1. SERVITE: The Friars return all but one player from last year’s defense that posted school records for fewest goals allowed (eight) and most shutouts (18).
2. ANAHEIM: The Colonists return nine seniors and 15 lettermen who saw considerable action in last years’ playoffs, which ended with Anaheim winning the Division 3 championship.
3. SANTA MARGARITA: Scoring goals shouldn’t be a problem for the Eagles, as Jake Fisher returns at forward after having eight multiple-goal games last season.
4. SAN CLEMENTE: Coach Mike Pronier says the Tritons are young and have limited varsity experience, but they should still be solid defensively.
5. CENTURY: Brian Orozco returns at forward after scoring 16 goals during his sophomore season.
6. EDISON: Taylor Kane, in his fourth yeare on varsity, will lead a well-organized defense that posted 17 shutouts last season and held 23 of its 24 opponents to one goal or less.
7. JSERRA: Ivan Canales, who is committed to UC Irvine, emerged as one of the county’s top scorers last season, knocking in 15 goals and finishing with eight assists.
8. LOARA: Raul Murguia and Irving Munguia, both newcomers to the Saxons roster, could become two of the county’s top scoring threats.
9. KATELLA: Jose Trancoso returns to the Knights’ midfield after finishing with 13 goals and 11 assists last season.
10. ESPERANZA: Colton Hunter and Josh Gutierrez give the Aztecs the potential to have one of the best midfields in the county. Coach Conan Hawks called Hunter the “most intelligent player” he has worked with, and he described Gutierrez as a “maestro in the middle of the field.”
MORE FROM THE BOYS SOCCER PREVIEW ’14-15:
Boys soccer preview: Top 10 Players to Watch
Servite will lean on formidable defensive wall
Boys soccer preview: Other Players to Watch
Boys soccer preview: Important dates
Boys soccer: CIF-SS preseason polls
Contact the writer: ddottore@ocregister.com
