5A All-Idaho boys soccer team: The picks for the all-state first, second teams
Note: The All-Idaho teams are chosen by each classification’s coaches. The Idaho Statesman hosts the voting process and publishes the results.
PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Reidar Slotten
Wood River, sr., M
The attacking center midfielder led 5A with 15 assists for the state champs, beating defenders off the dribble and delivering pinpoint passes to create chances. He also scored 17 goals of his own, including five at state, to make his third appearance on the all-state team.
COACH OF THE YEAR
Greg Gvozdas
Wood River
The Wolverines (18-1-2) made their third straight title game and brought home a second title under his guidance.
FIRST TEAM
Alberto Romo
Wood River, sr., F
His quick footwork and tactical skills created space and chances, leading to 16 goals and nine assists in 18 games.
Fernando Orozco
Blackfoot, sr., F
The Broncos’ fortunes changed once the elusive weapon (14 goals, five assists) moved up to striker.
Makai Venegas
Nampa, sr., F
His nose for goal made him the 5A’s second-leading scorer (22 goals) while also playing for Nampa’s football team.
Elijah Grimaldo
Vallivue, sr., M
The 2024 state player of the year led 5A in goals (23) and points (57) as the focal point of the state runner-up’s attack.
Gio Labra
Blackfoot, sr., M
He set the tempo for the Broncos, exposing holes with his vision to record seven goals and five assists.
Maximiliano Serrano
Twin Falls, sr., M
His playmaking skills (16 goals, 14 assists) while attacking and defending led the Bruins to a third-place trophy.
Mateo de la Torre
Wood River, sr., D
The center back made his third all-state team as the champs’ cleanup man on the back line and a free-kick weapon.
Leopoldo Ayala
Vallivue, sr., D
The Falcons’ unquestioned leader possessed the instincts to sniff out and eliminate threats before they started.
Ryan Tenold
Wood River, sr., D
He regularly man-marked opponents’ top threat, never showed any nerves and started the counterattack (four goals, four assists).
Zack Torres
Wood River, sr., D
A repeat first-teamer, the left back dominated one-on-one battles and was a constant threat down the wing (five goals).
Landon Brinkmeier
Sandpoint, jr., GK
He made game-saving stops look routine and carried the Bulldogs to state, allowing just 18 goals in 21 games.
