In a season that saw midfielders dominate the action, Omid Aldaghi ruled the middle.

the Tucson Salpointe Catholic senior didn't impress with his stats, but he did with his technique, vision and work ethic to earn The Republic's Player of the Year honors. Aldaghi becomes the third palyer from Salpointe to earn the recognition.

Aldaghi was a four-year starter, and accomplishment he share with four other playres for a school that oppened in 1982. the program has won 19 of the past 20 Southern Region championships.

“(Aldaghi) came to us already prepared fundamentally,” Salpointe coach Wolfgang Weer said. “What set him apart is that he recognizes what it takes to be on top as a soccer player and in life. He worked extremely hard on getting better.”

Weber deserves some of the credit for developing a technically sound player.

Since his grade school days, Aldaghi attended every soccer camp Weber held. What led Aldaghi to become an even bigger threat on the soccer field is when he combined Webers's lessons with a strong work ethic.

After games and school practices, Aldaghi ususally found his way to a park to put in the extra time that set him apart.

his dedication for the sport helped him land one of 18 roster spots on the Western Region Development Program (ODP) for his age group. The Western Region ODP selects players from 14 states.

Aldaghi's season finished when Desert Vista, the eventual state champion, defeated Salpointe 1-0 in the quarterfinals. His next game will be played in a St. Mary's (Calif.) college uniform.

“I've always felt that my biggest impact on the field was creating for others,” Aldaghi said. “But every year i've always tried to improve in other areas.”

Aldaghi, who scored five goals last season, led the team with 17 goals this year. He also found time to distribute the ball and collected 10 assists, which also led the team.

“I've been lucky,” the 17-year-old said. “I've been surrounded by good teams.”

He's also lucky to have a talented father, Ebie, who played soccer in his native Iran.

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