League-by-league girls soccer breakdown

League play begins today in many leagues. Here's a league-by-league look at how things are shaping up.

Academy: The league title should be a battle between the established powerhouse (St Margaret's) and the upstart (Sage Hill). The Tartans return the majority of their lineup from last season's run to the CIF Division VI semifinal game and have won at least a share of the league title 10 times in 11 years. The Lightning defeated St. Margarets for the first time in school history to claim their first league title (also a first in school history), but will have to replace their top three leading goal scorers from last season. Prediction: St. Margaret's

Century: Despite struggling against the county's elite during the Mater Dei Premier Invitational and the Excalibur Tournament, defending league champion Canyon appears to be the favorite again this season. Look for El Dorado, El Modena, and Villa Park to also be in the mix for potential playoff spots. Prediction: Canyon

Empire: Should be another battle for the league title here between defending league champion Pacifica and Kennedy. The Mariners defeated the Fighting Irish twice by one goal margins last year to claim the title. Prediction: Pacifica

Freeway: This league could very well come down to a three-team battle similar to last season, as defending co-champs Sunny Hills and Troy, along with Fullerton appear to be the class of the league again. The Lancers and Warriors will kick off league play, with the Indians and Lancers scheduled to play next week. Buena Park and La Habra have also showed promise early on and could be sleepers. Prediction: Sunny Hills

Garden Grove: Rancho Alamitos enter league play winners of five of their last seven, and with county goal scorer leader Karly Weeks and junior Candace Holt (second in the county with 10 assists) will be tough to beat. Garden Grove and Los Amigos should also be in the mix. Prediction: Rancho Alamitos

Golden West: Orange, Santa Ana and defending champion Ocean View played at or above .500 during the preseason, and one of those three teams will emerge to claim the league title. Prediction: Orange

Orange: Two of the county's highest scoring teams will look to claim the league title, as Santa Ana Valley and Savanna highlight the teams here. The Falcons knocked off the Rebels in both meetings last season,  but the Rebels feature a trio of talented scorers in senior Margarita Carlos, junior Aubree Wyer, and sophomore Maribel Chavez, who have combined for 29 goals so far. Magnolia will also look to be in contention here. Prediction: Savanna

Orange Coast: Costa Mesa has won six straight league titles and will look to continue their domination over the rest of the league. Estancia is coming off four straight wins to capture their division title of the North Orange County Classic and will look send a message by knocking off Costa Mesa when they open league. Laguna Beach will also be a team to watch. Prediction: Estancia

Pacific Coast: One of the county's most competitive leagues, as Beckman, Corona del Mar, and Irvine will enter league play as the league favorites. The Patriots feature one of the county's most explosive players in junior Tawni Martino, while the Sea Kings boast one of the stingiest defenses in the county (four goals in 13 games.) The Vaqueros will be lead by talented juniors Zoya Farnezah and Carly McLaughlin. Defending league champion Laguna Hills is looking to regain momentum during league play, while University will be looking to win a league game, something they did not do in 2008. Last season, the top four teams were separated in the final standings by a total of four points. Prediction: Corona del Mar

San Joaquin:Saddleback Valley Christian is the defending league champions, and appears to be the front runners again this season. Connelly could also be a team to look at in 2009. Prediction:Saddleback Valley Christian

Sea View: Should be one of the county's most competitive leagues in 2009. El Toro has looked extremely good so far this season, and has the talent to beat anyone in the county. Trabuco Hills has played well as of late and will be a team to be reckoned with. Foothill and defending league champion Northwood are still looking to find consistency, but have the potential to be solid. Woodbridge and Huntington Beach have already won more games then they did a year ago and will look to make a splash during league play. Prediction: El Toro

South Coast: Arguably the most difficult division in Southern California.  Aliso Niguel and defending champion San Clemente have been the best teams in the county so far this season, and their two matchups (Jan. 20; Feb. 9) could very well determine the league championship. Tesoro, Mission Viejo, Dana Hills, and Capistrano Valley have all played very good soccer throughout the preseason and will give the Wolverines and Tritons all they can handle and then some. Three very good teams could be on the outside looking in come playoff time. Prediction: San Clemente

Sunset: Two of the county's best will vie for the league title once again, as Esperanza and Los Alamitos have each looked like teams that will make long runs in the CIF playoffs. The Aztecs lineup features two of the top seniors in the county (Kylie Bono and Courtney Garcia) and will look to add fellow senior standout Lauren Kennedy, who is expected back soon after missing time with a leg injury. The Griffins have relied on an impressive mix of upperclassmen and youngsters, while maintaining one of the best defenses in the county. These two will square off on Jan. 13 and Feb. 3. Of the other four teams in the league, Edison appears to be the strongest of the group. Prediction: Esperanza

Trinity: Another league where two perennial county powerhouses will battle for the top spot, as defending champion Mater Dei and Santa Margarita are the clear frontrunners. They tied both their meetings last season and both matchups this season (Jan. 15 and Feb, 3) are shaping up to battles. Rosary is also off to good start and will look to keep things going during league. Keep an eye on Orange Lutheran, as six of their eight losses have been by one goal. Prediction: Santa Margarita

Contact the writer: jeichelberger@ocregister.com