By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

MONTGOMERY–Some of the best high school soccer players in the state of Alabama competed in the AHSAA North-South Boys Soccer All-Star game on Tuesday, July 21, at the Emory Folmar Soccer Complex and Helena goalkeeper Phildon Dublin was awarded the MVP award for the North team.

The game itself ended in a 0-0 draw between the two teams and Dublin helped keep the South team off the scoreboard by finishing with two saves on the South’s only two shots on goal.

“It was a real honor to win the award and it was a great feeling,” said Dublin. “I wasn’t expecting it, but it was a great feeling when my name was called.”

The upcoming senior goalkeeper played a big part in helping the Huskies reach the AHSAA soccer semifinals this past season as a first year program, and Dublin was named an All-Metro Honorable Mention after the season.

The players for both the North and South all-star teams were chosen throughout the state of Alabama based on recommendations by coaches, a selection through a committee, as well as on their accomplishments in the classroom and through athletics, according to Dublin.

Dublin said he has been playing soccer pretty much his whole life and has played both goalkeeper and defender positions. He spoke about some of his favorite things on playing the goalkeeper position.

“My favorite thing about playing goalie is just being in a leadership role and being the eyes on the field,” said Dublin. “Just relaying information to my teammates and always being that voice on the field to keep my teammates calm.”

Dublin, who also plays wide receiver for the Helena Huskies football team, said he expects that the Helena soccer team will learn from last seasons run to the semifinals to help them in preparing for next season.

“From last season, we just have to find a way to finish games when they come down to the wire,” said Dublin. “We just have to learn to play as a team and play to establish team work and not be selfish and play like it’s our last game. This year, I think we have a great chance of going all the way and winning state.”