Girls team-by-team soccer capsules

By: SCOTT BAIR - Staff Writer | Wednesday, December 19, 2007 12:20 AM PST ∞

Team-by-team capsules In projected order of finish:

Avocado League

1. Fallbrook

Coach: Davy Phillips

2006-2007 record: 12-7-2, 6-2-2 (second place)

Key returners: D Kyleen Button (Sr.), D Britnee Chesney (Sr.), D Daniella Rogulj (Sr.), MF Kayde Hensley (Sr.), MF Taylor Welby (So.), F Natalie Ratnavira (Sr.), F Kathleen Mellano (Sr.)

Top newcomers: GK Margaret Dupes (Sr.), MF/F Kathy Reynoso (So.)

Outlook: The Warriors are the clear favorites to win the league this season. Ratnavaria and Mellano will keep the scoring steady, which will be more than enough support for one of the best defensive units in North County. Chesney and Button lead that unit, which allows Fallbrook to compete with any team. Dupes, who had terrific freshman and sophomore campaigns for the Warriors, is back after attending a different school last year.

2. Rancho Buena Vista

Coach: Tim Leary

2006-07 record: 14-5-2, 7-1-2 (first place)

Key returners: F Andrea Morales (So.), MF Megan Lopez (Jr.), CD Brittni Beeman (So.)

Top newcomers: CD Miranda Cornejo (Fr.), MF Megan Petersen (Jr.)

Outlook: Last year, the Longhorns won the first league title in school history. Repeating, however, is not a given after RBV lost a number of quality players to graduation. The Longhorns still have Morales, an aggressive player with a nose for the goal. If Lopez and Beeman have big years, RBV will stay with Fallbrook all the way to the end.

3. Carlsbad

Coach: Carl Higham

2006-2007 record: 7-7-6, 4-2-4 (fourth place)

Key returners: MF Chantel Cappuccilli (Sr.), F Rebecca Zambon (So.), D Nicole Aurigemma (Sr.), MF Sarah Bolton (Sr.), Casey Read (Sr.)

Top newcomers: D Kiersten Miller (Fr.), D Megan Richford (Sr.)

Outlook: The Lancers have a ton of new players, many of whom are ready to make an impact. They should mix in well with Cappuccilli, Aurigemma and Bolton, who provide a steadying veteran presence. Carlsbad has the talent to compete for a league title, but the youngsters must grow up quickly if the Lancers are to be a postseason threat.

4. Vista

Coach: Dan Salas

2006-2007 record: 10-11-2, 5-3-2 (third place)

Key returners: MF Jessica Ramirez (Jr.),ÝMF Alex Jimenez (So.), D Amy Remsburg (Sr.), GK Michelle Aliaga (Sr.)

Top newcomers: None

Outlook: There isn't much room for newcomers on a team that returns 10 startersÝfrom last year's lineup. Remsburg and Ramirez are the best of the bunch and should provide the foundation for a solid regular season and a playoff berth. Vista is a team on the rise that can compete with the best.

5. Oceanside

Coach: Gary Wallace

2006-2007 record: 8-11-6, 2-7-1 (fifth place)

Key returners: F Kimi Cece (Sr.), D Iesha Iwobe (So.), D Christina Hernandez (So.), MF Araceli Mendez (Jr.), D Alma Huerta (Sr.)

Top newcomers: None

Outlook: Cece is one of the best forwards in North County. But she'll need some help if Oceanside is to compete in this talent-laden league. Iwobe and Hernandez give the Pirates defensive strength, but they are a bit lacking in the midfield. Improvement in that area will make Oceanside a playoff-caliber team.

6. El Camino

Coach: Jason Wos

2006-07 record: 4-10-2, 0-9-1 (sixth place)

Key returners: D Lisa Quinene (Sr.), D Sarah Ruden (Sr.), M Sara Studer (Jr.), F Shelly Tauber (Jr.), M Susan Alejandre (Sr.), F Lana Cook (So.), M Rebecca Signer (Jr.)

Top newcomers: MF Brianna Romero (So.), GK Deanna Luna (Fr.), D Kirsti Vreeman (So.)

