2013 Boys Soccer Capsules
ADELSON SCHOOL
Head coaches: Tino Diaz, Amir Eden
2012 record: 0-15 (0-14 I-A Sunset, eighth)
Returning letter winners (starters): 13 (seven)
Top players: D Robert Blackwell (Sr.), D Nicholas Justiana (Sr.), MF Dominic Bembenek (Sr.), D Jacob Justiana (Jr.), F Oscar Chaltierl (Jr.), MF Nevo Ziv (Fr.)
Outlook: With seven starters back, the Lions are hoping for more success this season.
“After playing through a rough season last year, rebuilding the team’s confidence and technical skills will help the team’s growth later in the season,” Diaz said. “With the lack of seasoned club players, the Lions will look to the future with a promising group of incoming freshmen.”
ARBOR VIEW
Head coach: Robert Starbird, second season
2012 record: 3-13-2 (2-8 Northwest, fifth)
Returning letter winners (starters): Seven (two)
Top players: GK Nathan Bohn (Sr.)
Outlook: The building process continues for the Aggies, who have some holes to fill with only two returning starters.
“With some skillful younger players and four out of the seven lettermen being seniors, we hope to combine skill, hard work and veteran leadership to help us get into the playoffs,” Starbird said.
BISHOP GORMAN
Head coach: Doug Borgel, fifth season
2012 record: 14-2-2 (7-1-2 Southwest, second)
Returning letter winners (starters): Eight (six)
Top players: D Tristan Blackmon (Sr.), MF Sean Keith (Sr.), MF Mateo Zapata (Sr.), MF Jorge Paez (Sr.)
Outlook: The Gaels lost 10 lettermen, including five starters, from last year’s state championship squad.
Keith tallied eight goals and eight assists, and should be an offensive threat this year, along with Zapata (six assists) and Paez (four assists).
“Bishop Gorman will rely on a new group of players to defend its state title,” Borgel said. “A solid core of returning players and an infusion of some young talent will keep Gorman in the playoff hunt with the goal again to be the last team standing.”
BONANZA
Head coach: Daniel Bressler, second season
2012 record: 2-8 (2-8 Southwest, fifth)
Returning letter winners (starters): Three (three)
Top players: D Dainn Garcia (Jr.), MF Victor DeLeon (Sr.), D Jesus Rodriguez (Sr.)
Outlook: The Bengals struggled last season, but hopes to show improvement this year.
“Bonanza is continuing to build a program that will foster the development and success of its soccer teams,” Bressler said.
BOULDER CITY
Head coach: Frank Pimentel, third season
2012 record: 9-8-1 (8-4 I-A Sunrise, third)
Returning letter winners (starters): Five (four)
Top players: GK/MF Victor Andrades (Jr.), F Yann Moncayo (Sr.)
Outlook: With just five lettermen back from a team that placed third in the Sunrise League, the Eagles have some holes to fill.
Moncayo (10 goals, two assists) and Andrades (seven goals, five assists) are the two biggest weapons back.
“The loss of 13 seniors due to graduation will definitely take a toll on us this year,” Pimentel said. “A predominantly young team and lack of experience will be our biggest obstacle. It’s safe to say that it’s a complete rebuilding year.
“We will focus on team cohesiveness and minimizing errors in order to have a shot at the postseason.”
CANYON SPRINGS
Head coach: Dan Myers, fourth season
2012 record: 10-4-3 (7-2-1 Northeast, second)
Returning letter winners (starters): Seven (five)
Top players: MF/F Jonathan Martinez (Jr.), D Daniel Moran (Jr.), MF Nolan Mumford (Sr.)
Outlook: The Pioneers welcome back only five starters, but one of those is Martinez, who was the Northeast League player of the year and scored 30 goals last season.
“Martinez exploded last year, but is now a known entity, so teams will key on him,” Myers said.
Canyon Springs lost eight seniors to graduation, but is hoping to get back to the postseason after qualifying for the playoffs for the first time in school history last year.
“The team is solid and should come together well to compete for a playoff spot,” Myers said.
CENTENNIAL
Head coach: Tommy Porrello, ninth season
2012 record: 11-5-3 (4-4-2 Southeast, fourth)
Returning letter winners (starters): 10 (six)
Top players: MF Cobi Hunt (Sr.), F Eric Sanchez (Sr.)
Outlook: An 11-5-3 season is nothing to scoff at, but in the ultra-tough Southwest League, it was only good for a fourth-place showing for the Bulldogs.
“With a good number of returning players, we look to build on the foundation established last year,” Porello said. “It is our hope that through hard work and teamwork, we will be able to improve on last year as far as our regular season record and our playoff seed.
“We will then strive to advance through the region and state playoffs.”
