Idaho state soccer tournament fans' guide

FIVE BOYS TO WATCH

Yared Solscheid, Eagle: The junior midfielder is a creator for the Mustangs, who rely on his ability to find teammates with deft passes and dribbling in the attacking third. He averages nearly two assists per game. "He has got great vision and is really good at picking out opponents' weaknesses," Eagle coach Rich Tobias said. "He's fun to watch."

Jason Vasquez, Skyview: The senior forward will likely be the Hawks' top scoring threat in the 4A state tournament. A team captain, Vasquez has 20 goals and five assists this season. In three District Three tournament games, he had three goals and an assist - scoring a goal in each game, including one on a penalty kick in the final.

Michael Kafari, Centennial: The senior forward has 15 goals and seven assists for a Centennial team that handed 5A SIC and District Three champion Boise its only loss this season. "His leadership has been critical for us," Centennial coach Scott Reynolds said. "His strength, size, speed and technical ability all contribute to our success." Kafari will play college soccer at New Mexico.

Nick Elam, Borah: The senior sweeper doesn't get a lot of attention because he plays defense, but Borah coach Steve Tipping said the team captain's leadership has been vital. "He's a very experienced soccer player and he really keeps things organized in the back for us," Tipping said. "He leads by example."

John DiLulo, Boise: The senior forward is one of many players who has stepped up with top scorer Justin Hill in and out of the lineup because of an injury. DiLulo has nine goals and five assists this season, all while starring at wide receiver for the school's football team. He ranks second in the 5A SIC in receiving with 36 catches for 561 yards and five TDs.

FIVE GIRLS TO WATCH

Amanda Soderlund, Timberline: Already committed to playing college soccer at Georgetown University, the senior midfielder/forward has 13 goals and eight assists for the two-time defending 5A state champion Wolves. Soderlund scored the first goal and assisted on the winner in Timberline's 2-1 victory in last year's championship game against Capital.

Julie Zamzow, Bishop Kelly: The senior center midfielder leads all BK scorers with 22 goals and 10 assists - despite tallying just one goal in three 4A District Three tournament games. "At any given time, she is the most dynamic player on the field," Bishop Kelly coach Curtis Eisenberger said. "We put her in at center midfield because she provides everything we need. Somehow, she manages to be everywhere at once."

Sofia Huerta, Centennial: The three-year starter has 25 goals - including four hat tricks - along with six assists for the Patriots. A junior, Huerta helped her team qualify for state by scoring two goals in each of Centennial's three games in the District Three tournament. Huerta also is a two-time defending 5A state champion in the 300 hurdles.

Jenny Field, Skyview: This is the senior's fourth appearance at the 4A state tournament and her second year as a team captain. She is lethal in front of the goal as a scorer and distributor. She enters the state tournament with 24 goals and 20 assists for the District Three runner-up Hawks. She had four goals in three district tournament games and is headed to Northwest Nazarene next year.

Shalese Miller, Mountain View: The junior forward has been a scoring machine at Mountain View with 67 career goals - 19 as a freshman, 27 as a sophomore and 21 this season. She also has six assists this year and has a talented supporting cast, including Rachel Powell, who had four goals and three assists in three District Three tournament games.

FIVE STORY LINES TO WATCH

Local teams rule the roost: In 2008, Treasure Valley squads won five of the six state championships awarded - Boise (5A boys), Timberline (5A girls), Bishop Kelly (4A girls), Payette (3A boys) and Fruitland (3A girls). Three of last year's finals - 5A boys, 5A girls and 4A girls - featured two local teams. In 2007, the Treasure Valley produced three champions and six second-place teams.

Timberline girls keep rolling: The six-time 5A District Three champion Timberline girls are aiming for their fifth state championship since the school opened in 1998, and are attempting to win their third in a row with their third coach in three seasons. Mat Henbest resigned after leading the team to the 2007 title, and Mike Kenner handed the reins to former assistant Chandlar Davis after last season.

Experienced Grizzlies: Fruitland's girls, who won the 3A consolation title in 2006 and were runners-up in 2007, return their entire starting lineup from last year's championship squad. They dominated last season, winning their three games at the state tournament by a combined score of 9-1. Last year's title was the first girls state championship of any kind for the school.

New coach, no problem for BK girls: Curtis Eisenberger felt a little pressure when he took over a 4A Bishop Kelly girls team that Kristen Bruce guided to state titles in 2007 and 2008. "It was nerve-racking at first, but after working with the team the first time, I realized how special these players are and realized how lucky I was," Eisenberger said. "I inherited a gold mine." The unbeaten Knights have five players who have scored at least 10 goals.

Boise boys' dominant defense: The Boise boys can score with anyone, but their defense sets them apart. With a 1-0 victory against Eagle in the District Three championship game, the two-time defending 5A state champions recorded their 13th shutout this season. Senior goalkeeper Josh Lindsay has 65 saves, but he admitted Boise's ability to dominate possession and remain organized on defense plays a key role.

FIVE TEAMS NOT TO MISS

Boise girls: The Braves finished second to Mountain View in the 5A SIC race and lost to Timberline 2-1 on two late goals in the District Three championship match, but they should be in the hunt for a championship this week. They won state titles in 2002 and 2003, and have returned to campus with hardware every year since, including a third-place trophy last season.

Eagle boys: After going 0-2 at the state tournament last season, the Mustangs appear ready to push for a trophy for the first time since placing third in 2004 and 2005. They didn't qualify for state in 2006 and 2007. Eagle won the 5A SIC regular-season title and placed second at the District Three tournament.

Borah boys: Borah, which is appearing at 5A state for the first time since 2006, had seven sophomores on its varsity roster in 2008. The current roster is more experienced and features several players with roots in Africa and Europe. "It's an interesting mix of kids and it's never boring," coach Steve Tipping said. "It's a lot of fun."

Skyview boys: The Hawks are always a force at 4A state, but their task got a little tougher last week when star Stephen Davidson was lost to a season-ending knee injury. Coach Dave Hagen is confident depth will allow them to avoid changing their approach. The Hawks have won 17 consecutive games by a combined score of 61-7.

Kuna girls: It's been six years since the Kavemen last won a trophy at the 4A state tournament, but they could end that drought this season. They are 15-4-2, despite playing in the same league as last year's state champion (Bishop Kelly) and runner-up (Skyview).

TICKET AND WEATHER INFORMATION

Admission: $5 per day; $4 discount tickets (seniors, students in grades 7-12 with activity cards and students in grades 1-6). Six and younger free.

Weather: Mostly sunny skies are expected with a low chance of precipitation and temperatures in the high 50s to mid 60s.