Outlook: The Wildcats have eight starters returning from last year's squad, but they will struggle in an ultra-competitive league. While there is depth on El Camino's roster, it's lacking a superstar to make the Wildcats an elite team.

Palomar League

1. Torrey Pines

Coach: Dennis Costello

2006-2007 record: 23-0-3, 7-0-3 (first place)

Key returners: F Ashlin Yahr (Sr.), CM Kayla Rahon (Sr.), D Kate Cutting (Jr.), D Katherine Cabot (Jr.), GK Annie Heaton (Jr.), MF Siana May (Sr.), D Stephanie Malik (Sr.)

Top newcomers: D Kristen Patterson (Jr.), F Olivia Buchler (Fr.), F Alexandra Bailey (Fr.)

Outlook: The Falcons are loaded once again. Yahr, a fast, reliable scorer, would be the featured player on many other teams, but not this one. Torrey Pines' defense is the key component of this championship-caliber club. The Falcons should cruise to a league title, win another Division I San Diego Section title, and make a run in the Southern California Regional playoffs.

2. Poway

Coach: Jen Lalor-Nielsen

2006-2007 record: 16-3-7, 5-1-4 (second place)

Key returners: GK Elizabeth Donahue (Sr.), MF Katy Roby (Sr.), F Alex Webber (Sr.), F Laura Hogan (Sr.), MF Allie Lopez (Sr.), D Sarah Devine (Sr.)

Top newcomers: MF Jenna Pellegrino (Fr.), D Kelsey Dickerson (So.)

Outlook: Expect another quality season from the Titans. Roby and Webber lead a senior-laden squad with a realistic shot to win a league title and Division I section crown. Poway will have to defeat nemesis Torrey Pines to win either crown. That's no easy task, but with Lopez, Devine, Donahue and the other upperclassmen, the Titans are the team best equipped to dethrone the champ.

3. Westview

Coach: Peter Stogsdill

2006-2007 record: 15-7-6, 5-3-2 (third place)

Key returners: GK Sarah GarlandÝ(Sr.), D Amanda Ziegler (Sr.), MF Emily Dow (Sr.), MF Stephanie Keelan (Sr.), F Hulya Poyrazoglu (Sr.), MF Lydia Gelaro (Sr.), MF Megan MichelsÝ(Sr.)Ý

Top newcomers: D Jordan Bruce (So.), F Natalie Gabriel (Fr.), D Mary McWalters (Jr.), F Audrey Dow (So.), MF Ellre Ancheta (Jr.)

Outlook: The Wolverines would be the favorite to win any other league in the section. Ziegler is the best stopper in the business, and Emily Dow is an aggressive player who will contribute on offense and defense.ÝIf Bruce can mature into a solid sweeper, the Wolverines should again be a wrecking ball in the Division II playoffs.

4. Rancho Bernardo

Coach: Raffi Ruotolo

2006-2007 record: 9-7-3, 4-3-3 (fourth place)

Key returners: F Ashley Soro (Sr.) MF Alex Topp (Sr.), MF Devon De La Rosa Ý (Jr.), GK Melanie Good (So.), F Kelly Berg (So.), D Katherine Campbell (So.)

Top newcomers: F Tyler Adair (Fr.), MF Elizabeth Kurtz (Fr.)

Outlook: The Broncos will compete in this cutthroat league and have enough talent to be a fixture in the top 10. Soro is a solid scorer, and Topp would be a star on any team. If the Broncos can hold strong in the back, they'll make a quality playoff run. If not, they could be headed for an early exit.

5. La Costa Canyon

Coach: Juli Veee

2006-2007 record: 7-10-3, 1-6-3 (fifth place)

Key returners: F Andrea Farinelli (Sr.), MF Katie Ferguson(Sr.), MF Colleen Ramirez (Sr.)

Top newcomers: D Carlee Dimry (Fr.), D Aimee Beauchane (So.), MF Mariah Butera (So.), MF Victoria Phillips (So.)

Outlook: The Mavericks lost many seniors off last year's squad, meaning they'll take their lumps early on. But with Veee at the helm, La Costa Canyon should right the ship come playoff time. The Mavericks have a lot of young talent. After they gain some experience, a big-time playoff run should be in store.

