, Mountain View HS / Vancouver, WA., has played a huge role in a stingy Clark defense that has only allowed five goals in seven games including five consecutive shutouts.
"Julie is our anchor in the back," said Penguin head coach Jeff Castagnola. "She reads the game extremely well, leads the backline, and is calm and confident on the ball when we are building out. She's a model student-athlete and represents herself, and the program, well."
Under Armour Men’s Soccer Athlete of the Week – Week 4
Click to enlarge imageDYLAN MURPHY
HIGHLINE • SOPHOMORE • CENTER BACK
Dylan Murphy, Shorecrest HS / Seattle, WA., has anchored a stingy Thunderbird defense that has allowed only two goals in six matches this season including four shutouts.
"Dylan has been solid all year for us at center back," said Thunderbird head coach Steve Mohn. "He has helped lead us to a great start this season on the defensive side of the ball with 4 shutouts and 2 goals against in our first 6 games. He is physically strong, difficult to beat one on one, and reads the game very well. He is a quite guy, but he has developed into a leader on the field with the way he plays in every practice and game."
Under Armour Women’s Soccer Athlete of the Week – Week 4
Click to enlarge imageKAMERON JARAMILLO
BELLEVUE • FRESHMAN • CENTER BACK
Kameron Jaramillo, Emerald Ridge HS / Puyallup, WA., is one of the pillars of the Bulldogs' defense that has only allowed 4 goals in 6 matches in her role as center back.
Last week, Jaramillo scored against the top-ranked and defending NWAC Champions, Highline College, in a 2-2 tie and contributed the Bulldogs' second clean sheet in a 2-0 victory versus 7th-ranked Tacoma Community College.
“Kameron is a fantastic leader on and off the field," said BC head coach Richard Romain-Dika. "I could not be happier for Kam.”
Under Armour Men’s Soccer Athlete of the Week – Week 3
Click to enlarge imageSEBASTIAN RUELAS
CHEMEKETA • FRESHMAN • FORWARD
Sebastian Ruelas, South Salem HS / Salem, OR., scored a hat trick in Chemeketa's 3-0 win over Clark. Ruelas now has 7 goals, and along with teammate Mario Rodriguez, leads the league in goals. He also has a pair of assists for 16 points on the season.
"Sebastian is so very fast and he can score with both feet," said Storm head coach Cristian Curiel. " Our team is definitely benefiting from the chances he creates in the offence!"
Under Armour Women’s Soccer Athlete of the Week – Week 3
Click to enlarge imageKAILIN WILEY
EDMONDS • FRESHMAN • FORWARD
Kailin Wiley, Kamiak HS / Mukilteo, WA., earned a hat trick in the Tritons' North Region opening victory over Everett on Saturday. In just three games, Wiley has scored four goals total on the year. The 7-2 victory for Edmonds was their first against region rival Everett since October 30, 2013.
“I couldn’t be more pleased for Kailin," said Triton head coach Adam Fenster. "It’s nice to see the extra work she’s been putting in after practice pay off.”
Under Armour Men’s Soccer Athlete of the Week – Week 2
Click to enlarge imageRYLEY JOHNSON
HIGHLINE • SOPHOMORE • FORWARD
Ryley Johnson, Lynnwood HS / Lynnwood, WA., scored a hat trick in Highline's 4-0 win over Spokane. Johnson has tallied goals in all three of Highline's matches this season as the defending champion Thunderbirds have outscored three of last season's power teams (Whatcom, Portland & Spokane) nine goals to one in pre-league competition.
"Ryley was very efficient in front of goal against Spokane and scored 3 great goals," said Thunderbird head coach Steve Mohn. "He was a threat everytime he was on the ball in attacking areas. He was very intelligent with his running and found himself in good attacking areas and was able to finish off the plays."
Under Armour Women’s Soccer Athlete of the Week – Week 2
Click to enlarge imageYUUYU SUZUKI
LANE • FRESHMAN • FORWARD
Yuuyu Suzuki, Maebashi Ikuei HS / Maebashi, Gunma Japan, collected three goals and two assists in wins over Lower Columbia (1-0) and Treasure Valley (7-0). Suzuki has contributed scoring points in all five of Lane's matches this season. She now leads the NWAC in goals (5), assists (5) and overall scoring (17).
Said Titans head coach Erica Mertz, “Yuuyu scored the game winning goal vs. Lower Columbia on Friday and then scored 2 goals and earned 2 assists on Saturday vs. Treasure Valley. She works tirelessly on the defensive end of the field, in addition to her offensive input, and helped secure two shutouts for her team.”
