10 Ames-area Iowa high school boys soccer players to watch ahead of the 2024 season
The Ames area featured several standout Iowa high school boys soccer teams during the 2023 season.
In Class 2A, Gilbert claimed its first state championship with a 3-2 sudden death shootout victory over Davenport Assumption in the title game to cap 21-2 season. Nevada went 16-5 and made it to the 3A state semifinals, where the Cubs fell to Assumption.
Ames qualified for state in 3A with a 13-5 record. The Little Cyclone boys suffered a 2-1 loss to Dowling Catholic in the state quarterfinals.
Ballard finished 5-11 last season.
There are several talented players returning from those teams for the 2024 season.
This is just a preseason list, so plenty of new names could emerge during the season. But here, in alphabetical order by last name, are the top 10 boys high school soccer players in the Ames area right now.
Zachary Cuva, Ames
Position: Midfielder/forward
Year: Junior
Cuva returns as the top scoring threat for the Ames boys in 2024.
Last season Cuva put up 15 goals in helping Ames make it to state. He made both of his penalty kick attempts and chipped in three assists.
Christian Gallt, Ames
Position: Defender/midfielder
Year: Junior
Gallt gives Ames a versatile weapon.
He was one of the Little Cyclones top defensive players as a sophomore. Gallt also did an excellent job helping Ames control possessions during games and he finished the season with three goals and two assists.
Drake Hinson, Nevada
Position: Keeper
Year: Sophomore
Hinson has some big shoes to fill in taking over for Noah Mills at keeper for Nevada.
Hinson is an outstanding athlete, and he did get some time playing goalie in a reserve role last season. In 2023 Hinson is credited with one save in 58 minutes of action at keeper.
Logan Huntrods, Ballard
Position: Midfielder/forward
Year: Junior
Huntrods is one of the top returning offensive players for Ballard in 2023.
During his sophomore season Huntrods dished out seven assists. He also netted three goals.
Jackson Johnson, Gilbert
Position: Midfielder
Year: Senior
Johnson was named a first-team All-State midfielder in 2A by the Iowa Soccer Coaches Association in 2023.
He played a huge role in Gilbert earning last year's 2A state title, and his return is a big reason Gilbert can return to state in 2024. As a junior Johnson led Gilbert with 20 assists and he also scored seven goals.
Truman Kruckenberg, Gilbert
Position: Midfielder
Year: Senior
Kruckenberg is another big weapon off last year's state championship team returning for Gilbert in 2024.
In 2023 Kruckenberg finished second on the team with 14 goals. He also dished out five assists.
Connor Rash, Gilbert
Position: Forward
Year: Junior
Rash is battling an injury right now, but he will be a force to reckon with when he returns for Gilbert this season.
Rash was the hero of Gilbert's championship victory over Assumption after scoring both goals in regulation and the winning penalty kick in sudden death. He finished 2023 with 12 goals and four assists.
Ethan Sigurdsson, Ames
Position: Forward/midfielder
Year: Junior
Sigurdsson provides Ames with a talented dribbler and a huge leg.
As a sophomore, Sigurdsson scored four goals and he led the Little Cyclones in assists with 11.
Kaden Weber, Nevada
Position: Midfielder
Year: Senior
With Nevada losing top offensive weapons Drew Robinson, Edgar Cabrera, Sam Betting and Kent Sponseller off its 2023 2A state semifinalist, the Cubs are going to need someone to step up big in 2024.
Weber can be that individual this spring. The two-time state wrestling placewinner put up four goals in a reserve role a year ago.
Matthew Weber, Gilbert
Position: Keeper
Year: Junior
Weber was another clutch performer for Gilbert at state, coming up with some timely saves against Assumption in the championship game.
For the 2023 season Weber made 94 saves and he only surrendered seven goals.
Joe Randleman covers high school sports for the Ames Tribune. Contact him at jrandleman@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @JoeRandleman
This article originally appeared on Ames Tribune: 10 Iowa boys soccer players to watch in the Ames area during 2024
