BOYS SOCCER: League-by-league outlook

In predicted order of finish:

Avocado League

1. La Costa Canyon

The Mavericks clearly have one of their best teams in school history. They feature 10 returning starters from last year's team and are ranked No. 3 in the nation and No. 1 in California by ESPN Rise. La Costa Canyon features John Fitzpatrick, Johnny Espinoza, Edgar Aguilar and Zach Anderson.

2. Torrey Pines

The Falcons return eight starters from last year's team and are led by goalie Blake Hylen and J.J. Reading, both four-year varsity starters. Trevor Newquist, who also stars on the basketball team, is expected to make a major impact. Defenders Reading, Danny Strokis team with Hylen to lead the defense.

3. Mission Hills

The Grizzlies feature strong depth, led by returning starters Chris Harrod, George Gallegos, Travis Johnson and Eduardo Santos. Joe Cooks are Adolfo Gabriel have become solid contributors.

4. San Pasqual

Five starters, four of them juniors, return from last year's squad that went 8-2-2 in the Valley League. The move to the tougher Avocado League will make this team grow up quick, but that shouldn't be a problem, as the Eagles have the talent. Jorge Cuyuch, Dennis Garcia, Javier Martinez, Kevin Porter and Dylan Wingrove lead the Eagles.

5. Escondido

The Cougars lost only two starters, so they have a ton of experience they hope will carry them in league play and into the playoffs. Junior Tim Zier was a first-team All-Valley League pick last year, and Ruiz Durate, who teamed with Zier to lead the team in goals.

6. Fallbrook

The Warriors graduated eight seniors but still return five starters. Fallbrook is led by Mario Ferreira in goal, Martin Barajas, Jorge Sanchez, Omar Padilla, Danny Everett, Gustavo Mercado and Kameron Drawhorn.

Palomar League

1. Poway

The Titans graduated 15 seniors from last year's 22-win team games that reached the CIF Southern California regional final. But the defending Palomar league champs still feature a ton of talent, led by Alex Henry, Zach Olow, Spencer Skeen, Jordan Dial, Keith Cline. Newcomers Warren Ashcroft and Daniel Rakers also show promise.

2. Rancho Buena Vista

The Longhorns won back-to-back Avocado League titles but now face a much tougher Palomar League schedule. RBV has a strong core of experienced returners and solid senior leadership. They return three defensive starters and goalkeeper William Whiddon, three of the four midfield starters and both strikers. Newcomers Luis Valdivia and Dule Stevanovich are top additions to the team.

3. Rancho Bernardo

Coach Kurt Trecker graduated 11 seniors but still returns six starters off of last year's team that made it to the San Diego Section semifinals. Rey Ezra-Simbwa and Ryley Webb lead the defense, with Michael Beyl in goal. Arman Nadjafi, Tal Midyan, Andrew Lee and Nick Grigoriev are the top offensive players.

4. Carlsbad

The Lancers had only three wins last year, but they return nearly 15 players from that team. Brett Balkan, a first team all-league pick last year, returns up front alongside Cesar Cruz and Kai Dunker. Colin Gurley and Erik Armstrong lead a defense that must play well to give the Lancers a shot at making the playoffs.


