The News Tribune’s 2022 All-Area boys soccer team
First- and second-team selections for The News Tribune’s 2022 All-Area boys soccer team.
Player of the year
Liam Miller, Bellarmine Prep, jr. — The 6-foot-3 junior center back was one of the state’s most dominant defenders. His organization and ability to cover allowed Bellarmine to play a three-back system, a scheme not often utilized by high school teams. His play was a major reason Bellarmine hoisted the 4A state championship trophy in late May. In four state tournament games, Bellarmine conceded just two goals.
Coach of the year
Jim Dempsey, Bellarmine Prep — He had massive shoes to fill, replacing longtime Bellarmine coach and local soccer legend Joe Waters, who played professional soccer in England and for Ireland’s national team. Not even Waters could claim a state title in year one of his high school coaching career. Dempsey led Bellarmine to an undefeated run through the 4A SPSL and the Class 4A state title in May. Bellarmine beat Eastmont, Newport, top-seeded Pasco and Skyline to lift the trophy.
First team
Forwards
Edgar De La Cruz, Fife, jr. — Junior forward is part of the Sounders’ youth program and lived up to the billing in the high school soccer season, scoring 18 goals and tallying 18 assists for the Trojans. He was named the MVP of the 2A SPSL.
Jake Mackenzie, Central Kitsap, jr. — The junior set a school-record with 32 goals, leading Central Kitsap to a 3A state tournament appearance. Praised by Central Kitsap coach Patrick Leonard for his speed, technical ability and composure, Mackenzie earned co-MVP honors in the 3A SSC.
Zane May, Emerald Ridge, sr. — Capping off a stellar career at Emerald Ridge, May was named the 4A SPSL South Division co-offensive player of the year. He scored a league-leading 16 goals and had four assists. Broke both the single-season scoring record and career scoring record, even with missing a season that was canceled during the pandemic. Highline commit.
Peter Radovich, Bellarmine Prep, sr. — Bellarmine coach Jim Dempsey calls Radovich a “cerebral” player. Radovich’s understanding of the game, spacing and ability to find the back of the net made him a constant weapon for the 4A state champion Lions. He scored 12 goals, had about 20 assists and was named the 4A SPSL North Division offensive player of the year. Committed to Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.
Oscar Rincon, Decatur, sr. — Praised by Decatur coach Brad Plemons for his field vision, spatial awareness and finishing ability in front of net, Rincon scored 17 goals and had nine assists this spring. He was the 4A NPSL offensive player of the year. Hopes to walk on at UW.
Midfielders
Cory Burbridge, Peninsula, sr. — The 3A SSC co-MVP had 18 assists for the Seahawks, setting up teammates all season long. He also chipped in three goals of his own, leading Peninsula to a 3A state tournament berth.
Jose Pineda-Anguiano, Kennedy Catholic, sr. — The engine of Kennedy Catholic’s team, with an infectious will to win and competitive drive, had a team-leading 14 assists while tallying eight goals this spring.
Ryan Rotter, Auburn Mountainview, sr. — Separated by his soccer IQ and skill, Rotter has dominated the 3A NPSL the past two seasons, leading Auburn Mountainview to the league title this spring. The center defensive mid could get forward in the attack, too. He had 11 goals and 11 assists for the Lions.
Cael Tackett, Bellarmine Prep, sr. — Tackett was the glue of the 4A state championship Bellarmine squad, bringing everyone together on and off the field. Scored five goals for the Lions. First-team all-league selection in the 4A SPSL.
Connor Tollan, Silas, sr. — The centerpiece of the 3A PCL champion Rams, Tollan was named the 3A PCL offensive player of the year. Dynamic, versatile midfielder who created goals for teammates and was a threat himself, scoring 14 goals and adding nine assists. Seattle Pacific signee.
Dean Williams, Puyallup, jr. — Puyallup’s most important player this spring, the junior scored seven goals and had eight assists, despite double teams and opponents game-planning around him. First-team all-league selection in the 4A SPSL.
Defenders
Brady Anderson, Puyallup, jr. — Center back was a “pure defender” for the Vikings, per Puyallup coach Matt White, who said Anderson was the best 1v1 defender in the league. Anderson was named the co-defensive player of the year in the 4A SPSL North Division.
Connor Barnes, Olympia, sr. — One of the best defenders to ever come through the Olympia program, Barnes was the 4A SPSL South Division defensive player of the year. Praised by coach Ty Johnson for his ability to win tackles, win balls in the air and distribute out of the back.
Silas Brunner, Silas, sr. — Anchored the back line for the 3A PCL champion Rams at center back, part of a group that conceded just seven goals on the season. That effort included a 1-0 win over 4A state champion Bellarmine and a 2-1 win over Curtis, also from the 4A SPSL. Named the 3A PCL defensive MVP. Well-rounded, good in the air, comfortable with the ball at his feet and reads the game well. Also scored two game-winning goals. Tacoma Community College commit.
Jack Radovich, Bellarmine Prep, sr. — A key part of Bellarmine’s vaunted back line, few opposing players were able to get by Radovich this spring. Praised by coach Jim Dempsey for his confidence and commitment to the team’s success, Radovich was the co-defensive player of the year in the 4A SPSL North Division. Plans to enroll in the Army ROTC program at Notre Dame.
Jacob Railean, Franklin Pierce, soph. — The 2A SPSL defensive player of the year stepped up to lead Franklin Pierce’s defense after a teammate went down with an injury and never looked back. The leader of Franklin Pierce’s back line helped lead the Cardinals to an appearance in the 2A state tournament quarterfinals.
Goalkeeper
Nathan Vitzthum, Puyallup, sr. — The best goalkeeper in a loaded 4A South Puget Sound League, the senior had nine shutouts and posted a 0.70 goals-against average. Highlight of the season came in a win against Union in the 4A West Central/Southwest bidistrict championship game when Vitzthum made several key saves in regulation before standing in goal for a wild 16-round penalty kick shootout.
Second team
Forwards: Reilly Leahy, Peninsula, sr.; Marvin Soeum, Franklin Pierce, soph.; Zach Bartlett, Auburn Mountainview, sr.; Zach Schmidt, Tumwater, sr.; Gabe Crawford, Olympia, sr.; Ty Brunner, Sumner, soph.; Owen Harned, Tahoma, jr.; Connor Goff, Bonney Lake, sr.; Owen Bliskis, Stadium, sr.
Midfielders: Jaggar Judkins, Bellarmine Prep, soph.; Andres Peres, Bonney Lake, sr.; Conner Louden, Gig Harbor, sr.; Alexis Gutierrez, Clover Park, sr.; Javi Luevanos, Curtis, jr.; Cory Killip, Olympia, sr.
Defenders: Jett Manglona, Gig Harbor, sr.; Drew Carlson, Olympia, soph.; Preston Soeum, Franklin Pierce, soph.; Cole March, Fife, sr.
Goalkeeper: Sam Walter, Stadium, sr.; Keoni Gavino, Kennedy Catholic, sr.
