AnnArbor.com's eighth of 10 fall sports previews takes a look at Washtnaw County's boys soccer teams.

Eric Brody-Moore (jr., M), Skyline: Brody-Moore scored a team-high 13 goals to go along with 10 assists last season for the young Eagles.

Mohamed Kaba (sr., M), Lincoln: Kaba not only helped lead the Lincoln defense to nine shutouts last year, he also chipped in a hefty 11 goals and 10 assists. Over the summer, Kaba played on U-18 Vardar Academy team that won the club national championship.

Mike Kaminski (sr., D), Saline: The senior serves as a defensive anchor for the Hornets, who allowed less than a goal per game last year. Kaminski also scored 10 goals and was named All-SEC Red and was an All-State honorable mention.

Kyle Karagitz (sr., GK), Dexter: The senior had a goals-against average of less than one per game in 2009 and was part of 11 team shutouts (two shared). Karagitz was first team All- SEC White and second team All-State.

Justin Ritchey (sr., M), Lincoln: Ritchey had 11 goals and 10 assists for the Railsplitters last season and was an All-SEC White first team honoree.

CALVARY CHRISTIAN COUGARS After a four-win season in 2009, Calvary Christian is hoping to move its record closer to the .500 mark, led by seniors Chris Sonnenberg and Ben Mark.

Co-coaches: Ben Cantrell and Mark Meredith (1st year) Last season: The Cougars finished 4-14-1, including 4-9-1 in league play. In the playoffs, they were knocked out of the first round by Adrian Lenawee Christian. Key returners: Ben Mark (sr., D), Chris Sonnenberg (sr., F). Key newcomers: Kenny Warren (8th, GK). Strength: Midfield play. Weakness: Lack of upperclassmen and experience. Outlook: The Cougars’ lack of experience and depth will make improvement a formidable task. Coach Ben Cantrell says: “It’s going to be a rebuilding year, so we’re going to be focusing on developing our core of upcoming players.”

CHELSEA BULLDOGS Led by All-SEC White midfielder/forward Patrick Roberts, the Bulldogs will be aiming to climb back up the SEC ranks. After finishing on the low end of the totem pole last season, Chelsea and second-year coach Shawn Hayes are on a mission to stay in the win column.

Coach: Shawn Hayes (2nd year) Last season: The Bulldogs had an up and down year, finishing 7-15-2 with a 3-6-1 SEC mark. Key returners: Bobby Beneteau (sr., GK), Charlie McCalla (sr., D), Patrick Roberts (sr., M/F). Key newcomers: Vincent Kause (jr.), Bourke Lodewyk (jr.), Cole Mauti (jr.). Strength: Experience. Chelsea returns eight lettermen, including three starters. Weakness: Confidence. The Bulldogs are hoping to shake off last season’s sub-par year. Outlook: Chelsea is primed to get back above the .500 mark. A lot of that will depend on whether the Bulldogs’ incoming core can contribute. Coach Shawn Hayes says: “We’ll be young and energetic and have a very talented bunch of young blood entering the program and varsity team this year.”

DEXTER DREADNAUGHTS Dexter lost its leading scorers, Jonathan Jebson (21 goals) and Ethan Rickelmann (13 goals), but the defending SEC White champs bring back a load of experience, led by goalkeeper Kyle Karagitz, an All-State second team selection last fall. In six years under coach Scott Forrester, Dexter has elevated to a perennial state contender. This year will be a test of the program’s foundation as the Dreadnaughts graduated its individual stars and will need role players to step up.

Coach: Scott Forrester (7th year) Last season: The Dreadnaughts posted a 17-5-4 record, won the SEC White and a district title. Key returners: Sam Justice (sr., M), Kyle Karagitz (sr., GK), Ian St. Pierre (jr., F), Dylan Polley (sr., M). Key newcomers: Tony Pisto (fr., D). Strength: Team chemistry and depth. Weakness: Lack of returning offense. With their two leading scorers gone, Dexter needs players to fill that void. Outlook: Dexter has built itself into an SEC White powerhouse and Forrester will have them ready for postseason play, as always. Coach Scott Forrester says: “In years past we’ve had great individual players. This year we have a couple really solid players and others that are real good role players. I think everyone is more aware of the little things.”

FATHER GABRIEL RICHARD FIGHTING IRISH The Fighting Irish lost last year’s leading scorer, Michael Tabers (29 goals, 13 assists), but bring back pivotal seniors such as Matt Barera, who was All-State honorable mention last fall. The seniors will be trying to lead Gabriel Richard to a fifth straight Catholic League division title.

Coach: Mike Mistaleski (6th year) Last season: 15-4-1 record, Catholic League AA Division co-champions. Key returners: Matt Barera (sr., D/F), Sean Purcell (sr., M), William Schork (sr., M). Key newcomers: Bryce Williams (fr.). Strength: Senior leadership. The aforementioned trio will guide the team, says Mistaleski. Weakness: Lack of playing schools the same size. Gabriel Richard, a Division 3 program, has a tough schedule with a bevy of Division 1 and 2 schools. Outlook: The Irish are eyeing their fifth straight Catholic League division title, and are hoping to make a push back to the district finals. Coach Mike Mistaleski says: “Because of the strength of our schedule, we should be able to make quite a run for states. What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger.”

GREENHILLS GRYPHONS With the departure of last year’s AnnArbor.com Soccer Player of the Year, Peter Jacobson, not to mention first-team All-State honoree Rob Dolot, the Gryphons have some big shoes to fill. Boding well for Greenhills is the return of 12 players from last year’s team that made it all the way to the Division 4 state title game.

