Player of the Year

Dustin Abey, Chesapeake, senior: With 29 goals and 29 assists for his four-year career, Abey became Chesapeake's all-time leader in points. His game was much more than numbers, however. He was the catalyst in bringing the program its first Class 4A state title. "It didn't matter to him who scored the goals, as long as the team got the ball in the back of the net," said Chesapeake coach Earl Eckhardt. Most of the time this season, one way or another, Abey was in on Chesapeake goals, scoring 12 and assisting on 14 others. His biggest goal came in the Cougars' 1-0 win over Severna Park for the East region championship. His biggest assist came in the 55th minute of the state final against Churchill, when he found Mike McIntyre for the game's only goal. Abey combined a high work rate with substantial ball skills and a strong physical presence to carry the load up front for the Cougars. Those attributes played big in Eckhardt's playoff decision to run Abey alone up front so the Cougars could control the middle with a fifth midfielder. "I knew he could handle the front all by himself," said Eckhardt. "He has great balance, a great touch on the ball and was able to hold it until the rest of the bunch got up there with him."

Coach of the Year

Earl Eckhardt, Chesapeake: With a good foundation, Eckhardt knew this season's team had an opportunity to do something special. His Cougars pounced on the chance, saving their best for last by capturing the school's first Class 4A state crown with a 1-0 win over Montgomery County power Churchill. With a 17-3-0 record, the team lifted Eckhardt's to 104-66-9 in 13 years at the school. Win No. 104 is the one he won't forget. "This is incredible. In a coaching career, what greater thing is there than winning a state title? This is what you coach for," he said shortly after receiving the state championship plaque at UMBC Stadium. The Cougars avenged all three of their losses. Roosevelt, which handled them 4-2 in mid-September, proved no challenge in a 4-0 shutout in the state semifinal. County-rival

Severna Park was the biggest hurdle. After a 3-0 loss to the Falcons at Chesapeake during the regular season and a 2-1 setback in the county championship game, the Cougars broke through with a 1-0 win to win the East region. On a hunch, Eckhardt decided on using five midfielders with Player of the Year Dustin Abey the lone striker. Abey scored late in the first half, and the Cougars dominated the midfield. The Cougars outscored five postseason opponents 13-1.

First team at a glance

Billy Adams, Chesapeake, senior, forward: Coach Earl Eckhardt called Adams "my blue-collar worker" for his non-stop approach to the game. His versatility played a big role in the Cougars' state title run, when he was moved to midfield and excelled. He had 11 goals and six assists.

Kyle Beckerman, Arundel, junior, midfield: After missing the first five games with an injury, Beckerman still put in 13 goals and had three assists. A dominating figure in the middle of the field with outstanding ball skills, Beckerman was able to challenge defender after defender to create scoring chances.

Kevin Corradini, St. Mary's, senior, midfield: field: He summed up an outstanding, four-year career with his strong all-around effort in the Saints 1-0 win over St. Paul's to win the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association B Conference. Corradini (eight goals, 12 assists) scored the game-winner on a picture-perfect direct kick in the first half and was dropped back to sweeper to preserve the win. He had 23 goals and 25 assists in high school.

Bernie Edwards, Severna Park, senior, midfield/defense: Edwards, a co-captain and strong marker, did all the intangible things as a solid two-way player who had five goals and seven assists this fall.

Scott Gilde, Glen Burnie, senior, forward: Gilde didn't need much space to make things happen up front for the 10-4-1 Gophers. His change of pace with the ball, composure and touch helped him score 13 goals and assist on two.

Bryan Madej, Archbishop Spalding, senior, forward: Made his presence felt in the penalty area, where he was at his creative best. A physical player with a striker's mentality and a hard shot, Madej scored nine goals and added five assists despite nagging injuries and heavy marking.

Sean McGarry, Severna Park, senior, defense: fense: A strong marking back, McGarry did a fine job getting to the ball first and then doing something positive with it. He was consistent, showed understanding of the game, and knew when to take offensive chances. McGarry scored once and had three assists.

Mike McIntyre, Chesapeake, senior, midfield: field: Few players get the chance to end their high school careers with a game-winning goal in a state championship game. Mcintyre did it in the second half to lead the Cougars past Churchill, 1-0, for the Class 4A title. The goal was his 21st this fall.

Bill Mooney, Severna Park, senior, midfield: field: This three-year starter displayed creativity in getting scoring chances for himself and teammates. His 10 goals and three assists this fall gave him career totals of 24 goals and 11.

Jon Parisi, Broadneck, senior, midfield: Coach Jon Braun said his team captain, center midfielder, and four-year starter was "probably the best I've ever coached." Despite heavy marking, Parisi scored four goals and had four assists.

Reid Shaklee, Severna Park, senior, defense: fense: The four-year starter's a poised first touch and uncanny ability to read plays let him excel at sweeper. He was rarely beaten 1-on-1, and opposing attackers often altered their approaches to avoid him. Shaklee had four goals and 12 assists for his career.

Tim Smith, Old Mill, senior, midfield: A constant threat with the ball, he scored 11 times and had three assists despite playing

the last four games at sweeper. His work rate off the ball helped him overcome heavy marking.

Chris Summers, St. Mary's, senior, goalkeeper: keeper: The two-year starter brought athleticism and leadership to the goal for the MIAA B Conference-champ Saints. He had 11 shutouts, turned back 109 shots, including three penalty kicks, and yielded just 17 goals.

Team selection

The Baltimore Sun 1998 All-Anne Arundel County boys and girls soccer teams were selected by Glenn P. Graham after consultation with The Sun staff and area coaches.

Pub Date: 11/26/98