Unveiling the Elite: Meet the Finalists for Oregonian/OregonLive Boys Soccer Player of the Year, 2025

Wow, what a season it's been for high school boys' soccer across Oregon! From nail-biting finishes to individual brilliance that just left you breathless, the 2025 campaign delivered on every front. And now, as the dust settles, it's time to shine a well-deserved spotlight on the very best of the best. We're absolutely thrilled to unveil the finalists for the highly coveted 2025 Oregonian/OregonLive Boys Soccer Player of the Year award.

Honestly, you just know the selection committee had their work cut out for them this year. The level of talent, the sheer dedication, and the impactful performances we witnessed truly made narrowing it down a monumental task. But after much deliberation, countless hours reviewing game footage, and deep dives into stats and team contributions, we've arrived at a stellar group of young men who exemplify excellence on the pitch.

So, without further ado, let's meet these incredible athletes who have distinguished themselves above the rest. Each one brings something unique to the table, showcasing why Oregon high school soccer is consistently a hotbed of future stars.

First up, we have Diego Ramirez, a senior forward from Roosevelt High School. Diego was nothing short of a scoring machine this season, bagging an astounding 28 goals and adding 10 assists. His electrifying pace, coupled with a clinical finish, made him an absolute nightmare for opposing defenses. He could turn a game on its head in a single moment, often finding the net when his team needed it most. He truly led the line with passion and precision.

Next on our list is Ethan Chen, a junior midfielder representing Jesuit High School. Ethan is the kind of player every coach dreams of having. He's a true maestro in the midfield, dictating the tempo, winning crucial tackles, and distributing the ball with pinpoint accuracy. His vision is simply exceptional, contributing 12 goals and a league-leading 18 assists. More than the numbers, though, it was his calming presence and leadership that really stood out, steering Jesuit deep into the playoffs.

Then there's Marcus Thorne, a senior defender from Grant High School. It's easy for defenders to sometimes fly under the radar, but not Marcus. He was the rock at the heart of Grant's defense, orchestrating a backline that conceded fewer goals than any other team in their conference. His physicality, aerial dominance, and uncanny ability to read the game made him an impassable force. He also chipped in with a couple of crucial goals from set pieces, proving his impact wasn't just defensive.

Rounding out this elite group, we celebrate Noah Kim, a senior goalkeeper from South Salem High School. Noah pulled off some truly unbelievable saves throughout the season, almost single-handedly keeping his team in games they had no business being in. With 10 clean sheets and an incredibly low goals-against average, his reflexes, command of his area, and leadership from the back were simply inspiring. He's the kind of keeper who makes everyone around him play with more confidence.

These four individuals have not only showcased immense talent but have also embodied the spirit of high school sports – dedication, teamwork, and an unyielding will to win. They’ve left an indelible mark on their respective programs and on the hearts of fans across the state.

The anticipation is certainly building! We can’t wait to announce the ultimate winner of the 2025 Oregonian/OregonLive Boys Soccer Player of the Year award in the coming weeks. Until then, let’s give a massive round of applause to Diego, Ethan, Marcus, and Noah for their phenomenal seasons. It's truly been an honor to watch them play!