30 Austin-area soccer players having breakout seasons

With the high school soccer season entering the final days of district play, here are 30 Austin-area players who are having breakout performances this winter:

Boys

(Players listed alphabetically)

Darwin Alvarez, freshman, LBJ: A talent on the backline, the center back has been key to the Jaguars battling for a playoff spot out of District 24-5A and will be a player to watch the next three years.

Julian Bariga, sophomore, East View: Tallied seven goals and four assists through last week and is a force at forward and attacking midfielder for the Patriots.

Diego Cancino, junior, Lake Travis: Turned into a goalkeeper in December, Cancino has helped lead the Cavs into playoff contention the last three weeks in a loaded District 26-6A.

Michael Castillo, senior, Elgin: Averaging more than 10 saves a game in goal, he’s kept the Wildcats competitive all season long.

Gus Ehlers, junior, McCallum: The winger has nine goals and three assists and has helped the Knights back to the playoffs by finishing second in District 24-5A.

Adrian Fagan, freshman, Weiss: The attacking midfielder and winger has played in all of the Wolves’ games and is averaging around 60 minutes a game. Has played a part in why Weiss is leading District 12-6A.

Luke Hawley, sophomore, Vandegrift: Tallied 13 goals and two assists entering the week and has helped the Vipers to the lead in the District 25-6A race.

Garrett Herb, junior, Bowie: Entered the week with seven goals and five assists as an outside midfielder. One of a number of Bulldogs who has made the transition from the junior varsity a year ago seamlessly.

Jose Aza Juarez, sophomore, Northeast: Missing last year with an injury, the central midfielder has been a huge presence in game control and possession for the Raiders, who are on track for another playoff berth out of District 24-5A.

Yul Kim, freshman, Hendrickson: A recent move-in from South Korea, he recorded more than 100 saves before suffering a season-ending injury.

Nico Marra, freshman, Pflugerville: A big reason why the Panthers are heading to the playoffs out of District 23-5A with a .741 save percentage and a key penalty block.

Alex Nunez, junior, Connally: New to the program, he’s played every minute of district play at left back for the Cougars. Bolstered a back line that was decimated by graduation and helped the Cougars to the District 23-5A title.

Juan Pizano, freshman, LASA: Has broken onto the high school scene with five goals and six assists while becoming a regular starter in the midfield for the Raptors. A key contributor on a team that entered the week undefeated in District 24-5A.

Borys Siwczak, sophomore, Round Rock: The defensive midfielder has played every minute of district play, has a natural vision of the game and is a talented ball-winner.

Rowen Wells, sophomore, Bowie: Like his older teammate, Wells has played a big part in the Bulldogs’ success this year with seven goals and five assists as an outside midfielder.

Girls

Libby Benson, freshman, Georgetown: Benson has jumped into a starting role as a freshman with eight goals and five assists for the District 23-5A leaders.

Kylie Bernal, junior, Leander: The attacking midfielder/forward has 12 goals and seven assists for the Lions and is a big reason they won District 25-5A after clutch performances vs. rivals Cedar Park and Rouse.

Lilly Christenson, sophomore, Johnson: The dynamic forward has seven goals on the season and has helped Johnson to battle for the District 26-6A title.

Jaz Diaz, freshman, Lake Travis: A starter every game, she has seven goals and three assists for the playoff-bound Cavs.

Jemma Hart, freshman, Cedar Park: The athletic goalkeeper has eight district shutouts on the season and played an incredible match in the 1-1 draw with Leander this week.

Lainey Gray, senior, Vista Ridge: One of only two seniors to start every match for the Rangers this year, the central defender is a crucial reason why Vista Ridge has qualified for the playoffs out of a loaded District 25-6A.

Ava Grosso, junior, Bowie: Grosso has nine goals and three assists for the Bulldogs, who are in playoff contention in a loaded District 26-6A. She has outstanding control skills and is a crafty attack specialist.

Kyla Jones, freshman, Vandegrift: The uber-athletic goalkeeper has provided key defense to keep the young Vipers in the District 25-6A playoff picture.

Sophia Martin, sophomore, Westlake: A wall in the goal, she has five district shutouts and is a big reason why the Chaps are in contention for the District 26-6A title.

Sarah Mills, freshman, Austin High: Intelligent and athletic, Mills has performed well for the Maroons as both a defender and striker. One of many players who provides a bright future for Austin High.

Claire Navarro, junior, Anderson: The starting attacking center midfielder has four goals and five assists and is a big reason the Trojans are on track for a playoff spot our of a loaded District 26-6A.

Kayla Pelter, junior, Round Rock: The outstanding defender has started every match and is a key backline player for the District 25-6A champion Dragons, who have limited opponents to five goals.

Kate Pieczonka, freshman, Austin High: An outside back who covers the opposition’s best forward, Pieczonka has great decision-making skills and moves off the ball well. Like Mills, is a reason the future seems bright for the Maroons.

Drew Taylor, sophomore, Johnson: Part of the Jaguars’ talented forward group with Christenson, Taylor has recorded six goals and is a threat every time she touches the ball.

Vienna Tran, freshman, Cedar Park: A strong center midfielder, Tran has 10 goals and eight assists. She’s a skilled player and formidable attacker.

Sam Walker, junior, Westwood: The premier goalkeeper spent the last two seasons behind All-American Atlee Olofson, but given her shot she has responded with an incredible season. She has eight shutouts and helps lead the Warrior defense.

Haley Zator, senior, Anderson: New to the team this season after moving to the area last school year, she’s a force at center back and helping the Trojans to a highly successful year.

High school girls sports correspondent Butch Hart contributed to this.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: 30 Austin-area soccer players having breakout seasons