Boys' soccer teams, players to watch in 2016

Area boys' soccer teams and players to watch this spring.

Teams

Linn-Mar (20-3, 11-2 MVC last year) — The defending state and MVC Valley Division champions relied on a number of talented underclassmen last year and have been anointed with the No. 1 preseason ranking by the IAHSSCA. The Lions return six staters plus Jordan Webb and Blake Comstock, two defenders who missed last season with injuries. The attack will be led by all-stater Leroy Enzugusi and the defense anchored by all-stater Jack Ramsey. The senior class core has played together for a long time.

Iowa City West (11-8, 7-6) — Before 2015 West had won five of the last six 3A titles. No team should be more motivated than the Trojans after a rare off year that saw them fall short of winning a conference title and reaching the state tournament. Whether that motivation can translate into more victories will be interesting to see. The IAHSSCA ranked West No. 9 in the preseason. Forward Antonio Sanchez returns to spark the offense.

Iowa City High (16-3, 10-3) — The Little Hawks have to replace two key center backs, Adam Nicolson and Scott Tribbey along with goalkeeper Daniel Goldenstein, so the defense will be a question early. Up top City High should have some firepower with senior forwards Gaby Baloci and Nasim Salih and midfielders Victor Brown-Rodriguez and Collin O'Meara returning. Ranked No. 5 preseason by IAHSSCA.

Cedar Rapids Xavier (16-2, 11-2) — Defending 2A champs lost some big guns but have several starters and top reserves returning led by junior mid Luke Duball, junior mid Nick Koechner, senior forward Nolan Armstrong and sophomore forward Will Hanigan. State soccer coaches voted Xavier No. 1 in 2A preseason poll. The Saints will be ready for the playoffs after a rigorous MVC schedule.

Dyersville Beckman (18-0) — Blazers are ranked No. 1 in preseason after winning school's first soccer title. Must replace top scorers Billy Hoffman and Carter Boekholder along with keeper and two top defenders, but about half the starters in the state title game return.

Iowa City Regina (11-7) — Don't let the record fool you. The Regals, who were upset in the first round of the 1A state tournament by eventual runner-up Gilbert, play a tough schedule designed to prepare them for the playoffs. Forward Emilio Tovar heads the returners, and he's a dynamic offensive force. The Regals, ranked No. 5 in the preseason, will depend on the depth they developed a year ago to fill in for the large senior class that graduated.

IAHSSCA Rankings

Last year's record in parentheses

CLASS 3A — 1. Linn-Mar (20-3), 2. Ankeny Centennial (20-1), 3. Johnston (21-1), 4. West Des Moines Valley (15-5), 5. Iowa City High (16-3), 6. Cedar Rapids Prairie (14-3), 7. Sioux City West (20-2), 8. Dubuque Hempstead (15-3), 9. Iowa City West (11-7), 10. Ames (12-5), 11. Pleasant Valley (12-4), 12. West Des Moines Dowling (12-9), 13. Cedar Rapids Kennedy (9-9), 14. Bettendorf (8-10) 15. Cedar Rapids Washington (9-9), 16. Muscatine (14-5)

CLASS 2A — 1. Cedar Rapids Xavier (17-2), 2. Norwalk (17-4), 3. DeWitt Central (17-1), 4. South Tama (17-3), 5. Waverly-Shell Rock (16-1), 6. Sioux City Heelan (15-1), 7. Perry (16-3), 8. ADM (16-4), 9. Pella (13-5), 10. Spencer (14-5), 11. Storm Lake (13-1), 12. Glenwood (10-7), 13. Decorah (9-5), 14. Webster City (15-4), 15. Clear Creek-Amana (11-8), 16. Dubuque Wahlert (5-13)

CLASS 1A — 1. Dyersville Beckman (18-0), 2. Gilbert (15-3), 3. Iowa City Regina (11-6), 4. Council Bluffs St. Albert (15-6), 5. Gladbrook-Reinbeck (15-3), 6. MOC-Floyd Valley (14-4), 7. Danville (15-2), 8. Des Moines Christian (13-4), 9. Benton Community (16-5), 10. Carroll Kuemper (13-2), 11. Clear Lake (11-4), 12. Solon (11-8), 13. Underwood (14-2), 14. Davenport Assumption (10-7), 15. Waterloo Columbus (8-6), 16. West Liberty (11-7)

Players

Jack Ramsey (sr.) and Leroy Enzugusi (jr.), Linn-Mar — Ramsey, a center back, is a two-time all-state selection, first-team all-MVC and was named captain of the 3A all-tournament team after helping the Lions win their first state championship. Enzugusi, an outside mid, is one of the fastest players in the state and almost impossible to defend. Scored 16 goals and had 15 assists. Was named all-state and all-tournament as a sophomore last year. Ramsey signed with Drake and Enzugusi has committed to the Bulldogs.

Trey Godboldt (jr.), Clear Creek-Amana — Second team all-state defender as junior after moving in from Tennessee. Center back with the ability to win the ball back and stimulate the offensive attack through good vision and decision-making. Co-captain with fellow junior Wyatt Sedlacek.

Luke Duball (jr.) and Will Hanigan (so.), C.R. Xavier — Duball, a fast and unpredictable midfielder, scored the winning goal in double overtime in the state championship game. Both players were named to the 2A all-tournament team. They will be key to Xavier's attack with the graduation of Connor Ramlo and Luke Koechner.

Jerry Lowe (sr.), South Tama — Second team all-state selection in Class 2A. Will be leading returning scorer for Trojans after netting 22 goals and nine assists and will be key with three of top four scorers graduated.

Emilio Tovar (sr.), Iowa City Regina — Active and quick midfielder led the team in goals scored (19 goals, seven assists) and was named first team all-state last year, the only underclassman on the 1A team. Successful placekicker on state championship football team.

Dillon Keegan (sr.), Dyersville Beckman — Top returning scorer for Blazers with 17 goals and eight assists. Named captain of the 1A all-tournament team last year after helping Blazers to first state title.