Here are 15 potential candidates for All-Iowa high school boys soccer player of the year
With the 2022 boys soccer postseason approaching, it’s evident that there is no shortage of talent across all three classes in Iowa.
Players across the state continue to make their case for All-Iowa Boys Soccer Player of the Year. While there can be only one winner, here are 15 candidates who have jumped to the top of the list.
Names are listed in alphabetical order.
Jahsiah Galvan, Sr., West Liberty
Galvan will head to Northern Iowa to play football, but he first needed to finish his high school soccer career — and he’s doing it in style. Galvan has consistently been one of the top players in Iowa, and is tied for eighth in the state in goals and ninth in total points.
Nate Gerling, So., West Central Valley
West Central Valley’s sophomore goalie has played nearly 900 minutes and allowed just three goals through the Wildcats’ game against Panorama. Gerling has made 47 saves, saving 94% of the shots he’s faced. He’s helped the Wildcats to an 11-1 record – including an active 10-game win streak – and a top-five ranking in Class 1A.
JJ Gonzalez-Hayes, Sr., Bettendorf
Gonzalez-Hayes has one of the best save percentage among all goalies with more than 1,100 minutes played. He has played all but 20 minutes in Bettendorf’s 16 games and allowed just 17 goals. His 105 saves have earned him an 86.1 save percentage and helped Bettendorf to a top-15 ranking in Class 3A.
Nate Hersom, Sr., Urbandale
The J-Hawks senior goaltender has made his case as one of the best goaltenders in Iowa thanks to his range and shot-stopping ability. In just under 1,000 minutes, Hersom has allowed 10 goals and stopped 64 shots, while helping Urbandale to a 12-3 record.
Jack Kilstrom, Jr., Pleasant Valley
As a backup last season, Kilstrom learned from Gabe Johnson en route to the Class 3A state title. He took over as the Spartans goaltender this season and has made the transition nearly seamless. He’s allowed just four goals and made 53 saves.
Jackson Kirsch, Jr., Marion
Kirsch leads all Iowa boys soccer players with 38 goals in 12 games. Most recently, he scored six goals against Williamsburg in the Wolves’ 10-0 win on senior night. Kirsch has been instrumental in helping Marion to an 11-1 record and an undefeated streak in conference play in a competitive Class 2A.
Evan Larson, Sr., Ankeny Centennial
As a center back/midfielder, Larson doesn’t have the stats that his teammates and competitors do. But that doesn’t mean that the senior hasn’t been a large part of helping the Jaguars to a 12-2 record. And he can still score, recording two goals and five points in 14 starts.
Wilmont Manneh, Sr., Johnston
Opposing coaches noted that he’s dangerous in open space and draws multiple defenders to shut down his shots. With 16 goals and 43 points, Manneh has helped Johnston to a 14-1 record, with wins against some of the top teams in the state.
Enock Musengo, Sr., Des Moines Hoover
Musengo is a second-year captain for Hoover and has helped the team to a 14-3 record. Those 14 wins tie a school record for most wins, and Musengo’s defense has helped set the Huskies up for success. On offense, he has two goals and five points off nine shots on goal.
Lucas Newhard, Sr., Ankeny
With a 15-1 record, Ankeny is the top team in Class 3A boys soccer and Newhard is a big part of the Hawks' success. He is third among all Iowa players with 29 goals and 65 points. Newhard is the Hawks main offensive contributor.
Mitchell Pothitakis, Sr., Fort Madison
Pothitakis was one of the state leaders in assists last season and has continued that into this year. The Fort Madison senior is fifth among all players in assists and a top-seven player in total points. He’s helped the Bloodhounds to a 11-4 record.
Evan Reha, Sr., Bondurant-Farrar
Reha was one of the best defenders in Class 2A last season, voted All-State First Team by the Iowa High School Soccer Coaches Association. He’s continued to impress this year, helping Bondurant-Farrar to a 13-2 record and the No. 2 spot in Class 2A boys soccer. Reha has helped the Bluejays’ goalies face just 31 shots in about 800 minutes of soccer.
Cole Schrage, Jr., Waukee Northwest
Schrage has recorded 14 goals and 37 points, and he’s helped the Wolves get off to a hot start in their first season since the Waukee-Waukee Northwest split. With a 12-2 overall record, Northwest is tied for sixth in Class 3A. He attracts opposing defenders and will have one more season to continue his success in high school ball.
Truman Unruh, Sr., Cedar Falls
Unruh was one of the top scorers in the state last season and has continued his dominance in his final year of high school soccer. His 31 goals are second most among all boys players, and he is second among all players with 71 points.
Trysten Vasquez, Sr., Xavier
An All-State First Team selection, Vasquez helped Xavier to a state title in Class 2A last season. While the reigning title holders are just 7-4 this season, the Saints defenseman is still contributing on both ends of the field. He has three goals on eight shots, as of Xavier’s game against Waterloo West.
Alyssa Hertel is a college sports recruiting reporter for the Des Moines Register. Contact Alyssa at ahertel@dmreg.com or on Twitter @AlyssaHertel.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Meet the candidates for All-Iowa boys soccer player of the year
