(Listed alphabetically)
Roisin Allaeddini
Rosary, Jr.
The Royals are poised to contend for a Trinity League title behind one of the top midfielders in the area. Allaeddini – who has spent time training in the U.S. National Team’s developmental program – leads a Rosary squad that returns starters at every position.
Shelby Brown
Corona del Mar, Sr.
Despite missing most of the first half of last season with a concussion, Brown still managed to net six goals, dish out eight assists and earn All-CIF honors. With a talented core surrounding her this season, the midfielder should better those numbers in her final varsity campaign.
Grace Chalmers
St. Margaret’s, Jr.
The striker played a pivotal role in the Tartans going from wild-card entrant to Division 5 champs last season. Chalmers scored 14 goals and added 16 assists. With nine starters returning this year, look for the Tartans to be in the thick of things late in the season.
Kelly Kessloff
Cypress, Sr.
The talented midfielder is the only All-CIF player Cypress brings back. Kessloff scored 15 goals a season ago, helping the Centurions reach the Division 3 semifinals.
Jennifer Munoz
Capistrano Valley, Sr.
The reigning Sea View League MVP has experience playing at all three levels on the pitch and plays with great pace. The New Mexico State commit is a major reason the Cougars are favored to win their third consecutive league title.
Amanda Poertner
Sunny Hills, Sr.
Only eight balls got past the Lancers’ all-everything goalkeeper in 2013-14. With only four starters returning from last season’s squad that reached the quarterfinals, having Poertner around makes the transition a lot easier.
Sarah Roberts
Aliso Niguel, Sr.
Arguably the most talented player in the county, Roberts has been a first-team All-County selection as a freshman and as a junior. The Ohio State commit tallied 14 assists last season to go along with eight goals. She is always a threat on set pieces.
Bethany Sutherland
Villa Park, Sr.
The All-CIF midfielder led the Spartans in goals (18) and assists (13) a season ago. Look for her to be among the county’s leaders for points again this year.
Danielle Thomas
Edison, Sr.
The Chargers pitched three consecutive in advancing to last season’s Division 1 championship game against Santa Margarita. Without the scoring prowess of MacKenzie Cerda anymore, Thomas and the defensive third will be called upon to limit the number of scoring chances created by opposing strikers.
Olivia Ware
Mater Dei, Jr.
The forward was one of only two sophomores selected to last season’s Division 1 All-CIF team. Look for the skillful striker to build off last year’s 15-goal campaign.
Contact the writer: kconnolly@ocregister.com
