Metro League Soccer Preview

ROOSEVELT

-- COACH - Joel Watters (120-15-15), ninth season. -- 1991 RECORD - 10-4-3. -- PLAYERS TO WATCH - D Tommy Hardy, Jr.; D Viet Tran, Sr.; F Aaron Spiro, Jr.; D Luis Bowden, Sr.; MF Carlo Furlan, Jr.; MF Richie Sclafani, Sr.; MF Brent O'Neil, Jr.; MF Nikolas Bertulis, Jr.; F Neal Parry, Jr.; F Gary Winberg, Sr.; F Carlos Bowden, Sr.; F Adam Silver, Sr.; D Chris Andrews, Sr.; MF Mike Berg, Sr.; GK Matt Armstrong, Jr. -- OUTLOOK - Last year was the first since 1985 that Roosevelt didn't go to state. This year's team has the talent and depth to win a league title. The defense is loaded, the goalkeeper is proven and the 'Riders have good leadership in the midfield (Berg). Forwards are experienced. Will be tough to catch.

SEATTLE PREP

-- COACH - Dick Sandstrom (120-82-49), 17th season. -- 1991 RECORD - 10-1-4. -- PLAYERS TO WATCH - GK Andy Klubberud, Sr.; MF Arne Klubberud, So.; MF Dilan MacHardy, Jr.; F Justin Keolker, So.; MF Scott McDonald, Sr.; D James Surapisichat, Jr.; D Rob Joynt, Jr.; MF Mark Wilson, Jr.; F Ben Gaffney, Sr.; F Erich Weiner, Sr.; D John Titus, Sr. -- OUTLOOK - All 11 starters have varsity experience. Four are all-league:MacHardy, Keolker and the Klubberud brothers. Last year, Prep's previously undefeated season ended with a shootout loss to Lakeside. The same basic group returns. Not a lot of depth, but talent and experience should take the Panthers far. Last year's loss should motivate Prep to win league title.

O'DEA

-- COACH - Pat Raney (277-52-35), 20th season. -- 1991 RECORD - 13-1-5. -- PLAYERS TO WATCH - GK Justin Mak, Sr.; MF Pat Lanphier, Jr.; MF Jed Laprade, Sr.; MF Mario Banchero, Sr.; MF Eric Foy, Sr.; D Steve Moriarty, Sr.; D Tico Sandoval, Sr.; GK Scott Burke, Jr.; MF Jacobi Goodfellow, Fr.; MF Sabry Tozin, Jr.; F Steve Bueno, Sr. -- OUTLOOK - The Irish lost some key players, but have enough talent returning (eight letter winners) to make a run at the title. Strength is at goalkeeper. Mak is a three-year player, backed up by Burke. Last year's team took eventual state champ Mount Rainier to double overtime before losing in the quarterfinals. Tradition and experience will overcome youth.

BLANCHET

-- COACH - Bobby McLaughlin (16-9-7), third season. -- 1991 RECORD - 11-2-3. -- PLAYERS TO WATCH - F Rob Felton, Sr.; MF Matt Huff, Jr.; MF Jeff Williams, Sr.; MF David Cutler, So.; F Colin Hopps, Jr.; D Brendyn Ryan, Sr.; GK Ryan Pack, Jr.; D Kyle Manning, So.; MF Ben Connors, Jr.; MF Chris Stewart, So.; MF Chris Merrin, Sr.; GK Jamie Monroe, Jr.; D Leo Machado, So.; F Robin Mervin, So.; D Tyler Sullivan, Sr.; F Andy Donaldson, Jr. -- OUTLOOK - Six starters return from last year's team, which beat Roosevelt for a spot in the state playoffs before losing 5-1 to Federal Way in first round. Four are all-leaguers: Felton, Huff, Williams and Cutler. Addition of O'Dea, Prep and Lakeside to league will give Blanchet a stiff test. Braves have the players and the coaching to contend for a league title.

