2012 Boys Soccer Capsule Previews
NORTHWEST LEAGUE
ARBOR VIEW
Head coach: Robert Starbird, first season
2011 record: 3-14-4 (2-11-3 Northwest)
Returning lettermen (starters): 10 (Five)
Top players: D/MF Julian Hernandez (Sr.), MF/F Toby Cartledge (Sr.), MF Jose Lebanino (Sr.), GK Nathan Bohn (Jr.)
Outlook: The Aggies struggled last season, but bring back 10 lettermen.
“After missing postseason play last year, and with eight seniors returning, the Aggies are hoping to make it back to the playoffs and make a run at winning the new division,” Starbird said.
DURANGO
Head coach: Harold Nichols, third season
2011 record: 7-8-4 (5-7-4 Southwest)
Returning lettermen (starters): Nine (Nine)
Top players: MF Paris Estrada (Jr.), F Wasajja Walugembe (Sr.), D Marcos Alejo (Sr.), D/MF Jeremy Allen (Sr.), D Erick Perez (Sr.), D Victor Garcia (Jr.), D/MF Luis Mejia Gijon (Jr.), F Cristoval Magana (Sr.), MF Jorge Lorza (So.), MF Giovanni Rodriguez (Fr.), GK Richard Zavala (Jr.), GK Andre Caldera (Sr.)
Outlook: The Trailblazers bring back nine lettermen from a team that advanced to the Class 4A Sunset Region playoffs last year.
Estrada and Walugembe, each scored eight goals last season, and Allen added six tallies
“The team is senior-heavy with experience,” Nichols said. “The players are looking for a memorable season with expectations of making it into regionals.”
PALO VERDE
Head coach: Kevin Hagood, 16th season
2011 record: 13-5-1 (11-4-1 Northwest)
Returning lettermen (starters): Eight (Six)
Top players: D Mitchell Scott (Sr.), D Josh Lockwood (Sr.), MF Tommy Wojciechowski (Sr.), GK Joshua Dinsmore (Sr.)
Outlook: The Panthers return six starters, but lost the bulk of their offense to graduation.
Scott, Wojciechowski and Lockwood combined for three goals and 10 assists last year. Dinsmore is back after recording eight shutouts.
“The team is made up of mostly juniors and seniors, but losing 90 percent of the offense from last season will be tough to replace,” Hagood said. “This team will have to create its own depth and playing experience.
“These players have some talent, but they are very inexperienced together. We will rely on new faces from some out-of-state move-ins, and players who were role players last season will have to start.”
SIERRA VISTA
Head coach: Ryan Quinn, ninth season
2011 record: 15-4 (13-3 Southwest)
Returning lettermen (starters): 12 (Nine)
Top players: F Miles McRae (Jr.), F Truitt Evans (Sr.), MF Ivan Petrov (Sr.), GK Francisco Cruz (Sr.)
Outlook: The Mountain Lions return nine starters from a team that put together a banner regular season, but fell in the opening round of the postseason.
Chief among the returnees are McRae (22 goals, eight assists) and Evans (18 goals, seven assists).
“We return a strong core of the team and look to make our second consecutive playoff appearance,” Quinn said. “We are also looking for our first playoff win.”
SPRING VALLEY
Head coach: James Tippett, first season
2011 record: 3-13-2 (3-11-2 Southwest)
Returning lettermen (starters): 14 (Nine)
Top players: D Johnny Phan (Sr.), MF Joey Padfield (Jr.), D Daniel Garcia (Jr.)
Outlook: The Grizzlies took their lumps at times last season, but bring back 14 players, including nine starters, and should be much improved.
“I expect us to contend for the division title and make some noise when playoffs roll around,” Tippett said.
SOUTHWEST LEAGUE
BISHOP GORMAN
Head coach: Doug Borgel, fourth season
2011 record: 17-2-2 (15-0-1 Southwest)
Returning lettermen (starters): 15 (Nine)
Top players: MF Blake Balelo (Sr.), GK Thomas Olsen (Sr.), MF Sean Keith (Jr.), D Tristan Blackmon (Jr.), F Austin Moore (Sr.), D Max Higgins (Sr.)
Outlook: The Gaels return nine starters, including six seniors, from a team that lost only two matches last year.
“With heavy playoff experience and a roster comprised of mostly upperclassmen, this year has high expectations for the Gaels,” Borgel said. “A run deep into the playoffs with an eye on the state title is the goal of this team.”
CENTENNIAL
Head coach: Tommy Porrello, seventh season
2011 record: 17-4 (13-3 Northwest)
Returning lettermen (starters): Seven (Three)
Top players: MF Sean Jenne (Sr.), MF Cobi Hunt (Jr.)
Outlook: The Bulldogs lost eight starters, including a pair of top-notch scorers in Chance Rosa and Blake Frischknecht.
“We are a young team that lacks much varsity experience,” Porrello said. “We could potentially start as many sophomores as seniors.
“We hope that with hard work, we will continue to improve throughout the season and qualify for the playoffs. It is a goal to be competitive in every game we play.”
