Preps

Hillsborough: Soccer preview

By JOEY KNIGHT, Times Staff Writer
Published October 29, 2007

Starting today, football and futbol collide on the local sports calendar. Soccer season, it seems, waits for nothing or no one, not even the arrival of cool weather. Therefore, neither will we. With the girls' regular season beginning today (and the boys' season starting next week), we offer our 2007-08 projections of the best talent, teams and tournaments in Hillsborough County.

Top five boys teams

(in alphabetical order)

Alonso

Ravens return top scorer and keeper from 6A state tourney squad.

Offensive catalyst: F Julio Perez, Sr.25 goals last season.

Defensive stalwart:GK Nick Hall, Sr.Goals-against average below 1.00 in 2006-07.

Gaither

If freshman goalkeeper pans out, Cowboys will be district contender.

Offensive catalyst: F Brendan Howard, Sr.Gaither's single-season scoring champ.

Defensive stalwart: D Steven Tobon, Sr.His unit allowed no more than a goal in 16 games last season.

Jesuit

Three sophomores started on last season's state tourney team - and it could've been four.

Offensive catalyst: F Arthur Biel, Sr.Coming off a 19-goal season.

Defensive stalwart: D James Crater, Jr.Also tallied six goals last season.

Tampa Prep

2A state champs return seven starters.

Offensive catalyst: F Ryan Griffin, Sr.34 goals, 39 assists last season.

Defensive stalwart: GK Brad Sienkiewicz, Sr.Didn't allow a goal in 2007 state playoffs.

Wharton

Center of their field graduated, but Wildcats return seven other starters.

Offensive catalyst: F Ryan Asare-Bediako, Sr. More than 20 goals last season.

Defensive stalwart: D Alex Bartholomew, Sr.His presence will be needed while offense jells.

Top five girls teams

(in alphabetical order)

Bloomingdale

"Rebuilding" Bulls won't slip that much.

Offensive catalyst: F/MF Jordan Johnson, So.Actually, she might play some defense, too.

Defensive stalwart: GK Christina Coca, Jr.Held Newsome to one regulation goal in last two meetings of last season.

East Bay

Nine starters return from 15-2-2 playoff team.

Offensive catalyst: F Julie Rolfe, Sr.13 goals, five assists last season.

Defensive stalwart: D Rachel Sandora, Sr.Sweeper is skillful in air and on ground.

Freedom

Top three scorers are back.

Offensive catalyst: F/MF Monique Lamotte, Jr.Three multigoal games last season.

Defensive stalwart: F Sarah Cardozo, Sr.Patriots' most versatile player is also the football team's kicker.

Newsome

5A state semifinalists return almost everyone - except coach.

Offensive catalyst: F Megan Foley, Sr.14 goals, 13 assists last season.

Defensive stalwart: GK Kendall Graham, Jr.0.67 goal-against average in 2006-07.

Tampa Prep

Taylor Richardson, Paige Goodwin form solid 1-2 scoring punch.

Offensive catalyst: MF Taylor Richardson, Jr.Second on team in goals and assists in 2006-07.

Defensive stalwart:D Carrie Field, Sr.Scores and assists from back line.e_SClBFamiliar names, fresh hires

(Some of the new coaches in the county)

John Matin

Hillsborough girls

A former international player, Matin previously coached girls teams at three schools, leading Lake Gibson to the Class 4A tournament in 1999. He says the Brazilian style he's teaching (think West Coast offense in shorts and shin guards) has been a tough transition for the Terriers, a 5A playoff team last season.

George and Danielle Fotopoulos

Gaither girls

A former Tampa and LSU coach, George will be assisted by wife Danielle, whose playing resume includes a national title (at Florida), the NCAA's all-time scoring record, and roster spot on the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup title team.

Ronnie Lewis

Newsome boys

Played for current Alonso coach Ray DiPompo at Leto.

Kelly Townsend

Newsome girls

Wolves assistant replaces Kathy Dodd, who resigned last spring to return to school.

Top tournaments

Tampa Prep Challenge Cup (boys)

When/where: Nov. 23-24, Tampa Prep campus

Quality prevails over quantity in this four-team, two-day event. Defending Class 2A state champ Tampa Prep will be joined by 6A state semifinalist Alonso, 2A state semifinalist Orangewood Christian and 3A state finalist Clearwater Central Catholic.

Wharton Invitational (boys)

When/where: Nov. 6-10, Brandon and Wharton

The field has doubled, from six to 12 Hillsborough teams, in what slowly is evolving into the de facto county championship. Games will be held at both sites Nov. 6-8. The title game will be at Wharton on Nov. 10 at 6:30 p.m.

Admiral High School Invitational (boys)

When/where: Jan. 2-5, Ed Radice SportsComplex

Call this the tournament "formerly known" as the Admiral Invitational; organizer Bob Bauman says the event is seeking a new sponsor. He's also seeking a few more teams to fill out the 32-squad field. Unlike past years, schools from California won't be in the field because that state has its district playoffs the first week of January.

[Last modified October 29, 2007, 00:23:38]