Preseason O.C. girls soccer Top 10

Slide show: Click thorugh the slide show to see the 2011-12 O.C. girls soccer preseason Top 10:

1. Esperanza Aztecs

Last season: 23-3-4; 11-0-1 (Century League Champions)

Postseason: Lost 1-0 in overtime to Flintridge Scared Heart in CIF-SS Division 1 semifinals

Head Coach: John King

Outlook: Though stopped short in their quest to repeat as Division 1 champions in the semifinals a season ago, Esperanza should once again be in the CIF title hunt in 2011-12. The Aztecs return perhaps the county's best scoring trio. Two-time first team all-county midfielder Rylee Baisden, junior Nosa Ogiamien (second team all county last season) and senior Paulina Good (third team all-county) combined for 31 goals and 20 assists a season ago and led the Aztecs to an unbeaten Century League title run. Esperanza also returns senior goalie Alyssa Giannetti, who provided several clutch performances in net and is projected to be one of the county's top goalies this season. Senior midfielder Jordon Pennino, junior forward/defender Jillian Parker, and sophomore defender Catherine Newberry will also be key players to watch for the Aztecs.

2. San Clemente Tritons

Last season: 20-4-7; 5-0-3 (South Coast League Champions)

Postseason: Lost 1-0 to Flintridge Sacred Heart in the CIF-SS Division 1 championship match

Head Coach: Stacey Finnerty

Outlook: The Tritons advanced to a county-record fourth straight title match a season ago and returns enough talent to possibly continue that streak. San Clemente does have to overcome the loss of Frannie Coxe, the 2010 Co-Player of the Year, but returns a number of talented performers. Senior Janae Cousineau led the team in goals scored last season with 17, while sophomore Nikki Faris (eight goals) should also help in the scoring department. Senior Dani Weatherholt is one of the county's top all-around players, and senior goalie Sheridan Hapsic provides the Tritons with experienced talent in the goal. Strong contributions should also come from junior defender Sydney Fuertes, junior midfielder Danielle Mellem, and senior midfielder Alex Gerrain among others.

3. Dana Hills Dolphins

Last season: 11-2-6; 6-0-2 (Sea View League Champions)

Postseason: Lost 2-1 to Trabuco Hills in the second round of the CIF-SS Division 1 playoffs

Head Coach: Sheena Jarvis

Outlook: Perhaps the biggest county surprise a season ago, the Dolphins enter this season with lofty aspirations. Senior Lynsey Gaines was a second team all-county selection last year and is one of the county's better scoring threats. Juniors Danielle Spriggs, Emma Gullickson, and Rachel Edelstein were key contributors to last year's team and will be counted upon to provide big plays this season. The Dolphins will have to make up for the loss of standout defender Kaitlin Dickmann and goalie Kelli McCormick on defense, but sophomore Megan Matchett, senior Paige LaBarre, and goalies Erica Young and Megan Dickmann among others should help keep Dana Hills in every match they play.

4. Edison Chargers

Last Season: 16-6-4; 9-1 (Sunset League Champions)

Postseason: Lost 1-0 to Mission Viejo in the second round of the CIF-SS Division 1 playoffs.

Head Coach: Kerry "Mac" Crooks

Outlook: The Chargers claimed their first league title in nine years a season ago, and with several key players back, could be in line for another league title and extended run in the playoffs. Their offense features the attacking trio of senior Angelisa Cortez, junior Brooke Lillywhite, and sophomore Mackenzie Cerda, who combined for 27 goals and 13 assists last season. All-county defender Rachael Larson graduated, and all-Sunset League defender Karly Wester is out of the season with a leg injury, but all-league juniors Brooke Webster and Sierra Krenik, along with second team all-league senior defender Courtney Maddux should help fill the void.

5. Corona del Mar Sea Kings

Last season: 16-4-4; 8-1-1 (Pacific Coast League Champions)

Postseason: Lost 1-0 to San Clemente in the quarterfinals of the CIF-SS Division 1 playoffs.

Head Coach: Bryan Middleton

Outlook: The Sea Kings took home their first league title since 2000 last season and rode that momentum into the quarterfinals in their first year in the Division 1. They enter this year as favorite to have similar success. The offense will be led by senior forward Allyson Brahs (second team all-county last season), who scored 16 goals and added seven assists in 2010-2011. Junior Annie Alvarado (third team all-county) scored nine goals and added nine assists and will look to expand that production. Corona del Mar featured one of the best defenses in the county last year, and though they lost all county goalie Lindsey Like to graduation, project to be strong again this year. Senior goalie Sarah Cox (Stanford commit) returns after sitting out her junior season. First team all-league defenders Sydney Raguse and Amanda Stevenson should once again make it difficult for offenses to score goals against Corona del Mar.

