First Team
Chris Baranowski, Lake Central, senior, midfielder: Directed play for the Indians, shining in a deeper role after previously having been an attacking midfielder/forward. Still had nine goals and five assists.
Josh Gonzalez, Portage, senior, forward/midfielder: Opponents often man-marked him and rarely contained him. Had 19 goals and six assists, all in the Indians’ first 11 games before being significantly limited by a calf injury for their final six.
Owen Hallas, Chesterton, senior, forward: Set the Trojans’ single-season record with 27 goals. The Post-Tribune 2016 Boys Soccer Player of the Year also contributed nine assists. Became the first Region boys player to win the Mental Attitude Award.
Oscar Hernandez, Merrillville, senior, forward: Had 10 goals and four assists, contributing to more than half of the rebuilding Pirates’ 26 goals. Was a main factor in team winning five games after going winless the season before.
Kosta Karagan, Munster, senior, goalkeeper: Backstopped the Mustangs to state-record 15th straight sectional title. Clutch save on a penalty kick preserved regional semifinal upset of Lake Central.
Mitchell Moynihan, Highland, senior, midfielder: Dominated with 25 goals and 13 assists. Helped Trojans end a 14-game losing streak to rival Munster that dated to 2006.
Derek O’Dell, Chesterton, senior, midfielder: Orchestrator for the Trojans also showed his ability to finish. Had 10 goals and 11 assists.
Cole Rainwater, Lake Central, sophomore, forward: Had 15 goals and 20 assists in what could be his final season with the Indians. The talented underclassman was expected to head to the Indiana Fire Academy.
Boze Spaseski, Crown Point, senior, defender: Was the glue for the revamped team after graduating 13 seniors and lost other players to academy ball and injuries. Fierce and tenacious competitor led Bulldogs to sixth straight sectional title.
More Top Picks Edgers
Naser Taharwah, Lake Central, senior, forward: Taharwah showcased speed and skill, ending up with 13 goals and 15 assists.
Kiriako Tsoukalas, Munster, senior, midfielder: Controlled the field, demonstrating his leadership by sacrificing his statistics for Mustangs. Still had 12 goals, including a remarkable free kick in a regional semifinal against Lake Central, and four assists.
Juan Villa, LaPorte, senior, forward: Quick and strong, Villa totaled 14 goals and nine assists for the Slicers.
Second Team
Ethan Conway, Chesterton, senior, goalkeeper: Flourished in his first season as the Trojans’ starter, allowing only 14 goals in 20 games with 11 shutouts.
Enrique Dominguez, Lake Central, senior, defender: Excelled in his first season in middle of Indians’ defense, embracing shift from center midfield.
Edgar Gutierrez, Morton, junior, defender: Anchored defense that allowed just two goals in the regular season — one each in a pair of blowouts — as the Governors went undefeated until sectional opener against Munster.
Brenden Melvin, Wheeler, senior, forward/midfielder: Speedy and creative, Melvin notched 22 goals and 11 assists for the Bearcats.
D.J. Moran, Hanover Central, senior, forward/defender: Split his time between offense and defense, spearheading way as Wildcats vaulted from one win to 10. Had 12 goals and three assists.
Robert Poppe, Kankakee Valley, junior, forward: Used his high motor for 14 goals and four assists, helping the Kougars improve from six wins to 10.
Eric Salzeider, Munster, senior, midfielder: Had nine goals and 10 assists from his outside position. Also played a key defensive role for the Mustangs in regional semifinal win against Lake Central.
Tyler Schroeder, Chesterton, senior, defender/midfielder: Physical presence as the Trojans’ stopper/holding midfielder was another integral part of run to the 2A state title game.
Jake Sherman, Andrean, senior, defender: Stalwart defender was instrumental in the 59ers jumping from three wins to 11, sharing the Northwest Crossroads Conference title with Munster and winning a sectional championship.
Alfonso Soto, Bishop Noll, senior, forward: Skilled, strong and unselfish, Soto tallied 16 goals and 10 assists for the Warriors.
Nick Surber, Hebron, senior, midfielder: Asked to contribute in other areas besides scoring, was catalyst for the Hawks winning a sectional title. Still had 13 goals and 13 assists, and will graduate as the school’s career leader with 79 goals.
Kyler Tanis, Highland, sophomore, defender: Was vital to the Trojans’ success, playing with poise and maturity beyond his years in the middle of their defense.
Honorable Mention
Michael Bikos, Lake Central, junior, forward; Carson Bosak, Andrean, senior, midfielder; Will Cannon, Marquette, junior, midfielder/forward; Max Kidd, Boone Grove, senior, goalkeeper; Nikko Kolintzas, Lake Central, senior, defender; Noah Osearo, Lake Central, junior, goalkeeper; Alec Rittgers, Valparaiso, senior, midfielder; Will Rubino, Michigan City, senior, forward; Danny Salazar, Bishop Noll, sophomore, goalkeeper; Will Shideler, Valparaiso, senior, defender; Sam Weller, Chesterton, junior, defender; Jon Williams, LaPorte, senior, goalkeeper.