2016 Cimarron-Memorial Boys Soccer Capsule

League: Class 4A Northwest League

Head coach: Mark Bailey, eighth season

2015 record: 18-4-5 (7-0-1 Northwest, first)

Returning lettermen (starters): Eight (five)

Top athletes: MF Miguel Rubio (Jr.), F Dresdan Quackenbush (Sr.), F Arturo Bahena (Sr.), D Luis Gallardo (Sr.), MF Edgar Carrillo (Sr.)

Outlook: After winning the Sunset Region title last year, the Spartans have to replace more than half of their starting lineup.

“We have a lot of new faces on our team this year, and we are really young,” Bailey said. “I’m excited to see how the solid group of returners melds with the new players. Replacing our graduated seniors will be tough, but I feel like our young players and our core of veterans have the skills, confidence and experience to continue the success we’ve enjoyed over the past few seasons.”

Bahena (13 goals), Quackenbush (11 goals, 8 assists), Rubio (2 goals, 5 assists) and Carrillo (6 assists) return to spark the offense. Gallardo was one of the Spartans’ top defenders last year and will anchor the defense.

“As always, we have high expectations and look forward to seeing how the season plays out as we look to build on last season’s region title and loss in the state semifinals,” Bailey said. “The Northwest League is really tough following realignment. We won’t have any time to relax during the season and expect our league to be very competitive.

“We’ve been to state two years in a row now, and we would love a chance to get back to the state tournament and do something special.”