2018 Under Armour Men’s Soccer Athlete of the Week – Week 1
Click to enlarge imageBUBACAR TOURAY
TACOMA • SOPHOMORE • FORWARD
Bubacar Touray, West Anchorage HS / Anchorage, AK., registered a pair of goals against some strong competition as the Titans kicked off the season with a two wins over 2017 playoff teams Peninsula (2-1) and Rogue (5-0).
"Buba is a returning all-star and great teammate," said Titan head coach Jason Prenovost. "The boys on the team love him and he returns the favor with goals and assists. He is off to a great start this season and will have his work cut out for him as teams begin to key on him."
2018 Under Armour Women’s Soccer Athlete of the Week – Week 1
Click to enlarge imageRAYNA SANTIAGO
HIGHLINE • FRESHMAN • FORWARD
Rayna Santiago, Nanakuli HS / Nanakuli, HI., scored a pair of goals on a 67% shot on goal percentage against 2017 runner-up Peninsula (4-2) and semifinalist Clark (4-0) as the Thunderbirds set to defend their 2017 NWAC title.
“Rayna did a fantastic job coming into both games at the NWAC Friendlies and making an impact," said Thunderbird head coach Tom Moore. "She is from Hawaii and is loving the experience here and I’m very excited for her this season”
2017 Under Armour Men’s Soccer Player of the Week – Week 11
Click to enlarge imageFREDDY RODRIGUEZ
WALLA WALLA • FRESHMAN • FORWARD
Freddy Rodriguez, Hermiston HS / Hermiston, OR, had the loan goal in a 1-0 win over 7th-ranked Peninsula in the first round of the playoffs. He then scored against #4-ranked Portland and helped set up the 2nd score against the Panthers helping the Warriors to a 2-2 tie. WWCC ended up advancing to the final four in a shootout.
“Freddy is a great player that has really developed as the season has progressed," said Warrior head coach Ben Rotert. "He is a dynamic player that has the ability to turn and run at backlines with pace but can also play with his back to goal and hold the ball up well. Freddy has tremendous energy and is active the entire match. He has been influential in the later part of our season and playoff run. Freddy has been directly involved in all our playoff goals. He has a bright future, is a great teammate and we are very fortunate to have him apart of our team!”
Under Armour Women’s Soccer Player of the Week – Week 11
Click to enlarge imageISABELLE CREIGHTON
TACOMA • FRESHMAN • FORWARD
Isabelle Creighton, Auburn Riverside HS / Auburn, WA, scored the lone goal in a 1-0 playoff win against Clackamas. She then followed up with a hat-trick for an 3-2 upset win over 2nd-ranked Walla Walla to advance the Titans to an NWAC Final Four berth.
Creighton is now second in the league in scoring with 24 goals to go with 4 assists. She is 2nd in points with 52 on the season.
“Izzy has been a team leader for us this season demonstrating with her work ethic and positive attitude," said Titan head coach Jill Green. "Her technical ability paired with her work rate puts her among the best in the league. She is second in the NWAC in goals scored with 24 and has all four of our goals in the playoffs. She is a first year player for us with a goal to study nutrition transferring for next season."
Under Armour Men’s Soccer Player of the Week – Week 10
Click to enlarge imageDOMINIC WELCH
SPOKANE • SOPHOMRE • DEFENDER
Dominic Welch, Mead HS / Spokane, WA, has been a significant contributer to the Spokane defense all season. The center back has helped limit opponents two just 10 goals this season - second best in the conference. He has also contributed to the scoreboard for the 3rd-ranked Sasquatch with a goal and assist.
“Dom has been a two year starter at Center Back," said CCS head coach Kenny Krestian. "His ability to organize the team from the back has been a key part to our success. Dom loves to block shots and is a true example of what a defender should be. He is a key reason we have only given up 10 goals in 17 matches."
Under Armour Women’s Soccer Player of the Week – Week 10
Click to enlarge imageFACIENNE GRAHAM
CLARK • SOPHOMORE • FORWARD
Facienne Graham, Ashland HS / Ashland, OR, has been a significant contributer for the Clark offense all season. She leads the team in scoring with 14 goals (6th in the league) and is second on the team in assists with 9. She has amassed 37 points for the 4th-ranked Penguins which is 6th best total in the NWAC.
“Facienne scored both goals in our final league game against Rogue enabling us to finish region play undefeated," said Clark head coach Sean Janson. "She has been a consistent goal scorer for us all season adding two more vs Portland earlier in the week. ”
