Cameron Beezley, Lakes, senior, forward: The DePaul recruit returned from a year playing club soccer to score 18 goals and add eight assists.
Ethan Butler, Mundelein, senior, defender: This physical and disruptive defender was named his team’s most valuable player. “He was the rock of our defense,” coach Ernie Billittier said.
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Austin Ehren, Carmel, junior, midfielder: A fast and explosive two-year starter, he led the Corsairs with 17 goals and five assists.
Matt Grady, Deerfield, senior, midfielder: The Warriors’ four-year starter had five goals and seven assists and was especially dangerous on free kicks.
Ethan Kalis, Stevenson, junior, goalkeeper: The athletic goalkeeper posted eight shutouts and recorded a 1.10 goals-against average for the Class 3A regional finalist.
Thomas Macheras, Warren, senior, defender: The versatile player had three goals and five assists. “He is very composed on the ball and has a very high soccer IQ,” coach Jason Ahonen said.
Juan Ramirez, Waukegan, senior, forward: The dynamic forward recorded two hat tricks in scoring 18 goals and adding eight assists for the Bulldogs.
Alejandro Sotelo, Round Lake, senior, forward: The four-year starter scored a Lake County-best 28 goals and added seven assists for the Northern Lake County champions.
Nick Walker, Grayslake Central, senior, forward: Despite an injury-shortened year, the talented forward scored 15 goals and added six assists for the Class 2A sectional qualifier.
Chris White, Vernon Hills, senior, forward: He scored 21 goals and added 11 assists in leading Cougars to the program’s first Class 2A supersectional appearance.
Ryan Wittenbrink, Libertyville, junior, midfielder: The Player of the Year combines an ideal blend of size (6-foot-2), speed, power and skill in leading the Wildcats.
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance writer for the News-Sun.