By Ryan Murken

Your Prep Sports

Soccer season officially opens for area teams this week.

Three area teams are coming off seasons that included state tournament trips while two other area squads each posted double digit win totals last spring.

All five of those teams enter this season with expectations to do even more this spring.

If area teams are to reach their high goals they are going to need standout performances from some of their best players.

Here are five area players that are capable of providing that type of boost for their teams this season. 

Sam Tomek

Senior, City High

In his first season as the Little Hawks’ full-time keeper, Tomek became a major asset in goal earning second team all-state honors while helping City High reach the Class 3A title game.

Tomek played a key role in City High posting 16 shutouts last season and allowed just four goals during a 20-game winning streak to open the season.

He allowed seven goals in 21 matches and posted 34 saves.

Alex Andersen

Senior, West High

Anderson was a big part of a balanced West High attack that helped the Trojans return to the state tournament last season.

He ranked second on the team with 10 goals and added four assists to help West High to a 17-3 record and a spot in the 3A quarterfinals.

Trey Godbolt

Senior, Clear Creek Amana

A first-team all-state selection a year ago, Godbolt has established himself as one of the top defenders in Class 2A.

Godbolt headlined a Clipper defensive outfit that posted 10 shutouts last season and allowed more than one goal in a game just three times.

He also tied for third on the team with four goals last season.

Nick Pechous

Junior, Regina

Following a breakthrough sophomore campaign last spring Pechous looks to be the next in a long list of talented goal scorers at Regina.

Pechous ranked second on the team with 17 goals to help Regina to a 15-7 record and a spot in the Class 1A state semifinals.

He added six assists in a Regina attack that scored more than two goals 10 times last season.

Ben Carr

Senior, Solon

A senior forward, Carr is the top returning offensive playmaker on a Solon squad that went 11-8 last season and reached the district finals in Class 1A.

Carr tied for the team with 12 goals last season and ranked second on the team with eight assists.

With players responsible for 30 of Solon’s 46 goals last season lost to graduation expect Carr to be an even more central focus of the Spartan attack this spring.