5A boys soccer preview: Boise, Timberline battling for top spot | Idaho Statesman

The 5A Southern Idaho Conference proved its status as the top soccer league in the state last year, taking first (Timberline), second (Centennial) and third (Boise) at the state tournament for the second year in a row. The conference remains loaded again as state returns to the Treasure Valley on Oct. 22-24. Those three teams lead the way, but Borah and Mountain View also look to mount challenges.

BOISE BRAVES

Coach: Mike Darrow, 15th season

Last year: 16-4-3, 7-2-2 5A SIC

Returning all-conference: Sam Rucklos, sr., M (first team); Muga Katanga, sr., M (second team).

Breakdown: The perennial power only returns three starters as it seeks its fourth straight district title and ninth straight trophy at state. The bulk of that experience lies in a deep midfield with Rucklos and Katanga, which should create a more potent attack. Darrow said the young backline and goalkeeper will need to get up to speed quickly. “Getting them on the same page will be an area of focus,” he said.

BORAH LIONS

Coach: Jayson Transtrum, fifth season

Last year: 13-5-3, 7-1-3 5A SIC

Returning all-conference: Jared Napoles, sr., M (second team).

Breakdown: The reigning district runner-up starts over after graduating the conference player of the year, Josh Szuch, and bringing back just three starters. Napoles leads the charge after playing three-quarters of the team’s minutes last season in a midfield group that Transtrum said should be a strength. The Lions will have to find a way to wring production from their strikers.

CAPITAL EAGLES

Coach: Zo Omercevic, fifth season

Last year: 11-8-2, 6-4-1 5A SIC

Returning all-conference: None.

Breakdown: Senior midfielder Jess Totorica (four goals, five assists in ‘14) and junior midfielder/defender Ivan Vasquez started every game last season. But graduation hit the Eagles hard, leaving behind just three starters, and only one on the back line with varsity experience. “We have reloaded with young talent, and the future looks bright,” Omercevic said.

CENTENNIAL PATRIOTS

Coach: Logan Emory, first season

Last year: 18-2-2, 10-0-1 5A SIC

Returning all-conference: Ibrahim Madjidov, sr., F (second team); Bekir Cinac, sr., M (second team); Menasse Mbuyi, so., F (honorable mention); Alex Draghici, jr., M (honorable mention).

Breakdown: The Patriots have fallen two years in a row in the state finals, and they start over with first-year coach Logan Emory, a Centennial grad and former MLS player. Emory said the Patriots will have to replace the core of their defense and remain young on the backline. But he also said they are dynamic offensively. “We have a lot of pace and ability going forward and players who thrive with the ball at their feet,” he said.

COLUMBIA WILDCATS

Coach: Dan Riley, ninth season

Last year: 2-16-0, 2-9-0 5A SIC

Returning all-conference: None.

Breakdown: The Wildcats took their lumps their first year in 5A, but they return 13 seniors with experience. Riley said the focuses are to improve in the offensive third, where it scored a league-low nine goals in 2014, as well in the defensive third, where it allowed 72 goals, second most in the league. “We need to get better at putting a solid 80 minutes together and competing each and every game,” he said.

EAGLE MUSTANGS

Coach: Chris Butzier, fourth season

Last year: 7-11-1, 5-6-0 5A SIC

Returning all-conference: None.

Breakdown: Butzier knows the Mustangs will field a young squad, one that will grow together over the next two seasons. He also points out they’ve developed together at the club level, and a strong backline should aid a defense that surrendered 54 goals in 2014, fourth most in the 5A SIC. “They have built a strong relationship that will serve them well in the upcoming season,” he said.

MERIDIAN WARRIORS

Coach: Jason Vittrup, first season

Last year: 1-16-0, 0-11-0 5A SIC

Returning all-conference: Ricardo Duran, M/D (honorable mention); Ahmet Huremovic, sr., F/M (honorable mention).

Breakdown: Vittrup takes over a rebuilding project after Meridian lost 15 straight to end last season and owned the worst goal differential (-89) in the league. The attack should improve with returning players Duran and Huremovic, as well as the addition of freshmen Jonathan Martinez and Trenton Lyons. Shoring up a defense that gave up 100 goals a year ago remains a priority.

MTN. VIEW MAVERICKS

Coach: Rich Tobias, second season

Last year: 14-8-2, 8-3-0 5A SIC

Returning all-conference: None.

Breakdown: The Mavs return five starters off last year’s state tournament squad, but graduation cost them the conference’s leading scorer in Brendan Kenley (27 goals) and four all-conference players. “We will need to show and play with patience, learn to counter our opponents,” Tobias said. “...We have individually skilled players, but must do it as a group.”

NAMPA BULLDOGS

Coach: Robbie Roberts, fourth season

Last year: 3-13-1, 2-9-0 5A SIC

Returning all-conference: None.

Breakdown: The Bulldogs return five starters off a team that made the transition to 5A last season. Nampa’s attack should improve from the 12 goals it scored a year ago, third lowest in the 5A SIC, with the return of forward Luis Hernandez and midfielders Jun Flugel and Juan Guerrero. A defense that gave up 65 goals and lost a first-team all-conference goalkeeper only returns one starter.

ROCKY MTN. GRIZZLIES

Coach: Skyler Bell, first season

Last year: 5-12-0, 4-7-0 5A SIC

Returning all-conference: Lucas Schlake, sr., M (honorable mention); Hamish Lamberton, jr., M/F (honorable mention).

Breakdown: Rocky Mountain went young a year ago. And with the talent coming up, Bell, the director of coaching for the Idaho Youth Soccer Association, said they’ll remain young. The center midfield remains strong with the return of Schlake and Lamberton. Goalkeeper Ian Linnarz provides a steady influence, but Bell said many of his defenders are making the transition from attacking roles.

TIMBERLINE WOLVES

Coach: T.J. Thaemert, third season

Last year: 15-4-3, 7-1-3 5A SIC

Returning all-conference: Eric Bambic, sr., D (first team); Cole Fuller, sr., F (first team); Parker Billings, jr., GK (second team); Zach Fishburn, sr., M (honorable mention).

Breakdown: The defending state champs lost 10 seniors to graduation, but the Wolves return the heart of their defense in Bambic. The three-time all-conference pick is the only Idaho player named to the High School Soccer All-American Game watch list. He returns hungry after missing all but the first game of Timberline’s surprise run to a state title with a concussion. Add in Billings in net, and the defense will be tough to break.

VALLIVUE FALCONS

Coach: Ernesto Soto, second year

Last year: 7-11-1, 3-8-0 5A SIC

Returning all-conference:Irvin Angulo, sr., F (honorable mention).

Breakdown: The Falcons started last season 5-1-1 before losing 10-of-12. But with nine returning starters from 2014, including Angulo (14 goals, nine assists), Soto believes his players are more comfortable and have cleared the mental hurdle to contend in the 5A SIC. “We started changing the mentality last year, and this year we'll need to continue on changing that,” Soto said.