6. Santa Margarita Eagles

Last season: 25-5-3; 6-1-1 (Trinity League Champions)

Postseason: Lost 4-2 in penalty kicks to San Clemente in the semifinals of the CIF-SS Division 1 playoffs.

Head Coach: Chuck Morales

Outlook: The Eagles enter the season looking to retool after losing the dynamic production of 2011 Register Co-Player of the Year Lauren Bohaboy, first team all-county midfielder Leigh Edwards, and all-league goalie Hailey Guerrero. However, a roster ripe with talented returners and young prospects project to keep the Eagles among the better teams in the county. Junior Samantha Trenary (eight goals, five assists last season) could have a breakout year and is one of the county's best all-around talents. Fellow junior Lauren Rodriguez and sophomores Taylor and Kaitlin Klawunder will also be key contributors. On defense, junior Kailey Hackett and Jen Rupey will look to provide quality play on the backline.

7. Mission Viejo Diablos

Last Season: 13-8-1; 4-3-1 (Second place in the South Coast League)

Postseason: Lost 1-0 to Esperanza in the quarterfinals of the CIF-SS Division 1 playoffs.

Head Coach: Susie Daher

Outlook: The Diablos return several key players from a team that advanced to the CIF quarterfinals last season. Senior Carly Mottram, a first team all-South Coast League pick and the teams leading scorer, should one again reprise that role. Fellow seniors Natasha Howe and Jen Stanley are always key offensive threats, while sophomores Makensie Peace and Kiana Palacios will look to provide timely offensive attacks. Seniors Katy Fawcett and Sam Keary give the Diablos a pair of hard-nosed defenders. Goalies Annie Wedel and Mikaela Berger will once again split time in the net and both are key contributors.

8. Tesoro Titans

Last season: 15-3-6; 4-0-4 (Second place in the Sea View League)

Postseason: Lost 3-1 to Flintridge in the quarterfinals of the CIF-SS Division 1 playoffs

Head Coach: Nick Schofield

Outlook: Defense was the Titans calling card a season ago, as they posted 13 shutouts in 24 matches. They will have to address the loss of all-county defender Torey Markowitz, but return talented seniors in Asia Kleinmeyer and Brooke Carter. Midfielder Megan Romanowski is also one of the county's toughest players. Offensively, seniors Jessica White and Taylor Thurmond are more than capable attackers, while sophomores Indigo Gibson and Hannah Lopiccolo showed immense promise as play-making freshmen and should continue those roles this season.

9. Los Alamitos Griffins

Last Season: 16-6-5; 7-2-1 (Second place in the Sunset League)

Postseason: Lost 8-7 in penalty kicks to Corona del Mar in the second round of the CIF-SS Division 1 playoffs.

Head Coach: Steve Soler

Outlook: The Griffins experienced an earlier than expected exit in last season's playoffs and will look to rebound this season with a young, but promising team. Senior Callie Taylor and junior Raya Young tied for the team lead in goals last season and will once again spearhead the offense, along with seniors Lindsey Salcido and Nikki Pokipala. Senior defender Dominique Banks is a physical on the ball defender and will be a team leader along the backline.

T10. Aliso Niguel Wolverines

Last Season: 11-7-5; 2-3-3 (Tied for third place in the South Coast League)

Postseason: Lost to Flintridge Sacred Heart 4-3 in penalty kicks in the second round of the CIF-SS Division 1 playoffs

Head Coach: Randy Dodge

Outlook: The Wolverines were once again one of the county's best defensive teams last season and will again rely on that defense to help them challenge for a South Coast League title. Senior goalie Sammy Prud'homme is one of the best in the county and should provide saves in every conceivable manner. Senior defender Tegan Cramer is a strong, physical on the ball defender, while midfielder Ashley McCutcheon is one of the county's best at that position. The Wolverines will look to seniors Lauren Benner and Jordan Ansara among others to help produce goals.

T10. Trabuco Hills Mustangs

Last Season: 13-8-5; 2-3-3 (Tied for third place in the South Coast League

Postseason: Lost 1-0 to Santa Margarita in the quarterfinals of the CIF-SS Division 1 playoffs

Head Coach: Sarah Trost

Outlook: The Mustangs came on strong at the end of last season, advancing all the way the CIF-SS Division 1 quarterfinals, and will look to build off that momentum this season. Seniors Aubrey Baker and Jenny Konishi were big play-making threats last season and will reprise those rolls this season to lead the offense. Senior goalie Kassidie Stade has developed into one of the better goalies in the county and will provide valuable on-the-field leadership.

11-20: Mater Dei, Orange Lutheran, Canyon, Sunny Hills, Beckman, Rosary, Pacifica, Troy, Valencia, Yorba Linda