Soccer names all-state selections

The boys and girls soccer teams had five players named to all-state teams. Jake McAllister and Liz Stewart earned top honors as first-team all-state picks.

McAllister was named first-team all-state for the second consecutive year as well as earning top recognition as Player of the Year for the second straight year. McAllister finished the season with 18 goals and five assists.

Coach Rob Jensen said, "Jake truly is one of the best players in the state. We did not face a player this year that I think is better than Jake. He is a dominant athlete on the field and makes everyone around him play at a higher level. If we would have made it further into the playoffs I think he would have had a great shot at Player of the Year in the state."

Liz Stewart, a sophomore, was also a first-team all-state selection. Stewart, at sweeper, scored more goals (13) than anyone else on the team. Many of the goals were scored on set plays, such as corner kicks, free kicks and penalty kicks.

"Liz held the team together this season," said Coach Audrey Tehan. "Liz was one of the best defenders in the league and also the most lethal offensive player for any teams we played. Teams in the Sky-Em learned quickly that if they gave up a free kick within 40 yards of their goal, Liz would probably score. Teams were also troubled on how they were going to score on the Outlaws with Liz in the back, as she was nearly impossible to go through.

"Liz can kick the ball well past half-field on her goal kicks, and she can combine this strength with accuracy on free kicks or shots from 40 yards out. Liz has all the skills, dribbling, accurate shots, defense and leadership, and she would execute them when she needed to in our toughest games," added Tehan.

Evan Rickards earned second-team all-state recognition. Rickards scored 10 goals this year and recorded seven assists.

"Evan blew past defenders and consistently led to scoring opportunities," stated Jensen. "Evan had similar stats to Jake's first-team all-state selection last year."

Nicky Blumm and Natalie Ambrose earned honorable mention. Nicky scored one goal and had one assist over the course of the season.

Jensen stated, "Nicky dominated play from the stopper position and was instrumental to our third in 4A defense. He created scoring opportunities constantly and controlled possession of the ball for our team. He is a tireless worker and hustles the entire time he is on the field."

Ambrose was the fastest player on the Lady Outlaws squad, and according to Tehan, also across the state over both long and short distances. Natalie scored 11 goals and recorded four assists over the course of the season.

"Natalie has amazing footwork and is deadly when she gets the ball at the feet and starts running up the field. All the coaches who have played Natalie remember her as a big threat and as a great soccer player to watch," said Tehan.

Jensen, director of soccer operations said, "These are a great group of athletes and well deserving of the honors."