2008-09 All-County Girls Soccer: First team

Kelsey Wilson, San Clemente, Sr.: Selected the 2008-09 Player of the Year. (Click here to read the story about Wilson.) 

Kylie Bono, Esperanza, Sr.: The Tennessee-bound senior served as the driving force behind one of the county's most dangerous offenses. She tallied a team-high 18 goals and six assists to help the Aztecs reach the CIF-SS Division I quarterfinals for the second consecutive season.

Lindsay Brown, Mater Dei, Sr.:The senior forward developed into one of the most dependable players in the county. She tied for the team lead in goals (6) and assists (9). By stepping up her level of play in the biggest games of the season, she helped the Monarchs win their fourth consecutive Trinity League title. She will attend Notre Dame next season.

Courtney Garcia, Esperanza, Sr.:With speed and superb ball-handling ability in the open field, Garcia established herself as one of the county's best one-on-one threats. She finished with 17 goals and four assists, second on her team in both categories. Garcia will be attending USC.

Emily Goldstein, El Toro, Jr.: The junior developed into one of the most versatile players in the county, leading the Chargers in goals (12) and assists (10). Her efforts help guide El Toro to a co-Sea View League championship and an appearance in the CIF-SS Division I semifinals.

Haley Horton, Aliso Niguel, Sr.:She was the guiding force behind one of the county's stingiest defenses. Horton consistently shut down opposing players with a physical style of play, while displaying ball-awareness skills to track down loose balls. She was also tied for the team lead in assists with seven.

Lauren Matheson, Mission Viejo, Sr.:Considered one of the best all-around players in the county, Matheson was the catalyst for a team that shared the South Coast League title and was the top overall seed in the CIF-SS Division I playoffs. She led the team in goals (7) and assists (12) and provided valuable leadership. She will play at Santa Clara next season.

Kathleen Messinger, Aliso Niguel, Jr.:The junior goalie was the anchor for a Wolverines defense that posted 20 shutouts and allowed only seven goals all season. Messinger showed a maturity and toughness in the net, making the difficult save look routine with a combination of superb ball-awareness and quick reflexes.

Mariah Nogueira, Marina, Sr.:A three-time All-County selection, Nogueira was again one of the county's most versatile and dangerous players. The Stanford-bound senior led the Vikings in goals (12) and her efforts on defense were crucial in helping lead the Vikings into the CIF-SS Division I playoffs.

Katie Peterson, Los Alamitos, Sr.:The heart and soul of the Sunset League champions and CIF-SS Division I finalists. Peterson was one of the county's most tenacious defenders, consistently shutting down the opposition's top scoring threat. She served as a mentor to a Los Alamitos team that featured several underclassmen.

Mar Rodriguez, Santa Ana Valley, Sr.:Utilizing speed, excellent dribbling skills and the ability to beat defenders seemingly at will, Rodriguez scored a county-best 59 goals. She scored in all but one of the Falcons' games. Rodriguez had 10 games with three or more goals. She also showed the ability to distribute the ball, racking up 24 assists, second in the county. Behind her play, the Falcons won the Orange League title and earned the top seed in the CIF-SS Division IV playoffs.

Contact the writer: jeichelberger@ocregister.com