The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Four Outlaws earned all-league soccer awards this year, including Ethan Ekert and Ricky Huffman who were second-team selections, and Connor Linn and Nathaniel Alvarez as honorable mention.

Kern, the Outlaws’ lone senior, was a co-captain and earned second team holding midfield. Ethan was a solid leader on the team all year, and led the team in assists, with 12.

Coach Jeff Husmann said, “Ethan is an intelligent person and brings this intelligence to the field. He has very solid individual skills, can take on defenders one-on-one, and also has incredible vision. Though he had no goals on the season, much of this was because he often draws a crowd of two or three defenders and then still manages to get the ball to the open man. He is selfless and humble.”

Huffman (sophomore) was honored at the striker position and led the team in goals scored (10). Ricky also tallied four assists on the season.

Husmann told The Nugget that Huffman gives 100 percent in games and practice. Ricky’s speed and athleticism made it difficult for the opponent’s defenders. He has an ability to scrap for possession of the ball and, according to Husmann, improved tremendously with his ability to finish.

Linn (junior) was also a co-captain and earned honorable-mention striker. In addition to playing at the striker position for the Outlaws, he also played at outside midfield, and center defense. Connor finished the season with eight goals and nine assists.

Husmann referred to Connor as “Mr. Versatility” because of his ability to play at various positions. Husmann also noted that Connor is a student of the game and is effective at analyzing the weakness of an opponent, then adapting his attack. He is very effective at winning the ball in tight areas, and has a nose for the goal. He has a calm demeanor, but is a fierce competitor.

Alvarez (junior) earned honorable-mention central defender.

Husmann said, “Nathaniel is perhaps the most underrated player on our team. He has been the backbone of our defense. He is strong technically and tactically, and has a strong sense of when to stand a player up, and knows when to make a well-timed tackle. He’s an outstanding goalkeeper as well, but because we’re such a young team, we needed his skills on the field. He truly has fun when he plays, and is a joy to watch.”