This story is part of The Washington Sun’s All-DMV coverage. All-DMV is a new collaboration between The Sun, Fox5 DC, NBC4 Washington and WTOP News, aimed at covering the D.C. area’s best high school athletes. You can find past players of the week and more information about All-DMV here.
The first month of the soccer season was a busy one as local contenders jostled for position against division rivals to boost their resumes come playoff time. Here are six September standouts — three boys and three girls — whose performances earned them All-DMV Player of the Week:
Adiah Aahmez, Sophomore, Midfielder, Bowie
Aahmez has looked comfortable in a new role for a Bowie boys’ team that graduated 11 seniors from last year’s squad, six of whom went on to play collegiate soccer. The sophomore center midfielder picked up a goal and two assists as the Bulldogs scored three early victories against Mount Hebron, Bladensburg and Annapolis Area Christian.
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Margaret Brault, Senior, Midfielder, St. John’s
Brault was the star of the St. John’s girls’ blowout win over Elizabeth Seton on Tuesday. She scored four goals in the victory, bringing her tally to six goals on the young season. Brault shines on both sides of the ball — the senior also provides tenacious defense for a Cadets team that’s looking to defend its Washington Catholic Athletic Conference crown.
“She’s constantly a threat, constantly looking to help build a play for her team, and one of those people that just has an immediate impact in the game,” St. John’s coach Allison Diaz said.
Tobi Falayi, Senior, Defender, Churchill
Falayi is the anchor of the Churchill boys’ stout defense. An all-state defender a season ago, Falayi’s constant defensive presence helped the Bulldogs to three shutout victories amid a five-game September winning streak. Their most recent victory came Wednesday in shutout fashion against Maryland Class 4A rival Whitman, an impressive result over a Vikings team that made the state finals last season.
Emery Gregory, Senior, Midfielder, Eleanor Roosevelt
Gregory has wasted little time finding her footing offensively for the Eleanor Roosevelt girls. The senior midfielder is already up to five goals and two assists for the Raiders, who scored an early 3-1 rivalry win over Bowie. The defending Prince George’s County champs also scored 5-0 tournament victories over Guilford Park and Bishop McNamara.
Ege Kirgiz, Senior, Forward/Midfielder, Potomac School
The Potomac School boys raced out to a 3-0 start, and Kirgiz was a big reason why. The left-footed senior picked up three goals and two assists for the Panthers, who took down Saint James (MD), St. Christopher’s and Episcopal. Kirgiz’s steady play as both a forward and midfielder gives coach Travis Beauchamp the ability to unleash him all over the field for the Mid-Atlantic Athletic Conference contenders.
Chloe Russ, Senior, Goalkeeper, Walter Johnson
If the Walter Johnson girls want to make a deep playoff run this season in a loaded division stacked with state title contenders, it’ll need strong defensive play. Russ, the Wildcats’ senior goalkeeper, has helped provide that so far — she didn’t let in a goal in her first three starts of the season. First-year coach Ilyes Ouldbrahim’s team picked up division wins in shutout fashion against Whitman and Quince Orchard.
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