CHAPARRAL
Head coach: Eric Rolwing, third season
2012 record: 4-9-3 (3-6-3 I-A Sunrise, fourth)
Returning letter winners (starters): 11 (eight)
Top players: D Cesar Perez (Sr.), GK Gerardo Skewes (Jr.), MF Lester Izquierdo (Jr.), D Jose Morales (So.)
Outlook: A berth in the Division I-A Southern Region playoffs last season has energized the Cowboys, who could be set up for a return to the postseason.
“We’re returning eight starters from last year’s playoff run, so we’re hoping to be a player in the I-A state championship this season,” Rolwing said. “Time will tell.”
CHEYENNE
Head coach: Konan Luce, first season
2012 record: 4-10-2 (4-7-1 I-A Sunset, fifth)
Returning letter winners (starters): Three (three)
Top players: GK Santiago Vasquez (Sr.), MF Austin Mathis (So.), MF/F Eric Barajas (Sr.), MF Rogelio Villicana (Sr.)
Outlook: After coaching the Desert Shields’ junior varsity last year, Luce moves to a varsity squad that will have plenty of new faces after losing eight starters to graduation.
“Many younger players will be stepping into new responsibilities this year, so the Desert Shields likely will be slightly green and still searching for an identity,” Luce said.
Establishing those identities and finding offense might be two of the team’s bigger priorities.
“We will work toward playing a tactical game based on the fundamentals,” Luce said. “The give and go, through balls, aggressive defensive trapping, lightning fast counter-attacks and even a little trickery may find its way into the playbook.”
CIMARRON-MEMORIAL
Head coach: Mark Bailey, fifth season
2012 record: 10-6-2 (5-4-1 Southwest, third)
Returning letter winners (starters): 10 (five)
Top players: MF/F Niko DeLaTorre (Jr.), MF Garrick Quackenbush (Jr.), GK Richard Crews (So.), D Martin Romero (Sr.), MF/D Scotty Robles (Sr.)
Outlook: The Spartans bring back five starters from a team that placed third in Southwest League last season, but must find some offense after the loss of leading scorer Oso Valencia (25 goals) to graduation.
Quackenbush had five goals and eight assists, and DeLaTorre chipped in two goals and six assists last year. Both will be asked to do more scoring if Cimarron is to be successful.
“We hope to continue the tradition of strong, competitive soccer and look to qualify for the playoffs,” Bailey said.
DEL SOL
Head coach: John Britt, 10th season
2012 record: 6-7-3 (3-4-3 Southeast, fourth)
Returning letter winners (starters): Four (four)
Top players: D Carlos Guevara (Sr.), F/MF Juan Sequeira (Sr.)
Outlook: The Dragons qualified for the postseason last year and hope to repeat that, but return only four players.
“After losing 13 seniors last year, this will be a rebuilding year,” Britt said. “Our goal is to be competitive.”
DESERT OASIS
Head coach: William Matthews, sixth season
2012 record: 3-10-2 (1-8-1 Southwest, sixth)
Returning letter winners (starters): Eight (six)
Top players: MF Eric Biorato (Sr.), GK/F Damien Herrera (Jr.), F Herson Ramirez (Sr.), D Luis Cisneros (Jr.), MF Tristan Schoonmaker (Sr.), D Brandon Visarra (Sr.)
Outlook: Age and experience never have been two of the Diamondbacks’ characteristics, though that may finally change this year.
“The team has five players who are fourth year varsity players,” Matthews siad.
Biorato and Ramirez each scored four goals, and Schoonmaker added three goals last season, and are expected to be among the offensive leaders.
“We are going to enjoy the beautiful game of soccer and hope to defeat all opposing schools,” Matthews said.
FAITH LUTHERAN
Head coach: Nate Hagge, eighth season
2012 record: 14-9-4 (9-2-3 I-A Sunset, second)
Returning letter winners (starters): 10 (eight)
Top players: F Harut Khachoyan (So.), MF Tristan Tomburo (Sr.), MF Randal Colquitt (Sr.), D Sean Kay (Sr.), GK Carter Bishop (Jr.)
Outlook: The Crusaders bring back eight starters from a team that placed second in the Sunset League.
Bishop posted six shutouts last season. Khachoyan (nine goals, three assists), Tomburo (four goals, six assists) and Colquitt (four goals, two assists) are back to lead the offense.
“With new incoming players, the team has added more depth at various positions,” Hagge said. “The team has the potential for another run to the postseason.
“Playing together and possessing the ball will be a key this season.”
FOOTHILL
Head coach: Andrew Risheg, seventh season
2012 record: 4-10 (3-7 Southeast, fifth)
Returning letter winners (starters): 14 (Eight)
Top players: GK Derek Lawson (Jr.), MF Mason Reid (Jr.), F Robert Cowan (Jr.), D Matt Pablico (Jr.), MF Michael Carnahan (So.)
