Cincinnati 2021 Preseason All-Metro Boys
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Excitement for soccer in Cincinnati reached a new high in 2019 when FC Cincinnati debuted in MLS. The area had long been a recruiting hot spot for girls soccer, but club teams such as Cincinnati United Premier and Kings Hammer…
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Continue ReadingExcitement for soccer in Cincinnati reached a new high in 2019 when FC Cincinnati debuted in MLS.
The area had long been a recruiting hot spot for girls soccer, but club teams such as Cincinnati United Premier and Kings Hammer have helped lift the boys game, as well. Area high schools such as Mason and St. Xavier are usually among the Ohio Division I state title challengers. This year, add Archbishop Moeller to the list as this Cincinnati private school features three of our preseason 11 to watch.
Here’s a glance at the players to watch this fall:
FORWARDS: St. Xavier senior Tanner Creech Tanner Creech F St. Xavier | 2022 OH is the featured player this year. He recently committed to Ohio State. He had a modest six goals and six assists last season, but will be asked to shoulder more in 2021 as the squad graduated several Enquirer Greater Cincinnati all-stars. … Ziyad Lahbabi Ziyad Lahbabi F Winton Woods | 2023 OH is a much-touted attacking player who was a first-team Enquirer Greater Cincinnati performer last year. Lahbabi, only a junior, can play in the forward or midfield positions. … Moeller senior Brock Kiper Brock Kiper F Moeller | 2022 OH rounds out the forwards. Kiper, like Lahbabi, was a first-team Enquirer Greater Cincinnati honoree in 2020.
MIDFIELDERS: Milford senior Ryan Henke Ryan Henke M Milford | 2022 OH and Colerain senior Alex McAfee Alex McAfee M Colerain | 2022 OH were first-team Enquirer Greater Cincinnati performers last year. Henke helped Milford to a 12-2-1 regular season. … Lakota West senior Cade Morgan Cade Morgan M Lakota West | 2022 OH was a second-team selection. … Moeller’s Casey Welage Casey Welage M Moeller | 2022 OH is returning after a strong summer club showing.
DEFENDERS: Connor Pletikapich Connor Pletikapich D Lakota East | 2022 OH of Lakota East is the highest-profile returning defender. He was a first-team Enquirer Greater Cincinnati pick last year. Moeller senior Dom Breidenbach Dom Breidenbach D Moeller | 2022 OH and Sycamore senior Grant Schafer are expected to be among the area’s top defenders in 2021.
GOALKEEPER: Cole Walker Cole Walker GK Princeton | 2022 OH from Princeton gets the preseason nod over a pair of very talented keepers. In fact, Will Schutte from Colerain and Ryan Sullivan Ryan Sullivan M State OH from Anderson each made a strong case for the goalkeeper spot. Walker and Schutte, who is a junior, were second-team all-area performers last year. The second-team honor was a tribute to Walker’s ability as he was minding the goal for a team that struggled last year.
Pos. | Name | School | Grade | Commitment |
---|---|---|---|---|
GK | Cole Walker | Princeton | Sr. | |
D | Dom Breidenbach | Moeller | Sr. | |
D | Connor Pletikapich | Lakota East | Sr. | |
D | Grant Schaffer | Sycamore | Sr. | |
M | Ryan Henke | Milford | Sr. | |
M | Alex McAfee | Colerain | Sr. | |
M | Cade Morgan | Lakota West | Sr. | |
M | Casey Welage | Moeller | Sr. | |
F | Tanner Creech | St. Xavier | Sr. | Ohio State |
F | Brock Kiper | Moeller | Sr. | |
F | Ziyad Lahbabi | Winton Woods | Jr. |