6. Mt. Carmel

Coach: Danie Schelhorse

2006-2007 record:Ý10-12-4, 0-9-1 (sixth place)

Key returners:ÝMF Chelsea Whetstine (Sr.), MF Danielle Leiva (Jr.), F Kristen Poggioli (Jr.), MF Kellie Fox (So.)

Top newcomers:ÝD Lindsay Valdez (So.), D Talia Sheets (Jr.)

Outlook:ÝMt. Carmel has been strong outside the Palomar League, but has struggled inside it. Whetstine is the Sundevils' backbone and provides the leadership necessary to weather the inevitable rough patches. Mt. Carmel is young on defense, but the group has heart. That should be enough for a playoff spot.

Valley League

1. San Pasqual

Coach: Lisa Brown

2006-2007 record: 15-0-3, 12-0-0 (first place)

Key returners: D Natalie Garcia (Sr.), MF Lauren Dotson (So.), F Danae Kaimuloa (Sr.), D Ursula Lopez-Palm (Sr.), D Arielle Cohen (Sr.)

Top newcomers: F Madison Phillips (Fr.), D Shawnee Morgan (So.), GK Kelcie Livesay (Jr.)

Outlook: The defending Division II section co-champions could continue their run of excellence throughout the season. Garcia is the finest talent in North County and will play midfield when the Eagles need to score and sweeper when there's a lead to hold. Lopez-Palm and Cohen are excellent outside defenders, and Kaimuloa can score with her feet and her head. The only question mark is at goalkeeper. If Livesay performs well, San Pasqual will be unstoppable yet again.

2. Escondido

Coach: Hector Hernandez

2006-2007 record: 14-7-2, 9-2-1 (second place)

Key returners: F Joanna Gonzalez (Sr.), MF Alisa Barlow (Sr.), MF Georgia Foltz (Sr.), F Kelly Parkhurst (Sr.), D Amira Attar (Sr.)

Top newcomers: MF Amanda Talbot (Jr.), MF Janet Hernandez (So.)

Outlook: The majority of Escondido's starting lineup returns for what should be an action-packed season. These Cougars can score in bunches. Parkhurst is a terrific finisher, while Barlow and Foltz almost always dominate the midfield. Attar leads the defense, but is also dangerous on set plays.

3. Ramona

Coach: George Garcia

2006-2007 record: 7-15-2, 3-7-1 (fourth place)

Key returners: MF Sam Van Gorder (Sr.) F Jessica Johnson (Sr), F Shelby Bush (Jr.) D Faith Mabry (Jr.), MF Megan Kostiuk (Sr.), GK Lauren Ray (So.)

Top newcomers: MF Colleen Macias (So.), D Erica Stincomb (So.)

Outlook: This could be a push year for the Bulldogs. They have 11 players returning, including a dynamic scoring tandem in Johnson and Bush. Ray is a solid goalkeeper despite her youth. Ramona has been stuck in the middle of the pack, but this will be the season the Bulldogs break into the playoffs.Ý

4. Mission Hills

Coach: Gerry Maley

2006-2007 record: 12-8-3, 8-3-1 (third place)

Key returners: MF Stephanie Gonzalez (Sr.), D Hannah Vaff (Sr.), MF Mayra Segura(Sr.), GK Mia Mastumoto (Jr.), GK Abby Monroe (Jr.)

Top newcomers: F/MF Leia Halmin (Fr.), D Alex Barnett (Fr.)

Outlook: The Grizzlies lost a number of key players off last year's roster, which should be a setback early in the year. The returners must also learn new system under a new coach, which could cause a slow start. Early-season growing pains, however, should pay dividends in league play. Segura and Gonzalez are a good midfield tandem, but it won't be enough to challenge the top teams.

5. Valley Center

Coach: Amber Hawkins

2006-07 record: 3-10-2, 2-8-2 (fifth place)

Key returners: D/F Emily Stehly (Jr.), GK/MF Ariel Harris (Sr.), F Katie Sanger (Sr.)