CIMARRON-MEMORIAL
Head coach: Mark Bailey, third season
2011 record: 9-8-3 (7-6-3 Northwest)
Returning lettermen (starters): 11 (Eight)
Top players: MF Oso Valencia (Sr.), GK Eddie Ortiz (Jr.), D Martin Romero (Jr.), MF David Martinez (Sr.)
Outlook: Valencia, who tallied 17 goals and four assists last season, leads a group of eight returning starters from a team that placed fourth in the Northwest last season.
“With continued hard work and commitment, we expect to perform well and make the playoffs,” Bailey said.
DESERT OASIS
Head coach: William Matthews, fifth season
2011 record: 0-14-4 (0-12-4 Southwest)
Returning lettermen (starters): Seven (Four)
Top players: D Luis Cisneros (So.), MF Eric Biorato (Jr.), MF Connor Stuart (Jr.), GK/F Damien Garcia (So.)
Outlook: The Diamondbacks struggled last season and return only four starters from that team, but are hoping a youthful enthusiasm leads to better results.
“With a solid group of freshmen, we are hoping to have a better season.”
LEGACY
Head coach: Jose Gomez, seventh season
2011 record: 19-1-2 (14-0-2 Northwest)
Returning lettermen (starters): Eight (Five)
Top players: F Saul Aguirre (Sr.), MF Antonio Velazquez (Sr.), MF/D Ivan Sahagun (Sr.), D Skyler Ibarra (Jr.), MF Sergio Alvarez (Jr.)
Outlook: The winners of two straight state titles, the Longhorns lost six starters to graduation.
But they welcome back a pair of offensive weapons in Aguirre (22 goals, seven assists) and Velazquez (20 goals, four assists).
“We lost a lot of varsity experience with last year’s graduating class,” Gomez said. “The loss has created openings that need to be addressed. With some hard work and continued progress, we look to compete and make it back to the playoffs.”
NORTHEAST LEAGUE
CANYON SPRINGS
Head coach: Dan Myers, third season
2011 record: 1-16 (1-13 Northeast)
Returning lettermen (starters): Eight (Four)
Top players: C/MF Chris Garcia (Sr.), D Mickey Rodriguez (Sr.), F Jonathan Martinez (So.)
Outlook: The Pioneers had a rough season last year as they started a rebuilding process.
“We look to build teamwork and cohesiveness to compete,” Myers said. “I see a sold core, working hard and making a run at a playoff spot. Team speed is an asset, but finishing is the key.”
GREEN VALLEY
Head coach: Jacob Rivera, third season
2011 record: 12-6-1 (9-5 Southeast)
Returning lettermen (starters): 10 (Nine)
Top players: D Bryan Baugh (Sr.), D Akira Bannai (Sr.), F Ivan Rodriguez (Jr.), MF Daniel Valdez (Jr.), MF Mark Ocampo (Jr.)
Outlook: The Gators welcome back nine starters from a team that placed third in the Southeast League and should be in the hunt in the Northeast.
“Last year taught us how to deal with adversity and come together as a team,” Rivera said. “We will return 10 players that look to improve on last season. The goal will be to return to the playoffs and improve on last year’s result.”
RANCHO
Head coach: Edwin Duarte, first season
2011 record: 8-8-2 (4-8-2 Northeast)
Outlook: The Rams are hoping to improve on last season.
SOUTHEAST LEAGUE
DEL SOL
Head coach: John Britt, ninth season
2011 record: 2-14-2 (1-11-2 Southeast)
Returning lettermen (starters): Seven (Seven)
Top players: F Gerardo Aguilar (Sr.), D Edgar Magallon (Sr.), D Juan Mendoza (Sr.)
Outlook: The Dragons are hoping to bounce back after a rough season last year.
Aguilar returns after scoring eight goals last season.
“We hope to improve on last year’s record,” Britt said.
FOOTHILL
Head coach: Andrew Risheg, sixth season
2011 record: 9-8-1 (7-6-1 Southeast)
Returning lettermen (starters): 10 (Eight)
Top players: GK Brian Frentzel (Sr.), F Dakota Maack (Jr.), D Matt Pablico (So.), MF Mason Reid (So.), F Robby Cowan (So.)
Outlook: The Falcons qualified for the postseason last year and return eight starters from that squad.
“We only have two seniors this season, so we are still a very young squad,” Risheg said. “We hope to contend for a playoff spot.”
LIBERTY
Head coach: Mike Eshragh, second season
2011 record: 4-13-1 (4-10 Southeast)
Returning lettermen (starters): Seven (Six)
Top players: F Danny Musovski (Jr.), D Brandon Stone (Jr.), D Adam Musovski (So.), MF/F Alex Camacho (So.), GK Chris Bradford (Sr.)
Outlook: The Patriots remain in a bit of a rebuilding stage, but the return of Danny Musovski (26 goals, seven assists) certainly will help.
“We have a strong foundation, and things are progressing for us,” Eshragh said. “We hope to build on last year.”