LAKESIDE

-- COACH - Chuck Sekyra (40-10-4), fourth season. -- 1991 RECORD - 9-3-1. -- PLAYERS TO WATCH - D Greg Ostrander, Jr.; GK Krys Carithers, Jr.; F Dylan Ragozin, Jr.; MF Noah Marks, Jr.; MF John Keazey, So.; MF Dan Abelson, So.; D Tatum Nolan, Jr.; MF Britton Harriss, So.; F Terry Omata, Jr.; MF Ryan Daucherty, Fr.; D Brad Galvin, Fr.; D Matt Diggs, Fr.; F Chris Kennedy, Jr. -- OUTLOOK - The Lions have one of the youngest teams in the league, with no seniors and three freshmen starting. But Lakeside always comes up with a way to win. Last year it upended Seattle Prep to go to state, before losing to Mountlake Terrace in first round. Six starters return, including all-leaguer Ostrander. Lakeside will be a challenger, but will be tested by league's overall parity.

EASTSIDE CATHOLIC

-- COACH - Lauro Pizzuto, eighth season. -- 1991 RECORD - 9-5. -- PLAYERS TO WATCH - MF Jason Gardiner, Sr.; F John McMillen, Jr.; D Tyler Runnels, Jr.; D Sean Collins, Sr.; MF Jay Despard, So.; D Dana Forester, Jr.; MF Brian Osterbeck, Jr.; F Cory Pizzuto, Sr.; MF Steve Stecher, Jr.; MF Jeff Stevens, Jr.; GK Ben Taft, Jr.; MF Matt Wright, Jr. -- OUTLOOK - Three all-leaguers return: Gardiner, McMillen and Runnels. Crusaders have a dozen returning letter winners. Will be a good, upper-third team that will give the league's top teams a run for their money.

BALLARD

-- COACH - Ron Ottele, 18th season. -- 1991 RECORD - 10-4-2. -- PLAYERS TO WATCH - F Yury Silva, So.; F Miguel Barros, Jr.; MF Fernando DaCruz, Jr.; MF Sang Lam, Sr.; MF Fasil Teka, Jr.; MF Yared Abrahams, Sr.; MF Bee Ly, Jr.; D Josh Springer, So.; D Matt Bradley, Sr.; D Darshan Simowitz, Jr.; GK Jan Van Amerongen, So.; GK Mason Grantala, Sr. -- OUTLOOK - The Beavers continue their multi-national tradition. They lost their back line and their goalkeeper. Last year's team was the best of the Class AA public schools, losing to O'Dea in a shootout in the league playoffs. Cohesiveness of offense will determine success. A contender. Started season with a 2-1 loss to Blanchet. Look for the Beavers to be upset makers.

GARFIELD

-- COACH - Alex Zahajko, third season. -- 1991 RECORD - 7-3. -- PLAYERS TO WATCH - GK Dan Milgron, Sr.; D Sasha Radkin, Sr.; D Derek Longbrake, Sr.; D Eric Johnson, Sr.; Nathan Aladina, So.; MF Tommie Andrew, So.; MF Ian Stewart, Sr.; MF David Norris, Jr.; F Trevor Jackson, Jr.; MF Mark Hunter, Fr.; MF Andre Zahajko, Fr.; F Tyson Manzin, Jr.; F Eric Zaugg, Sr.; F Jason Nakaya, Sr.; GK Dathan Ladiak, So. -- OUTLOOK - Seven letter winners return to this pass-oriented team. Showed offensive capabilities with a 6-0 season-opening victory over Tyee. A more aggressive attack will keep the Bulldogs in the league's upper third. A contender.

WEST SEATTLE

-- COACH - Patrick Vaughan, seventh season. -- 1991 RECORD - 5-1-8. -- PLAYERS TO WATCH - F Ian Russell, Jr.; F Adrian Galaviz, So.; D Dean Schafer, Sr.; MF Jason Galaviz, Jr. -- OUTLOOK - Last year the Indians forged a defense, this year the offense has some punch. The Indians made a strong opening statement with a near-upset, losing 2-1 to Roosevelt. Russell and Adrian Galaviz have given the Indians a new look. West Seattle's quickness and pressure will give the rest of the league something to worry about.

