Central Ohio’s Elite: Cast Your Vote for the 2023 Boys Soccer Player of the Year

The final whistle has blown on a thrilling central Ohio boys soccer season, leaving us with indelible memories of stunning goals, impenetrable defenses, and championship glory. Now, it’s time to honor the individual brilliance that defined the autumn. The Columbus Dispatch has narrowed an exceptional field to twelve standout nominees, all members of the 2023 All-Metro team, and your vote is crucial in determining who takes home the prestigious Player of the Year honor.

This is more than just a popularity contest; it’s a recognition of season-long excellence. The winner of this poll will receive one of the four votes used to select The Dispatch’s official Player of the Year, with the other three coming from our high school sports staff. The stakes are high, and every click counts. Voting is open now and will conclude at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, December 19. Remember, do not email your votes; only votes cast in the official poll will be counted.

From prolific strikers to midfield maestros and defensive stalwarts, this year’s ballot is a testament to the diverse talent across our region. Let’s break down the contenders and the compelling cases they’ve made on the pitch.

The Goal-Scorers: Prolific Finishers Who Lit Up the Scoreboard

In soccer, the most celebrated currency is goals, and this group of nominees specialized in wealth creation. These are the players who turned half-chances into headlines, whose names were synonymous with game-winning moments.

Look for forwards who not only posted staggering goal totals but did so against top-tier competition and in crucial moments. The pure striker instinct is rare, and several nominees showcased it weekly. Did they carry their team’s offensive load? Were they a constant, menacing presence for opposing defenders? Voters should consider the sheer impact of each goal and the variety of ways these players found the back of the net—be it blistering long-range strikes, clinical one-on-one finishes, or aerial dominance on set pieces.

Beyond the raw numbers, the timing of their contributions is paramount. A goal in a rivalry match or a state tournament opener often carries more weight than a hat-trick in a blowout. The elite scorers on this list separated themselves by delivering when the lights were brightest.

The Architects: Midfield Engineers and Defensive Rocks

While goal-scorers grab the glory, the players who control the game’s tempo and foundation are equally deserving of the highest accolades. This ballot features exceptional talents who dominated games without always appearing on the scoresheet.

In the midfield, we have the playmaking visionaries. These are the quarterbacks of the pitch, dictating flow with pinpoint passing, sublime vision, and relentless engine. They are the link between defense and attack, often leading their teams in assists and serving as the undeniable emotional leader on the field. Their value is measured in controlled possession, chances created, and their ability to swing momentum with a single pass.

On the defensive end, we have nominees who represent the bedrock of championship-caliber teams. A shutdown central defender or a game-saving goalkeeper can be as valuable as any scorer. Consider the center-back who organized a line that posted double-digit clean sheets, or the goalkeeper whose spectacular saves preserved results in tight contests. Their contributions may be less flashy, but their importance is never lost on coaches, teammates, or savvy voters.

Breaking Down the Ballot: Key Factors for Voters

With twelve exceptional names, how does one choose? It requires looking beyond a single statistic. Here are the critical criteria to consider before casting your vote:

• Statistical Dominance: Examine goals, assists, saves, clean sheets, and minutes played. Was the player statistically atop the region in their primary role?
• Big-Game Performance: How did they perform in the postseason, in league-deciding matches, or against other top-ranked opponents? Legends are made in October and November.
• Leadership and Intangibles: Was the player a captain or an on-field leader? Did they elevate the play of those around them? Did their team’s success hinge on their presence?
• Versatility and Consistency: Did they perform at a high level every match, or were they marked out of games? Could they impact a match in multiple ways?

This season saw several teams make deep runs in the state tournament, and players from those squads will naturally have a strong case. However, a phenomenal individual season on a less-successful team should not be discounted. The Player of the Year award recognizes individual excellence within the context of the team sport.

Your Vote Matters: The Path to the Awards Stage

This is your direct line to the selection process. The fan vote winner secures one of the four decisive votes for the official Dispatch Player of the Year award. While the staff’s votes will also weigh heavily, the public’s choice is a powerful endorsement that carries significant weight in the final deliberation.

It is essential to note: the winner of this poll is *not* automatically the Player of the Year. The final decision will be a consensus from the four votes. This makes your participation even more critical, as you are essentially serving on the selection committee.

The ultimate winner will be unveiled in grand fashion at the Central Ohio High School Sports Awards, a live show produced with USA TODAY. Details for this premier event will be announced later, offering a fitting stage to celebrate the best of the best in central Ohio high school sports.

The debate over the region’s top player is what makes high school sports so compelling. Every fan, teammate, and coach has a perspective. Now is the time to make that perspective count.

Review the nominees. Consider their seasons. Remember their most iconic moments. Then, make your voice heard in the official poll. Vote for the player who you believe defined the 2023 boys soccer season in central Ohio. The deadline is 4 p.m. on December 19. Don’t let your candidate down—cast your vote now and be a part of history.

Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.