Iowa Prep Soccer 2015: Teams, players to watch

Gazette Staff

TEAMS

Iowa City West — Trojans won their third state title in a row and fifth in the last six years while compiling a 21-1 record. Only three starters return, but West had an undefeated sophomore team from which to draw. Coach Brad Stiles has to develop experience on the defense in a hurry, but then that was supposedly the Trojans' weakness a year ago, too. IAHSSCA ranks West No. 1 in preseason poll.

Linn-Mar — Big things are expected of the Lions, who return most of their lineup from an 18-5, 10-3 season. Second-team all-state selections Alexy Boehm and Jack Ramsey head the returnees. Also among the returnees are two first-team all-conference picks: Ben Johnson (10 goals, 9 assists) and Daniel Luzindya (11 goals, 10 assists) and second-teamer Jordan Webb. The Lions won the Valley division title and finished fourth at state last year, losing to Washington in a PK shootout in the consolation game. Ranked third in preseason coaches poll.

Kennedy — Despite losing three first-team all-MVC players, five returning starters and eight returning letterwinners give Kennedy a chance to challenge West and Linn-Mar as top dogs. First-team all-MVC defender Nikolas Newcamp returns along with second-team MF Ryan Walker (7 goals, 8 assists). Second-team all-state pick Andrew Sheeley (7 goals, 16 assists) returns. Mark Schulz, who scored 10 goals and had five assists also returns. The Cougars were 14-5 overall and 9-4 in the MVC a year ago and are ranked fifth in the preseason coaches poll.

Iowa City High — The Little Hawks (15-3 overall, 12-1 MVC) were the only team to defeat West last year and as a result the two schools tied for the conference title. But City was disappointed to lose a quarterfinal match at the state tournament. City has some great building blocks returning in Adam Nicholson (9 goals, 2 assists), Scott Tribbey, Peter Larsen and Colin O'Meara. Even with the loss of MVC player of the year Alejandro Pacheco the attack should still be quick with John Havugarurema and Gaby Baloci around. Ranked fourth in preseason coaches poll.

Xavier — The Saints are ranked second in preseason coaches poll in Class 2A. Nine returning starters buoy the Saints' hopes of returning to state title contention. They may have trouble in the regular season with the 3A MVC powers, but they should be a strong contender in the post season. Xavier fell to eventual 2A champion Norwalk in the quarterfinals at state. MF Connor Ramlo, a first-team all-state pick, returns along with second-teamers Mason Hoxie, Luke Koechner and Stephen Jones. Saints have four captains who've played four years in the program.

Regina — The Regals (16-3 in 2014) return eight of 11 starters after winning their second consecutive Class 1A state championship, including first-team all-state striker Michael Adam, who was named captain of the all-tournament team. Also back is Jacob Adam, a UNI placekicking recruit, and MFs Nick Zuniel, Emilio Tovar, Andrew Yowell and Nick Green. Two starting back-line players return in Conner Brown and Eric Bracket. The Regals, ranked No. 1 in the preseason coaches poll, have won five of the last six 1A titles and will be hard to dislodge again.

PLAYERS

Ryan Walker, Kennedy, sr. — Smooth, versatile player who can possess, score and pass. He will play college soccer at Loyola (Ill.).

Adam Nicholson and Scott Tribbey, City High, sr. — Tribbey was a first-team all-state pick a year ago while Nicholson was second team. Both were 1st team all-MVC last year and both can play all over the field because of their skill and experience.

Daniel Luzindya, Linn-Mar, sr. — Led team in goals with 11 and added 10 assists. First team all-MVC selection.

Michael Adam, Regina, sr. — Second on the team in goals scored. A tough, mobile and experienced player who earned first-team all-state honors a year ago.

— Susan Harman