Top newcomer: GK Jennifer Sudak (So.)

Outlook: The Jaguars have a few strong individual players, but are lacking the depth to compete with top teams. Stehly can be a one-girl wrecking crew, and Sanger also can find the net regularly. The emergence of Sudak has been a huge bonus for Hawkins, who can now use Harris' diverse talents in the midfield.

6. Orange Glen

Coach: Lea Pickle

2006-2007 record: 8-10-2, 1-7-2 (sixth place)

Key returners: F Alysia Salvador (Sr.), MF Angela Varela (Sr.), D Andie Jimeniez (So.), D Juana Mendoza (Sr.)

Top newcomer: GK Angie Gonzalez (Fr.)

Outlook: The Patriots are looking to build for the future under Pickle, who took over the program about four weeks ago. But there's some talent for this season. Salvador is a goal-scoring machine and will carry the bulk of the offensive load. Varela is making the most of a switch to the central midfield, and Gonzalez has been a pleasant surprise in goal. The Patriots have been beset by injuries in recent weeks. But victories will come when everyone gets healthy again.

7. San Marcos

Coach: Eric Lona

2006-2007 record: 2-18-3, 1-9-2 (seventh place)

Key returners: F Kim Iraheta (So.), MF Rachel Kammler (Jr.), MF Chelsey Beeson (Sr.), MF Kacee Williams (So.), D Athena Rogus (So.), D Shay Hewa (So.), D Deana Dhillon (So.)

Top newcomers: CM Monica Aguilera (Fr.), GK Chelsea Ragghanti (Fr.), D Hyla Plassmeyer (Fr.)

Outlook: The Knights will be a much-improved team compared with recent seasons. A number of quality freshmen will be in the lineup to join Kammler and Beeson. San Marcos might slow the game down at times, but some new blood will make the Knights competitive.

Others

In alphabetical order:

Cathedral Catholic

Coach: Dawn Lee

2006-2007 record: 17-6-5, 9-0-2 (Western League champion)

Key returners: MF Coco Goodson (Sr.), D Alex Sitta (Sr.), Michelle Spacciapolli (Sr.), MF Tamara Chagas (Sr.), D Kellyann Cavaretta (Sr.), D Danika Johnson (Sr.), F Alissa Sanchez (Sr.), GK Eileen Purner (Jr.), MF Kylie Facinelli (So.)

Top newcomers: MF Danielle Brito (Fr.), MF Christina Eichinger (Fr.)

Outlook: The Dons are loaded again and are heavy favorites to win their fourth straight Division III section title. With Goodson, Sitta and Spacciapolli leading the way, Cathedral Catholic should make a long run in the Southern California Regional playoffs. Cathedral Catholic has veterans at almost every position and should cruise through an arduous schedule that includes many high-quality opponents from outside the section.

San Dieguito Academy

Coach: Evan Camperell

2006-2007 record: 8-7-3, 4-1-1 (Coastal League North)

Key returners: GK Stephanie Kranz (Sr.), D Cori Blackman (Sr.), D Katie Teare (Sr.), MF Emily Mecke (Jr.), MF Megan Warner (Jr.), MF Ariel Chao (So.)

Top newcomers: D Chandler Bobin (So.), MF Nicole Manzanares (So.) MF Sandra Morales (So.), GK Allie Jucha (So.)

Outlook: The Mustangs should be solid under Camperell, a coach with a distinguished track record at all levels. Blackman and Teare provide lock-down defense. Warner, Chao and Bobin bring an offensive spark. Expect this team to contend in the league and make a playoff run.

Santa Fe Christian

Coach: Scott Travasos

2006-2007 record: 13-5-2, 5-0-1 (Coastal League North champion)

Key returners: MF Chrissy King (So.), F Natalie Sun (Jr.)

Top newcomers: GK Sami Miller (Sr.), F Chantel Loudon (Fr.)

Outlook: The Eagles didn't have a reliable goalkeeper lined up this offseason, but Miller has filled in nicely and has Santa Fe Christian clicking early. The Eagles start four seniors on defense, giving them much-needed experience in a crucial area. Sun and Loudon provide offensive punch to a solid squad.