The Register’s Orange County girls soccer preview.
O.C. TOP 10
1. JSerra: JSerra was the unquestioned top team in the county last season, and will be again this season – and perhaps into the future as well. Many schools were hit by the new developmental academy rule, but JSerra maintained its top talent. The county’s player of the year last season, Isabella D’Aquila, returns along with a young core hungry for more titles.
2. Mater Dei: The Monarchs finished second, behind JSerra, in the Trinity League and lost to the Lions in the CIF-SS Final. Mater Dei lost some strong players but still has a strong and talented core led my Kelly McManus in goal.
3. Huntington Beach: The Oilers, one of the grittier teams in the county last season, made a surprise run to the CIF Regional Final on the strength of defense and goalkeeping. The Oilers will be led from the back again with Alijah Oliver and Brianna Barnes. Xolani Hodel is a sophomore to watch up front.
4. Corona del Mar: The Sea Kings lost a big talent to transfer (Trinity Rodman to JSerra), but CdM will still have firepower up front. Megan Chelf and Ava McKenzie will be relied on to score, while, as usual, CdM has it locked down on the back line with Alyssa McKenzie.
5. Los Alamitos: The Griffins lost some heavy hitters to graduation but will still be in the thick of it in the Sunset League. Los Alamitos has the strength at forward for goal scoring and possession. Vanessa Millsaps is the dynamic leader of the forwards group.
6. Aliso Niguel: The Wolverines were hit hard by the developmental academy. However, the structure remains in place for Aliso Niguel, and that alone is enough to make it a league contender.
7. Tesoro: The Titans also lost some top-end talent to the academy, but Tesoro still has its strengths. Madison Hogue is a leader in net, and she will be needed as Tesoro vies with Aliso Niguel for the league title.
8. Troy: The Warriors are led by a strong and experienced senior unit looking for more than league success. Sara Valencia was the Freeway League goalkeeper of the year last season, and the back line is bolstered by Camryn Hurst, the league’s defensive player of the year in 2016-17.
9. Sunny Hills: The Lancers will be hot on Troy’s tail for the league title. Sunny Hills is also led by its structure, defense and set pieces. Games between Sunny Hills and Troy will be tight affairs.
10. Santa Margarita: The Eagles lost 10 top-end players to developmental academies which is a huge blow. Again, another team that can trust in its structure and contend for a playoff spot