Southeastern Pa. Boys' Soccer Teams to Watch
In order of season's initial rankings, with last year's records in parentheses.
1. La Salle (15-2-2). Last year was defined by high expectations and stinging disappointment. Bob Peffle's group returns 10 starters and 19 players overall and is ranked in the top 40 in at least one national poll. Anything less than a PIAA Class AAA state title will be a disappointment, but this group professes to be focused on a Catholic League title first and foremost.
2. Lower Merion (19-2-3). The Aces are Southeastern Pennsylvania's other squad to garner a national ranking in preseason and have realistic state-title aspirations of their own in Class AAA. The reigning District 1 champions boast a big back line and will be hard to break down defensively. They will shut out a lot of opponents.
3. Central Bucks East (18-6-3). When isn't C.B. East in the mix? After a memorable run to the state final, and a heartbreaking 2-1 loss in overtime, the Patriots are again contenders. Mike Gorni, in his 17th year at the school, will coach a team led by high-scoring Miguel Diaz. Nick McGary anchors a defense that will help East win those one-goal games.
4. Conestoga (20-3-1). Leading scorer Mike Gonzalez is now playing at Lehigh, but the Pioneers have two others with the same surname to steer the defending Central League champs: junior twins Danny and Andrew Gonzalez. Conestoga's Central League battle with Lower Merion will be one of the more compelling rivalries this fall.
5. St. Joseph's Prep (18-3-2). Your defending Catholic League champion wants to redeem itself after a hard-luck loss in the first round of the PIAA tournament in 2010. The Hawks have an early opportunity to announce themselves with authority, opening league play against La Salle on Thursday.
6. Wissahickon (18-1-1). After an undefeated regular season last year, the Trojans couldn't carry the momentum into the playoffs, falling a game short of the PIAA tournament. Regular-season accolades will no longer suffice - it's time to make some noise in the postseason.
7. Council Rock South (14-3-1). The Golden Hawks return 12 seniors, always a plus. Defender/midfielder Mike Discavage is a returning all-conference pick from last season, and Dan Lemashov and Tyler Caffey serve as a formidable goalkeeper tandem. South likely will make a run at a league title, which could segue to district success.
