Fayetteville’s Soccer Elite: Fans’ Choice Awards Open After Thrilling 2025 Season
Fayetteville, NC – The dust has settled on a captivating 2025 high school boys’ soccer season in the Fayetteville area, and now it’s time for fans to decide who reigns supreme. 910Preps has unveiled its nominees for the Fans’ Choice Soccer Player of the Year, a list brimming with talent and impressive statistics. This is breaking news for local soccer enthusiasts, and a chance to celebrate the dedication and skill of these young athletes. But beyond the immediate excitement, this season highlights the growing strength of soccer programs across the region.
Conference Champions & Playoff Standouts
The 2025 season saw fierce competition, culminating in notable conference victories. Cape Fear High School clinched the Tri-County conference title, demonstrating consistent performance throughout the year. South View High School achieved a remarkable feat, earning a co-championship in the Eastern Sandhills – their first league title in two decades! Gray’s Creek High School led the Fayetteville-area teams in the playoffs, reaching the third round before a hard-fought 2-0 loss to Franklinton. This deep playoff run underscores the rising caliber of soccer in the area.
Meet the Player of the Year Nominees
The nominees represent a diverse range of schools and playing styles. Here’s a closer look at the contenders:
- Emerson Alverado (Seventy-First): The Eastern Sandhills Player of the Year, Alverado was a scoring machine, finishing in the top-10 in 6A with a staggering 68 points and 28 goals.
- Kobi Asante (Village Christian): A sophomore standout, Asante’s 59 points and 27 goals earned him all-conference honors in the SAC.
- Isaac Dawson (Gray’s Creek): The Tri-County Player of the Year, Dawson powered the Bears’ playoff run with 29 goals and 66 points.
- Patrick Alex Reed (Northwood Temple): A junior striker with a knack for finding the back of the net, Alex Reed ranked fifth in goals (30) and fourth in points (72) in the NCISAA 2A.
- Jadyn Gunther (Gray’s Creek): While scoring six goals, Gunther’s exceptional playmaking ability led to 15 assists, placing him 14th in 6A. A true testament to the importance of assists in modern soccer.
- Brady Kennedy (Cape Fear): The Colts’ stalwart goalkeeper, Kennedy recorded 82 saves and a .780 goals against average, proving crucial to their conference title.
- Mario Moncrieffe (South View): A senior forward who contributed 24 goals and 64 points to South View’s championship season.
- Blake Oxendine (Jack Britt): The Mid South Co-Offensive Player of the Year, Oxendine led his conference in points with 49 and scored 20 goals.
- Carlos Montes Palma (South View): A junior midfielder with exceptional vision, Montes Palma dished out 16 assists, ranking 10th in 6A.
- Jacob Salisbury (Fayetteville Academy): The SAC Player of the Year, Salisbury was a scoring threat, netting 35 goals and 70 points.
- Hunter Talley (Fayetteville Christian): A dominant force in the NCISAA 3A, Talley led the league in both goals (41) and points (119), and ranked second in the state in assists (37).
- Gavril Stangle (Fayetteville Christian): An all-conference member who added 25 goals, 67 points, and 17 assists to the Warriors’ attack.
The Growing Appeal of High School Soccer & Future Trends
The level of competition showcased this season isn’t just a local phenomenon. Across the country, high school soccer is experiencing a surge in popularity, fueled by increased access to training, a growing international influence, and the visibility provided by platforms like 910Preps. The emphasis on well-rounded players – like Jadyn Gunther, whose assists are just as valuable as goals – reflects a broader trend in the sport. We’re also seeing more specialized goalkeepers, like Brady Kennedy, whose shot-stopping abilities are becoming increasingly critical. Looking ahead, expect to see even more sophisticated tactical approaches and a continued focus on player development at the high school level.
Don’t miss your chance to support your favorite player! Head to 910Preps to cast your vote for the Fans’ Choice Soccer Player of the Year and celebrate the incredible talent within the Fayetteville area. Stay tuned to archyde.com for more local sports coverage and breaking news.
Mierza Firjatullah dueled with Zambia U-17 players. (ANTARA FOTO/BAYU PRATAMA S)