Boys' Soccer 2012 - Teams To Watch

CEDAR RAPIDS XAVIER - As always, the Saints lost a lot of good players to graduation but return a lot of good players. Coach Amir Hadzic's team attempts to three-peat in Class 2A after finishing 17-2-1 in 2011. The top player is senior midfielder Chad Gilmer, a versatile player who scored 14 goals in the regular season. Look for junior forward Isaac Frisch to have a big scoring season. Other guys with starting experience include Josh Steffensmeier, Alex Haag and Tom Bales. Still the team to beat in 2A.

IOWA CITY WEST - Unanimous No. 1 pick in Class 3A in Iowa High School Soccer Coaches Association preseason poll. Trojans have won five state titles since spring tournament was put in place in 1995, though they placed third last season, losing to West Des Moines Valley in the semifinals. Top players include Drake signee Alex Troester at midfield, forward Paris Martins and defender Mueng Sunday. Martins had a team-best 10 regular-season goals in 2011 as a sophomore. Starting keeper Ryan Holte also returns.