All area boys soccer: KR senior, Central junior share top honor

Kenton Ridge High School's Mohammad Salhieh and Catholic Central's Joe Halula have played soccer together on club teams since elementary school. The duo blossomed into two of the best prep players in the area.

Staff photo by Barbara J. Perenic Kenton Ridge High School's Mohammad Salhieh and Catholic Central's Joe Halula have played soccer together on club teams since elementary school. The duo blossomed into two of the best prep players in the area.

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By Michael Cooper, Staff Writer 12:03 AM Saturday, November 21, 2009

SPRINGFIELD — Kenton Ridge senior Mohammad Salhieh and Catholic Central junior Joe Halula have played together since they were in elementary school.

They started playing for the Springfield Thunder as youngsters and eventually played club for Metro Rapids FC.

It’s no surprise they’re two of the top players in the Springfield area.

After stellar campaigns, Salhieh and Halula were named the 2009 News-Sun All-Area Boys Soccer Co-Players of the Year.

The award is based on regular-season performance only.

Salhieh, who tallied 33 goals and seven assists this fall, finished his career with a school-best 79 goals. He also tied Cougars’ coach Chris Slagle’s career assist mark of 29.

“I didn’t think soccer was serious until my sophomore year,” Salhieh said. “I just came in to have fun. I didn’t expect to do what I did. I’m happy with it.”

Halula was pleased his team was able to make a strong showing in the Division III tournament. They finished the year with just one loss, falling to Cincinnati Seven Hills in the regional final.

“We definitely made a good run this year,” Halula said. “I don’t know if we were expected to do that. We all worked together and had a great year. I’m really happy with how we played.”

Halula, who finished the regular season with an area-best 28 assists and seven goals, was just one assist away from breaking the single season mark of 35, set by former teammate Stefan Latham.

“It was hard (not to break it), but it gives me something to go for next year in my last year,” Halula said.

The two don’t plan to stop playing anytime soon. They’ve already started practice with Metro Rapids FC and have upcoming tournaments all over the country.

“It’s basically our vacation time, all the traveling we do,” Salhieh said.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0365 or mcooper@coxohio.com.

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