High school soccer athletes receive all-league honors

MOST VALUABLE PLAYER:
West Valley soccer player Ray Close is the NAL All-League Team’s MVP.

West Valley and Anderson Union High School soccer athletes made it on the 2008-2009 Northern Athletic League All-League Team.

Athletes who receive this honor are recognized as the best high school athletes in their section.

In boys soccer, West Valley athlete Ray Close was honored as the league's Most Valuable Player.

Being the league MVP is something Ray Close has strived for.

"It's awesome," he said. "It's a goal I set for myself at the beginning of the season, and I've worked hard for it. I'm happy I actually did it."

West Valley goalie Joel Dumore was named on the all-league team for the third year in a row.

He said he enjoys the pressure of being a goalie and the fast pace in the sport of soccer.

"I like the fun, the adrenaline and the action," Dumore said.

West Valley's Gabe Deckert was also name as an All-League member, as well as Anderson High School's Manny Alcazor.

Boys soccer players receiving an honorable mention are Jake Elledge and Eric Nieves, of West Valley, and Skyler Walker and Corbin Brace, of Anderson.

Girls soccer players receiving all league honors are Jennifer Mueller, Cassie Debonis and Hanna Emmen, of West Valley, and Erica Lopez of Anderson.

Girls soccer players who got an honorable mention are Danae Hodges, of West Valley, and Tressa Evanhoe, of Anderson.