The boys soccer season started Dec. 2. The Surprise Independent asked the local coaches for their outlook on the season.

DESERT EDGE SCORPIONS

5A Desert West Region

2024-25 Record: 8-9-2 overall, 1-4-1 region

Coach: Michael Handel (seventh season as Shadow Ridge coach)

Top Returnees: MF Matthew Casillas, Sr., (two goals, two assists); S Anthony Guzman, Sr., (two goals).

How many years have you coached soccer? I have coached soccer for four years. This is my second year as the head coach at Desert Edge.

What is your team’s best attribute entering this season? Our balance. We have an older group of defenders, and a lot of youth but talent in the midfield and up top.

What will your team need to improve for the season to be a success? We are on the right track-but just cleaning up some sloppy mistakes from game to game. The most consistent teams are always the ones who make it far in the postseason or make it to the postseason. 

Who are your team leaders? Senior Anthony Guzman, senior Abraham Mendoza, and sophomore Colton Welsh.

Who are newcomers to the varsity squad who could make an impact? Sophomore Macinatus Tewom-a really good striker who has already scored a few goals. Also have some young freshmen and sophomores (Angel Botello, Colton Welsh, Jackson Rogers, Sungula Wilondja and Leo Velasco) who have been great so far.

What are some of the more anticipated games on your schedule? There are a ton of big games to come, but Verrado and Canyon View. Close proximity and our main rivals from a year to year basis in most sports

ESTRELLA FOOTHILLS WOLVES

4A West Valley Region

2024-25 Record: 4-8 overall, 1-4 region

Coach: Roger Denman (fourth season as Estrella Foothills coach)

Top Returnee: F Alan Cabrera-Rosas, Jr., (three gpals, eight assists).

How many years have you coached soccer? Eight  years at EFHS. fourth year as varsity head coach.

What is your team’s best attribute entering this season? Team unity is something we’re working on. 

What will your team need to improve for the season to be a success? Team unity is something we’re working on. 

Who are your team leaders? Our team leaders are: (junior) JanCarlo Serrano, (junior) Alan Urbano Rosas and (senior) Jacob Maznio,

Who are newcomers to the varsity squad who could make an impact? (Freshman) Jaden Lopez, (sophomore) Cruz Cazares and  (senior) Alex Garcia

What are some of the more anticipated games on your schedule? Our game with Youngker tonight is our derby and always a battle. All of our regional games are highly contested in particular when we play Agua Fria which is our other derby. 

PARADISE HONORS PANTHERS

4A Skyline Region

2024-25 Record: 14-3 overall, 5-0 region (4A play-in)

Coach: Marcia Johnson (eighth season as Paradise Honors coach)

Top Returnee: D Ryan Ljungstrom, Soph., (three assists, 15 steals).

How many years have you coached soccer? I have coached 10 year and am starting my eighth year at Paradise Honors.

What is your team’s best attribute entering this season? Speed, we have a lot of speed this year.

What will your team need to improve for the season to be a success? We have 13 underclassmen on varsity. We are in a building year after graduating 12 seniors last year. Size will be an issue for us, but our speed of play will help.

Who are your team leaders? Ryan Ljungstrom, Darrien Evans, Parker Brown and Owen Berry

Who are newcomers to the varsity squad who could make an impact? Freshman Jackson Littrell is able to maintain control of the ball and distribute it even when surrounded by multiple players from the other team. He reads plays well and steps up to intercept passes.

What are some of the more anticipated games on your schedule? It is really hard to say. Dysart is always our friendly rival and I truly enjoy hanging with Coach Partida at the game. This year we are hoping to finally be successful over Dysart!

SHADOW RIDGE STALLIONS

6A West Valley Region

2024-25 Record: 18-6-2 overall, 4-0 region (6A state champions)

Coach: Andrew Engwall (seventh season as Shadow Ridge coach)

Top Returnees: MF Alejandro Avelar, Sr., (three goals, two assists); MF Trenton Strong, Jr., (one goal, one assist).

How many years have you coached soccer? 16 years, and seven years at Shadow Ridge.

What is your team’s best attribute entering this season? Too early to determine.

What will your team need to improve for the season to be a success? The team needs to improve their work ethic and taking pride in playing fundamentally sound football.

Who are your team leaders? Keanu Alvarado, Zyaire Harris and Trent Strong.

Who are newcomers to the varsity squad who could make an impact? Zyaire Harris and Davin Burleson .

What are some of the more anticipated games on your schedule? Brophy, Desert Vista, Tolleson and Apollo.