Here are five standout high school boys soccer players in the ºüÀêÊÓƵ area to keep an eye on this season.
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Brendan Donovan, senior, Duchesne
After starting his career at De Smet, Donovan stepped up as a midfield leader for the Pioneers last season as a junior captain and helped Duchesne capture its first state championship since 2003. A first-team All-Metro selection and the Missouri Class 1 player of the year, Donovan paced Duchesne last fall with 19 goals and 11 assists.Â
Lachlan Guthrie, senior, John Burroughs
A returning all-state defender for the Bombers, who placed fourth in Class 4 a year ago, Guthrie was a key factor in his squad's 19 wins and 12 shutouts last season. He's excelled as a center back the last two seasons but could also see action this fall in the midfield. Initially made an impact as untested freshman wingback due to injury.Â
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Charlie Lafata, senior, St. Dominic
A playmaker in the middle of the field for the Crusaders, Lafata was the AAA Division I player of the year and earned second-team All-Metro honors as a junior, finishing with 13 goals and six assists. He's known for his creativity on the ball and his ability to lead in the center of the park. Also a standout setter in volleyball.
Luke Ponciroli, senior, Chaminade
Among the area's top midfield talents. Will start the season on the sideline after hurting his ankle during a recent showcase camp at ºüÀêÊÓƵ University and is hoping to return to action in October. Last fall, earned third-team All-Metro honors and was an all-state choice as a junior, leading the Red Devils in goals (17), assists (11) and game-winners (8).
Hayes Van Breusegen, senior, Columbia
The Eagles return a ton of experienced players from last year's Class 1A third-place finisher, including gifted forward Van Breusegen, who had 22 goals and 12 assists a year ago. A player blessed with exceptional quickness and improving skill, Van Breusegen is a guy who keeps constant pressure on opposing backfields.
"Being back on the soccer field with the kids feels incredible," said Terry Michler, who missed last season on CBC's sideline because of an infection that led to an amputation.