Outlook: The Falcons weren’t happy with last season’s results, but with eight starters back, the team should be in position for a more successful campaign.
“Not making the playoffs last year was a disappointment, so this year our only goal is to get back there one game at a time,” Risheg said.
GREEN VALLEY
Head coach: Jacob Rivera, fourth season
2012 record: 14-5-3 (6-3-1 Northeast, third)
Returning letter winners (starters): 13 (nine)
Top players: D Mark Ocampo (Sr.), F Roberto Rodriguez (Sr.), MF Kade Kochevar (Sr.), GK Bryant Peralta (Jr.)
Outlook: The Gators bring back nine starters from a team that placed third in the Northeast, but fashioned a strong postseason run and advanced to the state final.
Among the returnees is Rodriguez, who had 13 goals and 13 assists last year.
“We will have to rebuild the backline as all four defenders and goalkeeper will be replaced by underclassmen,” Rivera said. “The team must learn to play together and create more scoring opportunities as a collective unit.
“This team has all of the pieces necessary to compete in the playoffs, but must to learn to work with the new faces and underclassmen to be successful.”
LAS VEGAS
Head coach: Vince Hart, 12th season
2012 record: 12-3-2 (7-1-2 Northeast, first)
Returning letter winners (starters): 10 (three)
Top players: GK Enrique Adame (Jr.), MF Ricardo Guzman (Sr.), F Daniel Nunez (Jr.), F Alexis Berrios (Jr.), D Marco Carrillo (Jr.)
Outlook: Every program goes through a rebuilding year at some point, and this season might be it for Las Vegas, which brings back only three starters.
“We were decimated by graduation,” Hart said. “We hope to be in the playoffs.”
LEGACY
Head coach: Jorge Cobian, first season
2012 record: 11-5-1 (8-2 Southwest, first)
Returning letter winners: Seven
Top players: MF Alejandro Alanis (Sr.), D Felipe Diaz (Jr.), MF Skyler Ibarra (Sr.), MF Jaime Ibarra (Sr.), D Jorge Quinones (Jr.), D Ivan Rodriguez (Sr.), MF Luka Skrinjaric (Jr.)
Outlook: Cobian, who led Western to the Sunset League title last year, takes over for Jose Gomez and hopes to continue Legacy’s run of success.
The Longhorns won the last two Class 4A state titles and captured the Southwest League last year before a stunning overtime loss in the first round of the Sunset Region playoffs.
“Last year’s early out from the playoffs has been a great motivation for the team to come back and have a better performance,” Cobian said. “The team has been working hard and they want to ‘Leave a Legacy one victory at a time.’”
LIBERTY
Head coach: Mike Eshragh, third season
2012 record: 11-6-1 (7-3 Southeast, second)
Returning letter winners (starters): 11 (Nine)
Top players: F Danny Musovski (Sr.), D Adam Musovski (Jr.), MF Joey Hollimon (So.)
Outlook: Danny Musovski led Southern Nevada in goals (43) and points (95) last season and is back to lead an energized team that returns nine starters.
“We are looking to improve from last year after making the playoffs for the first time in school history,” Eshragh said. “We have a solid core coming back, but the loss of two key players does hurt.”
MOAPA VALLEY
Head coach: Jared Bushman, second season
2012 record: 1-15-3 (0-11-1 I-A Sunrise, seventh)
Returning letter winners (starters): Four (three)
Top players: MF Arturo Gutierrez (Sr.), CB Arnulfo Frias (Sr.)
Outlook: The Pirates lost 13 players from last year’s squad, and will need to fill a lot of holes.
Gutierrez (three goals, two assists) and Frias (one goal, two assists) lead the short list of returnees.
“With nine underclassmen on the varsity squad, there is not a lot of experience,” Bushman said. “The boys have been working hard in the offseason and really gained a passion for the sport.
“Hopefully this group of boys will reverse the fortunes of Moapa Valley soccer.”
MOJAVE
Head coach: Rachal Huntsinger, sixth season
2012 record: 9-6-3 (8-3-3 I-A Sunset, fourth)
Returning letter winners (starters): Seven (six)
Top players: GK Gulmaro Falcon (Sr.), D Cristopher Pulido (Jr.), F Lynno Muro (Sr.)
Outlook: Muro had 10 goals, and Pulido scored seven goals last season. They’re back to lead a Rattler offense that hopes to guide the team to a repeat appearance in the postseason.
Mojave also should be solid in goal with the return of Falcon, who had six shutouts last year.
PAHRUMP VALLEY
Head coach: Don Boulden, first season
2012 record: 4-12 (3-10 I-A Sunset, seventh)
Returning letter winners: 11
Outlook: Boulden, who has a deep background in soccer, is hoping to add some energy and success to the Trojans’ program.
