yahoo
With the high school soccer season just weeks away, the Enquirer has completed its series of position previews for girls soccer, culminating in a spotlight on the top forwards and goal scorers. The list is extensive, reflecting the depth of talent in the Greater Cincinnati area, where numerous players either posted impressive statistics last season or have committed to major college programs.
Given the abundance of standout performers, the usual limit of 10 players was insufficient, so the list has been expanded to 16. Fans are encouraged to vote in the poll at the bottom of the article, which will remain open until 4 p.m. on Friday, August 7. The USA Today Co. network has introduced a new polling system that allows for more frequent voting while preventing fraudulent activity.
Key Players to Watch
Ava Bergman of Anderson, a senior, tallied 11 goals and 14 assists last season, leading the Raptors to a 14-5-4 record. She is the top returning scorer after Nina Brandon's season-ending injury and has committed to Robert Morris. Aubrey Blakely of Summit Country Day, a sophomore, burst onto the scene with 18 goals and nine assists, helping her team win the Division IV state title. She is the leading returning scorer following the graduation of All-American Mia Stevens.
Ava Bush of Ross, a freshman standout, recorded 18 goals and 11 assists, guiding the Rams to a 17-3-1 record and a league championship. Louise Guidugli of Seton, a senior committed to Alabama, returns after two years of club play; she had nine goals and seven assists as a freshman in 2023. Taylor Hamilton of Mount Notre Dame, a junior committed to Missouri, returns after sitting out her sophomore year, having contributed four goals and two assists in 2024.
Kendall Hanlon of Western Brown, a senior, is among the city's top returning scorers with 31 goals, helping the Broncos to a 15-3 record. Averie Layman of Batavia, a senior, netted 30 goals and added 12 assists, earning SBAAC-American player of the year and all-state honors. Tylee Littlejohn of Purcell Marian, a sophomore, scored 30 goals and was first-team all-league.
Morgan MacDonald of Holy Cross, a junior, recorded 22 goals and four assists. Estelle Murphy of Sycamore, a junior, led the Greater Miami Conference with 22 goals, ranking fourth among Division I players in Ohio. Abby Nisonger of Lebanon, a senior, scored 21 goals and was first-team all-league. Kiley Smith of Bishop Brossart, a junior, was one of Kentucky's top scorers with 38 goals and 17 assists, leading her team to the state tournament.
Taylor Spille of Oak Hills, a junior, led her team with 18 goals and 10 assists. Poppy Wakefield of Springboro, a senior committed to Kansas State, has international experience with Panama's national team and contributed seven goals and eight assists. Anabelle Wiesemann of Harrison, a junior, transferred after a record-setting career at Franklin County (Indiana), where she scored 44 goals last season. Addy Zawaly of Mariemont, a senior committed to Wisconsin, posted 20 goals and 11 assists, earning All-American honors.
Other forwards to watch include Heather Albrinck, Bella Anderson, Aubrey Barber, Julia Best, Audrey de Alarcon, Anne Bowling, Mollee Erras, Megan Johns, Zoey Kelch, Ally Lickert, Taylor Murphy, Olivia Naegeli, Olivia Neal, Lennon Newton, Sophia Reedy, Stella Schaffeld, Laylla Sears, Karringtyn Wilder, and Macy Yelton.
Originally reported by yahoo.