After significant losses to graduation from the previous year’s team, which won the DFAL and advanced to the Division I quarterfinals, Heinbaugh shouldered the offensive load, allowing the Gaels to compete in the EBAL and make a return trip to the section playoffs.

The forward was the leader for a young group offensively in the 2016-2017 season, but regardless emerged as a force in the most difficult league in the section. His season totals of 17 goals and seven assists were among the best in the NCS, and resulted in a first-team All-EBAL selection.

Heinbaugh’s play in late January and early February sparked a six-game unbeaten streak for Dublin, moving the Gaels from a sub-.500 team that was just off the bubble of the playoffs to a team which tied for fourth in the league and was a lock to return to the playoffs.

During that six-game stretch, Heinbaugh put up nine goals and three assists, including all three goals in a win over Foothill, contributions to three of the four goals in a win over Livermore, and one of two goals in a big draw with Amador Valley.

Other players considered for this award: Amador Valley’s Ben Blackfield, Miramonte’s Sam Pinto, and Montgomery’s Bryan Rosales.

NOTE: We would like to thank our media partners, coaches, parents, players and fans for contributing photos for our all-section features. We salute all of the players that have made this a wonderful season of NCS soccer.