All-metro boys' soccer first and second teams

BOYS' FIRST TEAM

FORWARDS

Brian Grand, North Branch, sr.: With 35 goals and 53 points, the native of Switzerland led the state in scoring for the second year in a row. Fast and possesses advanced ball skills.

David Rosenthal, Apple Valley, sr.: The leading scorer for the state's best team (32 goals, 20 assists), he is an unmatched finisher who can shoot with accuracy from any angle.

Lawrence Talery, Coon Rapids, sr.: Dynamic and nearly unstoppable 1-on-1, he is also unselfish. Scored 15 goals and added 13 assists despite facing constant double-teams.

MIDFIELDERS

Ahmad Bah, Osseo, sr.: A deft playmaker who consistently makes his teammates better, as evidenced by his nearly 2-to-1 assist-to-goal ratio (13 assists, seven goals).

Edi Becerra, Minneapolis Southwest, sr.: The metro's best clutch player scored seven game-winning goals. Leading scorer in school history (49 goals, 39 assists).

Carlos Contreras, White Bear Lake, sr.: Considered by some to be best natural player in the state. Has no weaknesses: Equally adept on offense and defense and great in the air.

Ryan Goddard, Bloomington Jefferson, sr.: Catalyst for virtually everything the team ran, controlling play from his center-mid position. Jaguars' leading scorer on the season.

Eric Miller, Woodbury, jr.: Physically talented, but stands out because he's a sound technician with an inate understanding of the game as a whole.

Paul Yonga, Totino-Grace, sr.: Faced double-teams all season, yet smooth and polished enough to shrug them off. Gifted with the ball at his feet and has great vision.

DEFENDER

Bijan Jabari, Apple Valley, sr.: The Class 2A Mr. Soccer winner is virtually unbeatable as a sweeper. Also one of the most valuable players in the state on set pieces.

GOALKEEPER

Zach Harwerth, Anoka, sr.: Has all of the skills a top keeper needs: size, strengths, great anticipation, excellent reflexes and a strong leg. Gave up just eight goals all season.

BOYS' SECOND TEAM

Forward: Justin Clark, Eagan, sr.; Kyle Erickson, Tartan, sr.; Adam Hadro, Northfield, sr.; Steven Kaminski, Elk River, sr.; Ben Royce, Simley, sr.; Alex Wittig, Eden Prairie, sr.

Midfielder: Ayub Baker, Champlin Park, sr.; Sam Kessler, Hopkins, sr.; Calvin Koep, Wayzata, sr.

Defender: Josh Elvig, Anoka, sr.; Kingsley Nkimbeng, Blaine, sr.

Goalkeeper: Brett Ylonen, Stillwater, sr.