Boys soccer announces all-league picks

The boys soccer squad had six players named to all-league teams this year, including senior Ricky Huffman and junior Tate Kaczmarek, who were first team picks.

Huffman was a four-year starter for the Outlaws and a co-captain this year. He has been the team’s leading scorer the last three seasons and this year posted 14 goals, and tallied four assists. He was honored for his play at the forward position.

“Ricky is relentless in energy and athleticism and makes life tough for defenders,” said Coach Jeff Husmann. “He often has two-to-three defenders on him and still finds a way to score goals. He has been the energy, leadership, and entertainment of this team the past three seasons, and very much deserves to be first team. Ricky will certainly be missed next year.”

Kaczmarek scored 10 goals this year and recorded eight assists, and according to Husmann his field vision and soccer IQ is unmatched. He was honored as a forward/midfielder.

“Tate is a balanced player who knows how to create goals as well as finding the open person,” stated Husmann. “He has an incredible work rate and physical style of play, and would be a contributor on any team.”

Senior Sean Alvarez was the Outlaws only second-team selection. Alvarez has been a three year starter and this year was the core of the Outlaws defense in the center back position, as well as a co-captain. He scored three goals and also had two assists this year.

“Sean knows his position very well, and he is versatile, speedy, and smart,” said Husmann. “He is the strongest defender on our team. He is also very dangerous when he goes forward or taking set pieces. He’s very much deserving of first-team accolades.”

Three Outlaws earned honorable mention, including senior Noah Pittman, junior Aidan Eckert, and sophomore Vincent Christian.

Pittman was an honorable mention defender, and showed a lot of growth at that position this year. Husmann noted that Pittman hasn’t missed a practice in three years. This season he posed two assists for the Outlaws squad.

“As an outside back, Noah is often up against the fastest of the opposition’s forward players,” said Husmann. “He closes down and plays with passion, speed, and attitude.”

Eckert was honored at the midfield position, and according to Husmann is the unheralded leader of the Outlaws’ team. He scored four goals and led the team with 12 assists.

“Aidan is our most skilled player,” said Husmann. “He sees the field very well and his selfless play has him as our assist leader these last two seasons. He has played nearly every minute of every game, and scored some very important goals for us this year.”

Christian was honorable mention midfielder/forward. He’s a two-year starter as a sophomore and coaches look for him to continue to be a leader on the team the next two years. Vincent scored nine goals and tallied six assists this season.

“Vincent is such a versatile, talented, and experienced player,” said Husmann. “He effectively plays in any position we put him in. He can take on defenders and is such a clean striker of the ball.”