Nielsen gains All-State soccer honor
HUNTLEY — Huntley senior soccer captain Hudson Nielsen was a major force from his midfield position as the Red Raiders leader scored 18 goals and had 43 total points.
Nielsen gained both Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association All-State honors and was named to the All-Fox Valley Conference team. The Red Raiders finished 16-6-1, won their Class 3A regional tournament and shared the Fox Valley Conference championship.
In survey answers, Nielsen complimented several youth development coaches since his early days.
Describe your years in youth soccer, club teams, etc.
Nielsen: “I started playing soccer when I was 3-years-old. I started off with Heat United and I moved to Sockers FC. I played there all the way until the pandemic hit in 2019 where I went to Eclipse Select ECNL. After a season there I am at my new team Rockford Raptors ECNL which will be my second and final year here.”
What other sports other than soccer have you participated in?
Nielsen: “I played basketball growing up, too. I stopped playing my freshman year in high school to completely focus on soccer.”
What honors are you most proud of so far?
Nielsen: “Being All-ECNL Midwest sophomore year was a big accomplishment for me. Scoring a game winner against my former team last year in club was pretty special. In high school I would say winning sectional and going to the Super-Sectional finals (a 20-3-2 record in 2021-22).”
Who is your favorite professional soccer player?
Nielsen: “My favorite player of all-time is Ronaldinho (Brazil, Barcelona Football Club, Milan FC). My favorite player right now would have to be Martin Oddegard from Arsenal FC.”
How do you show leadership as a senior?
Nielsen: “Showing leadership as a senior would include bringing the team together, showing you are comfortable in tough situations and tough games. Just supporting everyone on and off the field, do it for the person next to you.”
What are your future plans?
Nielsen: “I plan to continuing to play soccer whether either in college or not. My overall dream is to become a professional and I know I need to work hard.”
