The 2015-16 American Family Insurance ALL-USA Boys Soccer Teams were selected by USA TODAY High School Sports based on performance, level of competition and strength of schedule. This is the inaugural ALL-USA team in boys soccer and includes players from fall, winter or spring seasons.
MORE:
ALL-USA Boys Soccer: First Team
ALL-USA Boys Soccer: Second Team
ALL-USA Boys Soccer Coach of the Year: Mike Gorni, Central Bucks East (Doylestown, Pa.)
Esteban Calvo (Photo: Montverde Academy)
PLAYER OF THE YEAR:
Name: Esteban Calvo
School: Montverde Academy (Montverde, Fla.)
Position: Defense
Year: Senior
College: Florida International
Esteban Calvo grew up in Costa Rica, but he is leaving his mark on soccer fields in the United States. The 6-foot, 175-pound senior was a rock on defense as Montverde completed a perfect 19-0 season to extend its winning streak to a jaw-dropping 154 games (146-0-8). Montverde finished No. 1 in the USA TODAY High School Sports/National Soccer Coaches Association Super 25 for winter boys soccer.
Calvo was at his best in the Eagles’ season-ending MAST Tournament. Montverde concluded a season in which it allowed just four goals by notching three shutouts in three games, including a 5-0 win against St. Paul’s (Covington, La.) in the tournament championship game. Calvo was named the Tournament MVP.
“Esteban is very exciting and impactful,” said Jerry McCabe, head coach of Melbourne (Fla.) High. “He’s a very valuable asset to Montverde. Esteban plays at a level much higher than most high school players.”
A member of the Costa Rican Under-20 Men’s National Team, Calvo was more than capable of stepping up on the offensive end for the Eagles. He contributed five goals and eight assists on the season.
But it was his defense that earned him recognition as the 2015-16 Gatorade Florida Boys Soccer Player of the Year. A tough, physical defender, Calvo was virtually impossible to get around. And Calvo wouldn’t just knock the ball out of harm’s way — he was more than capable of quickly turning defense into offense for his teammates.
“Esteban is a physically dominant and competitive player who always wins his 1v1 battles,” said Montverde head coach Mike Potempa. “He is a leader, extremely versatile and will have an immediate impact [for Florida International].”