Oregon’s top high school girls soccer players: Meet the state’s best goalkeepers

By René Ferrán 

This week, we’re taking a position-by-position have a look at among the prime gamers in Oregon highschool women soccer. Our first listing focuses on the goalkeepers. 

How the lists had been compiled: Coaches had been contacted and inspired to appoint gamers for these lists. Many coaches declined to reply; thus, these lists should not complete. Tell us about every other gamers you assume must be added.

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G Katelynn Balsiger, St. Mary’s (Medford), Sr.

Balsiger was the District 5 goalie of the yr and a 3A/2A/1A all-state honorable point out choice final fall, main the Crusaders to the district title and a spot within the state quarterfinals. Coach Martin Nelson famous that if she weren’t so beneficial in web, he’d transfer her to striker. “She has an excellent contact and end,” he mentioned.

G Liya Brooks, South Eugene, Sr. 

It has been a tough yr for South Eugene, which misplaced standout midfielder Lyla Lauderbach to a deadly automotive crash in early September. The Axe began the season 4-3-3, with Brooks — who transferred to South Eugene final yr too late to turn into eligible — enjoying a key half. Brooks, who has performed goalie for Jamaica’s U-20 girls’s staff and acquired a September callup to the senior nationwide staff, has allowed simply eight objectives this season.

G Aleena Calvert, Forest Grove, Sr.

Calvert was an honorable point out all-Pacific choice for the Vikings final season, posting seven shutouts throughout the common season and backstopping a protection that allowed simply 18 objectives in 18 video games. Coach Nacho Olvera referred to as her “one of many the reason why we made it to the semifinals final yr.” 

G Izzy Cory, Mountainside, So. 

Cory had a stable first season on the varsity final yr, recording six shutouts and posting a 1.00 objectives towards common in receiving all-Metro honorable point out. Mavericks coach Travis Schoonover mentioned that she “has had one other nice begin to the season. She has made some nice saves and is among the higher goalkeepers within the state.”

G Addison Dye-Blondell, Sheldon, So.

Dye-Blondell performed behind all-Southwest first-team keeper Sydney Quinney final season, however this yr, she’s backstopped considered one of 6A’s prime defenses, posting eight clear sheets and permitting simply two objectives by 10 video games (9-0-1). Irish coach Phil Larsen referred to as her “a really sensible, athletic and expert keeper. She makes the very tough saves look simple.” 

G Litzy Gonzalez Hidalgo, Woodburn, Sr.

Gonzalez Hidalgo performed as a central midfielder for the Bulldogs as a freshman after they received their first 4A state championship. She finally moved into the web and got here up with the game-clinching save within the eighth spherical of the shootout in final yr’s 4A last to defeat Hidden Valley and safe a second consecutive title. “Litzy has fast reflexes and wonderful foot abilities to dominate within the again,” coach Andrea Whiteman mentioned. “She is a pacesetter on the sphere and within the classroom, supporting her teammates and at all times making an attempt to turn into the most effective model of herself for her staff.”

G Dakota Greenwood, Brookings-Harbor, Jr.

Greenwood was the Far West goalie of the yr and a second-team 3A/2A/1A all-state choice final fall, posting seven shutouts. She’s began all however one recreation throughout her profession and had three clear sheets throughout the Bruins’ 3-5-2 begin to this season. “Dakota has developed the flexibility to learn the sport, fearlessly attacking the ball and makes use of her voice to provide route,” coach Brian Carlson mentioned. “Dakota has good footwork, and our defenders believe of their means to play the ball to her when below strain. She is a constant, snug presence on the again line.”

G Gracelyn Hedlund, Henley, Sr.

Hedlund was a first-team all-Skyline choice final fall, when she posted eight clear sheets — together with one within the 4A state play-in spherical that certified the Hornets for the playoffs. 

G Michaela McCollum, Grant, Sr.

McCollum shared time with Abby Winkler in web throughout the Generals’ 6A state championship run final season, however with Winkler now at Seattle Pacific, the job is McCollum’s alone. The Gonzaga commit hasn’t upset, permitting simply eight objectives whole — and 5 throughout the run of play — throughout their 7-2-2 begin to the season. “It is an excellent consolation to our defensive position to have her again there,” coach Manolis Tjuanakis mentioned. “She’s good together with her ft, so she can be utilized like a discipline participant to get out of strain.” 

G Charlotte Overton, Sherwood, Jr.

Overton took over for graduated all-Pacific keeper Tali Kozma this season and posted two shutouts and a 1.73 objectives towards common throughout the Bowmen’s 5-4-2 begin. “Charlotte is a tenacious keeper who provides all the things she’s obtained on the pitch,” coach Natasha Cohen mentioned. 

G Serafina Preciso, La Salle Prep, Fr. 

Preciso stepped into the spot vacated by the commencement of all-league keeper Hannah Reddick, who backstopped the Falcons to the 5A state last, and coach Andrew Frazier mentioned, “she has already demonstrated all-state high quality saves.” She had three clear sheets and a 1.27 objectives towards common by 11 video games. “She is a really lively shot blocker with nice diving means. She is fearless,” Frazier added. 

G Rylee Todd, Mountain View, Sr.

Todd has began all 4 seasons for the Cougars, making the all-Mountain Valley second staff as a junior, when she made 87 saves in 14 video games. She has two shutouts this season within the 5A Intermountain Convention. “Rylee is a hard-working goalkeeper who continues to impress even after 4 years,” coach James Erickson mentioned. “Her means to provide you with large saves at important moments within the recreation actually fuels a fireplace within the staff. She has single-handedly stored our staff in video games a number of instances and at all times appears to make the spotlight reel come recreation movie day.”