DIVISION I-A SUNSET LEAGUE
FAITH LUTHERAN
Head coach: Nate Hagge, seventh season
2011 record: 10-13-2 (4-10-2 Northwest)
Returning lettermen (starters): 11 (Nine)
Top players: F D’Khari Hicks (Sr.), MF Sam Stevens (Sr.), GK Carter Bishop (So.)
Outlook: Hicks returns after scoring 23 goals and adding six assists, and Stevens had 13 goals and three assists last season.
“The team brings back a lot of returning players,” Hagge said. “With the addition of new underclassmen, getting the team to play together will be key for the season. Upperclassmen have the potential to be great leaders for the team. With this leadership, the team has potential to be successful.”
MOJAVE
Head coach: Rachal Huntsinger, fifth season
2011 record: 5-10-3 (4-10-2 Northwest)
Returning lettermen (starters): Nine (Seven)
Top players: D Alan Vasquez (Sr.), GK Gulmaro Falcon (Jr.), MF Juan Ramirez (Sr.)
Outlook: Ramirez returns after scoring four goals and adding two assists, and Falcon gives the Rattlers a steadying presence in goal as Mojave hopes to make a good first impression in Division I-A.
WESTERN
Head coach: Jorge Cobian, fourth season
2011 record: 6-9-3 (5-8-3 Southwest)
Returning lettermen (starters): Nine (Five)
Top players: Fernando Caro (So.), Jose Castillo (Sr.), Armando Herrera (Sr.), David Moctezuma (Sr.), Christopher Orellana (Jr.), Marvin Rosales (Sr.), Jose Bautista (Sr.), Rodolfo Sanchez (Jr.), Reynaldo Velasquez (Sr.)
Outlook: Western brings back five starters from a team that narrowly missed qualifying for the postseason last year.
“With nine returning varsity players and the new talent that has joined, Western has set the goal for this season to be a great one,” Cobian said.
DIVISION I-A SUNRISE LEAGUE
BOULDER CITY
Head coach: Frank Pimentel, second season
2011 record: 8-8-3 (4-1-3 3A Southern)
Returning lettermen (starters): Nine (Five)
Top players: MF Massimo Barbieri (Sr.), GK Victor Andrades (So.)
Outlook: The Eagles lost only one match in Class 3A Southern League play, but had to settle for second place last season, and welcome back five starters.
“We bring back a solid core of players,” Pimentel said. “We plan to compete, surprise a couple of teams and fight for a spot in the postseason.”
MOAPA VALLEY
Head coach: Jared Bushman, first season
2011 record: 5-12-3 (1-5-2 3A Southern)
Returning lettermen (starters): Three (Two)
Top players: MF Arturo Gutierrez (Jr.)
Outlook: Bushman inherits almost an entirely new team with only three returning players.
“We have a lot of new faces and hope to build team chemistry,” Bushman said. “We aspire to qualify for the playoffs.”
SUNRISE MOUNTAIN
Head coach: Brett Underwood, fourth season
2011 record: 6-7-3 (5-7-2 Northeast)
Returning lettermen (starters): Six (Five)
Outlook: The Miners weren’t far away from qualifying for the postseason last year, but lost six starters.
“It should be an interesting year for us,” Underwood said. “We are up for the challenge, and we will make a strong attempt to make a run for the playoffs.”
TECH
Head coach: Josh Jones, 14th season
2011 record: 15-4-1 (12-2 Southeast)
Returning letter winners (starters): 15 (Eight)
Top players: MF Oscar Velazquez (Sr.), F Rafael Munoz (Sr.), MF Juan Palacios (Sr.), D Gerardo Castillo (Sr.), F Salvador Garcia (Jr.), D Hugo Flores (Jr.), MF/F Julio Vargas (Jr.)
Outlook: Velazquez (20 goals, 21 assists) Garcia (14 goals) and Munoz (12 goals, 14 assists) are all back to lead an offense that could have a ton of firepower.
“Tech returns the core of their team and will look to rebound from last year’s semifinal loss to Eldorado,” Jones said. “The team has all the components to make a deep run in the playoffs. This could be the most well-rounded team Tech has put on the field.”
VIRGIN VALLEY
Head coach: Bob Snell, 13th season
2011 record: 12-10-2 (6-1-1 3A Southern)
Returning lettermen (starters): Two (Two)
Top players: MF Gabe Medina (So.), D Juan Ulloa (Jr.), F Moises Medina (Fr.), F Ulises Flores (Fr.), F Marcelo Lara (Fr.)
Outlook: Medina, who registered eight goals and 19 assists on his way to second-team all-state honors, and All-Southern League honoree Ulloa are the only two returnees for the Bulldogs.
“It’s a total rebuilding year. We will be extremely young and inexperienced,” Snell said. “We have a strong freshmen class coming in, as well as players from a successful junior varsity team. We will start five freshmen and three sophomores.
“We have some talented players who will compete up on the pitch. We will have some growing pains this season, but the future is very bright.”