RAINIER BEACH

-- COACH - Phil Brockman, eighth season. -- 1991 RECORD - 3-11. -- PLAYERS TO WATCH - D Lucas Hollingshed, Jr.; D Alec Munro, Jr.; MF Apollo Gamet, Jr.; MF Mike Graham-Squire, Sr.; F Mike Burgess, Sr.; F Jesus Flores, So.; F Mike Kim, Sr. -- OUTLOOK - If the Vikings can find an offensive groove, they will compete with most of the teams. Defense and middle are experienced. Forwards have a year under their belt. A drastic improvement is not likely.

HALE

-- COACH - William Gion, first season. -- 1991 RECORD - 2-14. -- PLAYERS TO WATCH - GK John McCullouch, Sr.; GK David Wertz, Jr.; MF Sophy Math, Jr.; MF Matt Blackmore, Jr.; F Emanuel Abraham, So.; F Michael Tewolde, Sr.; F Oscar David, Jr.; MF Akaika Hoke, Sr.; D Cuong Dang, Jr.; MF Brandon Carter, Sr.; D Brett Tucker, Sr.; MF Aran Dahl, Fr.; D Runi Narayanan, Jr.; MF Johnny Tann, So.; MF Kevin Fung, Fr.; D Kalil Oldhan, Fr.; MF Matty Manahan, So. -- OUTLOOK - Under leadership of Math, Tucker, Hoke, Carter and Tewolde, the Raiders should see an improvement. Discipline and conditioning have become a priority. Team has gone through four coaches in four years. Gion plans on "sticking around." Lost to O'Dea 4-0, a 10-goal improvement from last year's 14-0 rout. Lack of depth will make it tough for Hale.

CLEVELAND

-- COACH - Phil Blix, sixth season. -- 1991 RECORD - 6-7-3. -- PLAYERS TO WATCH - D Shafiq Ahmadi, Sr.; F Vinh Du, Sr.; MF Cuong Vo, Sr.; D Tien Vo, So.; D Felipe Montecinos, Sr.; MF Raingsey Lim, Sr.; D Jose Juarez, Jr.; F Dung Tong, So. -- OUTLOOK - A good group of rookies might nudge the Eagles over the .500 mark this season. Key positions are well manned. Turnout and optimism are up. Still a small team in a big league. Will be competitive, but will be hard pressed to break into the upper echelon.

CHIEF SEALTH

-- COACH - Roy Sinclair, fourth season. -- 1991 RECORD - 1-13. -- PLAYERS TO WATCH - GK Vuthy Rougen, Sr.; F Ryan Rudd, Sr.; MF Dave Mendoza, Jr.; MF Sabath Dam, Sr. -- OUTLOOK - Only three varsity players return. Team had to forfeit first game because of lack of eligible players. Rest of squad is young and inexperienced. Seahawks will have an even rougher time of winning than last year. League parity will keep scores closer.

FRANKLIN

-- COACH - Jesus Bautista, first season. -- 1991 RECORD - 1-1-12. -- PLAYERS TO WATCH - GK Jason Halstenrud, Jr.; F Andrew Bain, Jr.; D Todd Beeman, Jr.; MF Adam Graham, So.; MF Jeremy Foley, Sr.; F John Norris, Jr.; F Jason Forbes, Sr.; F Joel Abbott, Jr.; D Bun Huynh, Fr. -- OUTLOOK - Team learned its toughest lessons last year. Eight starters return. The added experience should help the Quakers compete with the middle-of-the-road teams. A drastic improvement is not likely. New coach, Bautista, coached the girls in the fall and made them more competitive.

INGRAHAM

-- COACH - Gale Phillips. -- 1991 RECORD - 1-10. -- PLAYERS TO WATCH - MF Dan Hagedorn, Sr.; GK Mark Fields, Fr.; F Erick Gay, Fr.; D Matt Johnson, So.; MF Nuno Luz, Fr.; F Hamid Mandani, Sr.; D Lex Saephan, Sr.; D Brian Smith, So.; D Brandon Thomas, So. -- OUTLOOK - Ingraham's move into the Class AA ranks probably won't provide any relief for the Rams, who are still working with inexperienced players. The Rams' first priority is to stay afloat.