PALO VERDE
Head coach: Kevin Hagood, 17th season
2012 record: 10-3-6 (7-1-2 Northwest, first)
Returning letter winners (starters): Seven (two)
Top players: MF Matt Thomas (Sr.), MF Austin Manthey (Jr.), F Adam Afromsky (Jr.), D Will Cleland (Sr.), D Ryan Nielson (Sr.)
Outlook: The Panthers aren’t the same team after losing nine starters to graduation.
“We’re a very inexperienced team,” Hagood said. “Some young talented players will have to prove themselves.”
SIERRA VISTA
Head coach: Ryan Quinn, 10th season
2012 record: 8-8-3 (5-8-2 Northwest, fourth)
Returning letter winners (starters): Seven (four)
Top players: F Miles McRae (Sr.), MF Giovanni Amaya (Sr.), D Dominic Cardenas (Sr.), D Isaac Banda (Sr.)
Outlook: The Mountain Lions return four starters and three other lettermen from a squad that knocked two-time state champion Legacy out of the playoffs in the opening round last season.
McRae is a proven scorer, but the Mountain Lions will need to find some options to go along with him.
“We are a new team that has been hit by graduation the past two years,” Quinn said. “We are looking to mix new players with our returners, and we are expecting to make the playoffs for a third consecutive season.”
SILVERADO
Head coach: John Cwik, 16th season
2012 record: 2-8-4 (2-6-2 Northeast, fifth)
Returning letter winners (starters): Eight (five)
Top players: D Jacob Holquin (Sr.), GK Ryan Schmucker (Sr.), F Christian Narvaez
Outlook: The Skyhawks are hoping for a much better season.
"With the amount of senior talent, we seem to have a focused group," Cwik said. "Goal scoring might be an issue. We're not blessed with true scorers.
"There's definitely a change in attitude and culture for the better."
SPRING VALLEY
Head coach: Jay Tippett, second season
2012 record: 0-12 (0-10 Northwest, sixth)
Returning letter winners (starters): 14 (eight)
Top players: D Daniel Garcia (Sr.), MF Andrew Bustios (Jr.), MF Sergio Borboa (Jr.), MF Tyson Garcia (Jr.)
Outlook: The Grizzlies took their lumps last season, but are hoping to be much improved this year.
“Playoffs or bust,” said Tippett.
SUNRISE MOUNTAIN
Head coach: Brett Underwood, fifth season
2012 record: 4-7-3 (3-6-3 I-A Sunrise, fourth)
Returning letter winners: 12
Outlook: The Miners narrowly missed the postseason last year, losing out on a tiebreaker for the Sunrise League’s final spot.
With 12 lettermen returning, they’re hoping to improve.
“We’re taking it one game at a time, and when the season wraps up, we plan to be making the playoffs,” Underwood said.
TECH
Head coach: Josh Jones, 15th season
2012 record: 23-0 (12-0 I-A Sunrise, first)
Returning letter winners (starters): 10 (six)
Top players: MF/F Julio Vargas (Sr.), MF Derian Salcido (Sr.), D Hugo Flores (Sr.), F Salvador Garcia (Sr.)
Outlook: The Roadrunners lost eight players to graduation after winning the state championship, but return some awfully good players.
Garcia collected 29 goals and 16 assists, and Vargas had 26 goals and 18 assists last season. Salcido chipped in 14 goals and seven assists, and Flores contributed six goals and three assists.
“The Roadrunners are young in several key positions, so if the pieces come together, they should be able to make another strong playoff run,” Jones said.
VIRGIN VALLEY
Head coach: Michael Pletzke, first season
2012 record: 9-12 (3-9 I-A Sunrise, sixth)
Returning letter winners (starters): 13 (10)
Top players: MF Gaby Medina (Jr.), D Juan Ulloa (Sr.), F Moises Medina (So.), D Sergio Pacacieco (Jr.)
Outlook: The Bulldogs were a painfully young team last year and took their lumps, but they should be better for it this year.
“We are returning a young team with good upside,” Pletzke said. “The team has the tools and skills necessary to compete. How they respond will dictate the results.
“We should have a successful season if everything comes together.”
WESTERN
Head coach: Robert Feller, first season
2012 record: 13-2-4 (11-0-3 I-A Sunset, first)
Returning letter winners (starters): Nine (six)
Top players: GK Manuel Guillermo (Sr.), D Chris Orellana (Sr.), F Angel Ibanez (Sr.)
Outlook: Feller takes over a program squad that won the Sunset League and advanced to the second round of the Southern Region tournament, but returns only six starters.
“Western is looking to build on last year’s success,” Feller said. “We play Tech in the preseason, so that will be a good gauge of how we stack up against a top Division I-A team.”
