All City Teams: Boys Soccer
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Friday, Mar. 28, 2008
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BOYS SOCCER
Offensive MVP
Tyler McEowen
Clovis West, senior
McEowen gave credence to those who call soccer "The Beautiful Game." He turned plenty of long passes into smooth goals this season, putting 17 balls into the net and adding eight assists to secure Tri-River Athletic Conference co-MVP honors. The three-year letter-winner and team co-captain scored the lone goal -- a 25-yarder off a Nick Rolph feed -- in Clovis West's 1-0 overtime victory over Bullard in the Central Section championship game Feb. 21. The forward finished his high school career with 51 goals.
Defensive MVP
Carson Reyes
Clovis West, senior
While McEowen was scoring goals up front, Reyes patrolled the goal behind a voracious Golden Eagle defense, recording nine shutouts and a minuscule 0.73 goals-against average. The first-team All-TRAC selection did this with a plethora of injuries -- a strained groin, a broken toe and a shoulder injury that required off-season surgery. The co-captain added five saves during the Valley championship victory.
Newcomer of the Year
J.P. Medina
Buchanan, freshman
Medina burst onto the soccer scene this year with six goals and 11 assists, starting all but one game for the Bears. Possessing a speed and skill that, according to coach John Spurgeon, caused teams to focus on him during the second half of league play, the forward/midfielder earned a first-team All-TRAC selection and the Bears' MVP award.
Coach of the Year
Neil Deans
Clovis West
It was more of the same for Neil Deans this year as the fifth-year coach guided his Eagles to a third consecutive Valley title, earning his fourth All-City appearance. Clovis West averaged nearly two goals less per game this season compared to the last two years, but still managed to score when it mattered the most.
The Rest of the Team
Scott Binford
Buchanan, junior
A three-year letter-winner, Binford led Buchanan's attack with 10 goals and seven assists. The first-team All-TRAC pick started all but one match and won the team's Golden Boot award, which goes to the player with the most points.
Erik Chin
Clovis West, senior
As a defensive midfielder, Chin was the first line of defense for the Valley champion Golden Eagles. His control of the middle earned him first-team All-TRAC honors. Though his concentration was on defense, he did contribute a goal and two assists.
Ian Lynch
Clovis East, junior
Lynch was a stalwart defender and a leader who organized the back line for the Timberwolves, until a hairline fracture sidelined him for a couple of games this season. The co-captain, a second-team All-TRAC pick, returned as a forward.
Clayton Martin
Buchanan, junior
Martin's size and speed made him a perfect target near the goal. Described by Spurgeon as a "prototypical center forward-target man," the forward/midfielder took advantage, scoring eight goals and adding four assists for a second-team All-TRAC bid.
Nick Mayorga
Clovis, senior
A second-team All-TRAC pick, Mayorga found himself near the goal plenty. The forward scored nine goals and had three assists, fighting to keep Clovis' head above water. He was awarded the Sassano Blanket Award for his efforts.
Nick Rolph
Clovis West, senior
Rolph played forward and midfielder, and Deans said he could be effective at either position. The second-team All-TRAC honoree assisted on nine goals and added three of his own. A pinpoint passer, Rolph was accurate on crosses.
Drew Ruiz
Clovis West, senior
In baseball, they're called utility players. Clovis West co-captain Ruiz fits the description, with the ability to play any position on the soccer field. The All-TRAC first-teamer scored six and had three assists.
Steven Waite
Clovis East, senior
Waite, a goalkeeper, racked up six shutouts this season on a team that went 6-14-5. The first-team All-TRAC selection made plays and saves when the defense broke down, putting the team on his back and keeping the Timberwolves competitive.
