Texas HS Boys Standouts – Houston Area – Forwards
The high school soccer season has come to an end in the state of Texas, crowning six teams as the new state champions in Georgetown and closing another exciting period of competition reuniting most of the top prospects in the…
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Continue ReadingThe high school soccer season has come to an end in the state of Texas, crowning six teams as the new state champions in Georgetown and closing another exciting period of competition reuniting most of the top prospects in the Lone Star State.
I’ve attended several matches in the Houston area over the last few months, from pre-season tournaments to the playoffs, in order to provide the best coverage possible for Prep Soccer and compiled a list with several players that I got to see once or multiple times who left a very strong impression about their games.
Now, with the season concluded, it’s time we reveal their names and these were the forwards that produced a lot offensively for their teams:
Hunter Merritt
Hunter Merritt
The Most Valuable Player of the State Tournament, Merritt had a spectacular senior season with Seven Lakes. He came up big for the Spartans on the big stage, scoring four of the team’s five goals in Georgetown, and ended his high school career as the program’s leader for both points (110) and assists (40). The forward was really impressive with his ability to play at a very high level in different roles and was undoubtedly a positive leader for his teammates with his hard work. Merritt was lethal in front of goal and scored in big moments for his team, but also used his pace and dribbling ability to play wider and create chances for his teammates.
Daniel Vargas
Daniel Vargas
Cinco Ranch’s starting striker Vargas was one of the most complete forwards I’ve watched all season. Despite playing as a striker, he was very involved with the team’s chance creation because of his ability to drop deep and connect good passes. Vargas displayed good vision and great precision with his passes, combining well with his teammates to make plays. The District’s Co-MVP, he was a handful for defenders trying to stop him because of his physicality and his ability to dribble in tight spaces. The fact that Vargas finishes well from distance added another challenge for those trying to stop him.
Jose Dominguez
Jose Dominguez
Dominguez’s excellent movement inside the penalty box made of him one of the most productive players in the Katy area. Playing for Paetow, he scored 25 goals and earned the Forward of the Year award. A fox in the box, the striker would always find himself in positions in which a single touch would be enough to send the ball to the back of the net. Dominguez also used his body really well to shield the ball and fight for space inside the penalty box. Strong in the air too, the striker also did well when he needed to drop deep and combine with his teammates or dribble in tight spaces.
Chris McMeans
Chris McMeans
McMeans was another player who made a huge impact on the offense of his team this past season. Leading the line for Clements, the senior was responsible for more than half of his team’s offensive production, firing 20 goals and also helping with five assists. McMeans was more often used up top, as a striker, and played a big role in controlling long passes and combining with his teammates. A flawless finisher, who scored goals in a lot of different ways, he would also drop deeper to get on the ball and work as a playmaker when needed.
Jackson Koch
Jackson Koch
Although his team Bridgeland couldn’t make it to the playoffs, Koch was still one of the most impressive forwards in the area. An All-District First-Team Selection, he played a big role in the team’s offense with his physical and intelligent play. Playing as a striker, he would battle defenders inside the penalty box and also use his athleticism to make good runs through the flanks. Koch is also a very good finisher, who can put the ball in the back of the net with either feet and his head.
One of the most promising offensive players in the region, Koc had a tremendous season with Seven Lakes, which resulted in the team winning the state title. A Tasco First-Team All-State Selection, he’s the only player in program history to have scored 20+ goals in back-to-back seasons and, with 42, is the Spartans’ all-time top goalscorer…as a sophomore. Koc is extremely dangerous with the ball because he’s very quick, skilled and can play very directly. He’s at his best when deployed on the left, from where he can bring the ball inside and finish with his right foot. Besides all his offensive production, Koc also plays with a lot of energy on defense, putting pressure on opposing defenders.
Highlights
Jordi Garcia
Jordi Garcia
Garcia had a brilliant season with Dobie, lighting the team up with his insane offensive production of 28 goals and six assists. The forward could play anywhere up front, but was at his best when he had the space to beat opponents off the dribble and get in a good position to either finish or feed a teammate. Garcia was very direct and quick and his skills on the ball would make of him a tough matchup for any defender. She was very good at taking the ball to the end line in order to make crosses to his teammates, but also made excellent runs into the penalty box to finish chances.