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FOR THE 2023 SEASON

Here is a list of New Mexico soccer athletes to watch this coming season. New Mexico is talented when it comes to girls soccer. Here is a list of some standout players.

• Savanah Sanchez STRK (Hope Christian)
  Savanah is the leading returner in the goals category. In 2022 she scored 59 for the 2022 NMAA 4A Champion Huskies. She has a nose for the goal and plays tough. Savanah’s senior campaign should be fun to watch.
• Kasey Sandoval MF (Volcano Vista)
  Kasey was one of the best players in the state as an 8th grader last season. She plays with great poise and is a threat to create goals for herself or her teammates. In 2022, Kasey led her team in goals and assists. If you only watch one player this year, go watch her.
• Raylene Carillo (Las Cruces)
  Raylene was one of four players to crack 100 points in 2022, and she did that as a freshman. She helped lead the Bulldawgs to a 21-1-1 record and will take her fair share of shots in games. Raylene has the potential to be player of the year as a sophomore.
• Asha Smelser MF (Santa Fe)
  Asha is one of the most well balanced players in the state. She has the skills to score goals and assist her teammates. Asha was one of five players to have 20 plus assists and goals last year. Now returning for her senior season, she will be a magnificent player to catch on the pitch in 2023.
• Ainsley Capps MF (Bosque)
  Ainsley is a good player that helps her team stay in games with her goal scoring and ball distribution. She helped lead Bosque to an appearance in the 2022 A-3A Championship where they nearly pulled off a huge upset of perennial top dog, Sandia Prep. Ainsley, paired with fellow returner Rose Candelaria, will help the Bobcats be a playoff threat in 2023.
• Lexi Pinon FORW/MF (Goddard)
  Lexi led Goddard to an undefeated district title in 2022. She was a top goal scorer in New Mexico last season. She will be tough to handle this year as well. Be sure to catch this Rocket taking off in her senior season.
• Zylee Dominguez MF (Hope Christian)
  Zylee has the ability to create goals for her team. Her ability to distribute the ball is second to none and it shows as she led the state in assists last season. Zylee can also find the back of the net when needed. This makes her one of the states most dangerous players.
• Carina Suarez D (St. Pius X)
  Carina is a tough defender to go up against. She will cause nightmares for opposing team attackers. Carina can also step into big moments and deliver what the Sartans need. Look no further than last years semi final against Albuquerque Academy where Carina dashed the Charger’s hopes of making it to the championship with a golden goal in overtime.
• Ella Lent-Koop D/MF (Cleveland)
  Ella is a great all around player. She can play defense and move up into the midfield. Ella and fellow returning senior Sienna Salazar will be quite a duo to watch for a Storm team that finished as runners up in 2022.
• Caitlin Sanchez GK (Eldorado)
  Caitlyn is one of the best goalies in the state. In a word, she is fearless. She will go grab balls out of the air and come crashing in into breakaways without blinking an eye. Returning fresh off a championship season for Eldorado in 2022, Caitlyn will bring back vital experience for the Eagles.
• Tessa Updegraff (La Cueva)
  Entering her senior season, Tessa will be a leader for a very dangerous La Cueva squad. She can control the ball with the best of them and has plenty of weapons around her to help the team succeed. Catch Tessa and the rest of the Bears playing this season and you will not be disappointed.
• Ayla Dils FORW (Sandia)
  Ayla was top 3 in assists and goals on her team in 2022. After keeping pace with 2022 Gatorade Player of the Year Jordan Candelaria last year, she will be the Matador’s top threat this season. Ayla will no doubt be a key leader for Sandia in 2023.
• Ava Estes D (Cibola)
  Ava is as tough as a defender can be. She doesn’t give any room to opponents and can shut down attacks in a heart beat. She is also a huge aerial threat on set pieces in the box. If you enjoy tough defense, watch this amazing athlete play.

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