Jan 23

Jan 23 The All-Neuse News Soccer Team

North Lenoir’s Taiwan Hines is named the All-Neuse News Soccer Player of the Year after posting 28 goals and 18 assists this season. Photo by Junious Smith III / Neuse News

Hopefully, this was worth the wait.

I’ve done my best to keep everything transparent sports-wise and I can’t lie: I didn’t see as many soccer games as I wanted to. Due to football seemingly being played every day except for Friday and volleyball also garnering attention, gauging soccer wasn’t the easiest component.

I did see enough to formulate a list and hopefully, there won’t be a lot of people upset with the end results. If there are issues, feel free to list your thoughts in the comment section.

Well, on to the teams:

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

Taiwan Hines, North Lenoir (28 goals, 18 assists)

When teams have to develop gameplans around a player simply to contain a threat, it’s a pretty easy choice to make for this spot. The junior came out of nowhere last season to post a school-record 35 goals and nine assists, and may have gotten even better this year. Although Hines didn’t put as many into the back of the net in 2018, the additional coverage from defenders helped him double his assist total as the Hawks had a second straight winning record.

COACH OF THE YEAR

Matt Gnau, Greene Central

The Rams have been a strong program in years past, but kicked it up a notch under the guidance of the first-year head coach. Greene Central claimed a share of its first Eastern Carolina Conference title since 2015, won its first playoff game since 2014 and had a school-record 17 wins this season. Gnau played a strong role in ensuring the Rams continued what has been a stellar run.

FIRST TEAM

Harris Barker, Arendell Parrott

The junior striker was named Patriots’ MVP and he certainly proved his mettle with a team-high 11 goals with seven assists. Barker was also named to the EPIC All-Conference team for the second straight year.

Luis Henriquez, North Lenoir

The junior was a good compliment to Hines, finishing second on the team with 12 goals scored. The offense was far from one-dimensional with Henriquez making his contributions.

Orlando Gallardo, North Lenoir

In 21 games, Hawks opponents registered four or more goals just four times. As the last line of defense, the junior racked up 170 saves and allowed just 2.1 goals per contest.

Axel Hernandez, Ayden-Grifton

The Chargers offense wasn’t the greatest in the conference with 27 goals in 16 games, but the junior was unstoppable at times with 19 goals. Ayden-Grifton won five games this year, the most since 2014.

Jaheem Hunt, Greene Central

The Rams went with a trio of goaltenders, yet the team allowed just 41 goals in 22 games. Part of it can be attributed to the senior defender, who was one of Greene Central’s leaders on the team.

Zach Jenkins, North Lenoir

The Hawks senior made the transition from goalkeeper to defender in 2018 and gave the team another strong element in the process. North Lenoir allowed two goals or fewer in 13 contests.

Angel Lopez, South Lenoir

The senior played a pivotal role for the Blue Devils as South Lenoir’s most revered striker, leading the team in both goals (14) and assists (6). The Blue Devils won eight games, its highest total since 2015.

Gilberto Lopez, Greene Central

Lopez was one of the most dangerous scorers in the Eastern Carolina Conference, racking up 26 goals and six assists. Only a sophomore, expect Lopez to continue his assault on the league.

Giovany Marcos, Greene Central

The junior was a strong compliment to Lopez, finishing second on the team with 13 goals and adding four assists. Marcos helped the Rams score five or more goals in 11 games this season.

Fabian Marquez, Greene Central

Along with Hunt, Marquez provided the Rams with consistent defense throughout the season. The senior assisted in the team allowing two goals or fewer in 13 contests.

Ulises Mora, Greene Central

Another talented offensive player, the junior showcased a well-rounded game for the Rams in 2018. Mora was third on the team in goals scored with 11 and tied for second providing seven assists.