Coach: Lucian Popescu (1st year) Last season: Division 4 state runners up. Key returners: Al Braun (sr., M), Pat Duggan (sr., F), Andrew Garton (sr., M), Curtis Hiesel (sr., M). Key newcomers: Xander Johnson (jr., D), David Vorva (so., D), Aaron Williams (so., M), Kyle Wozniak (sr., GK), Matt Young (sr., F). Strength: Depth. Coach Popescu expects heavy contributions from his newcomers. Weakness: Midfield play. Greenhills is looking to find chemistry between the wing midfield and center midfield. Outlook: Returning 12 players from last year, Greenhills should maintain a strong core that will be a tough opponent for any team. Coach Lucian Popescu says: “I would like to create a system and a style of play that would allow us to play the game the way it’s supposed to be played. And focus on wining at all costs.”

HURON RIVER RATS Reese Richardson, AnnArbor.com’s reigning Boys Soccer Coach of the Year while at Greenhills, takes over a finely-tuned Huron program. The River Rats are coming off an SEC Red championship and a district title, ousting rivals Saline and Pioneer along the way. Huron is well aware the Pioneers and Hornets will be nipping at their heels once again.

Coach: Reese Richardson (1st year) Last season: 13-2-1, SEC Red champions, district champions. Key returners: Jesse Buchsbaum (sr., F), Jeff Camalo (sr., M), Marcus Spivey (sr., D), Grant Steinhauser (sr., D), Steve Weidenbach (sr., M), Matt Ybarra (sr., M). Key newcomers: Justin Cohen (so., D), Peter Ehrenberger (so., D), Drew Shepperd (so., GK). Strength: Huron touts experience across the board, a collection of players that is accustomed to winning. Weakness: The River Rats are fairly green in the backfield. Outlook: Huron has its eyes on repeating as district champions. Coach Reese Richardson says: “Our plan is to take it one game at a time and not try to figure everything out at once. We want to continue our winning tradition while creating some new successes at the same time.”

LINCOLN RAILSPLITTERS The Railsplitters field seven of their starters from a year ago, including the three midfielders who played a pivotal role in Lincolns’ 10-4-4 record. Lincoln is shooting to improve upon that mark and secure a league title.

Coach: Bob Stowe (9th year) Last season: 10-4-4, second in the SEC White. Key returners: Mohammed Kaba (sr. M), Jeremy Ritchey (jr. GK), Justin Ritchey (sr. M), Connor Smith (sr. M). Key newcomers: Thomas Henry (so.), Will Peet (jr.), Michael Winters (fr.), Joel Yankey (jr.). Strength: Experience and leadership. Weakness: Despite a starting group full of veterans, the Railsplitters have a thin, inexperienced bench. Outlook: If Lincoln’s bench develops and its starters pick up from where they left off in 2009, the Railsplitters should be in the hunt for the SEC White crown and make a push in districts. Coach Bob Stowe says: “The goal and objective is to win the SEC White Division and to move further in districts (than last season).”

MILAN BIG REDS The Big Reds have the tools, they just need to put them to good use, says first-year coach Simon Evans. After a rough 2009, Milan is looking to retool, regroup, and find the win column. The Big Reds will be led by seniors Michael Ketola and Mark McCrae, who were named All-Washtenaw County honorable mention last year.

Coach: Simon Evans (1st year) Key returners: Tyler Allum (jr., M), Alex Braham (sr., D), Steven Jones (sr., D), Michael Ketola (sr., F), Matt Machlachlan (jr., F/M), Mark McCrae (sr., M). Key newcomers: Raden Ford (jr., D), Dillon LaChance (sr., M). Strength: Evans sees his team as a strong group of seniors and juniors that have logged in many years playing together. Weakness: Coming off an unsuccessful 2009, the Big Reds are in need of regaining their confidence. Outlook: Milan should benefit from its bulk of seniors leading the way. Coach Simon Evans says: “I expect that this group will come together well and form a cohesive team that will enjoy significantly more success than last season.”

PIONEER PIONEERS Pioneer graduated a lot of talent from last year’s squad, but it has established itself as a program with players patiently waiting in the wings to step in. Coach Lumumba Shabazz is confident in his team’s ability to put the pieces together come playoff time, even if there are some bumps along the way.

Coach: Lumumba Shabazz (3rd year) Last season: 8-8-4, third in the SEC Red. Key returners: Adam Carn-Saferstein (jr., M); Liam McGeehee (sr., F), Damian McGlothlin (sr., F), Caio Orofino (sr. D), Andrew Sin (sr., M), David William (sr., M). Key newcomers: Too soon to say. Strength: Experience, playing- and coaching-wise. This is Pioneer’s third season under Shabazz and his consistent staff. Pioneer is heavy in upperclassmen that helped the team get to the district finals a year ago. Weakness: For now, Huron has the mental edge over Pioneer after knocking them out of districts last season. However, that could all change in the team’s first showdown. Outlook: Pioneer is primed to find itself back in the district title game, possibly against its rival Huron once again. The Pioneers should hover over .500 mark this fall and make a run for the SEC title alongside Huron and Saline. Coach Lumumba Shabazz says: “There are a lot of good teams out there and we simply want to play to our potential. If we do that, we would be satisfied with wherever we end up.”

SALINE HORNETS Last fall was the first time in seven years that the Hornets didn’t advance to a district title game. Saline is hungry to turn the tables and march back into the district finals and vie for another SEC Red championship along the way.

Coach: Brian Lampman (11th year) Last season: 13-4-3, second in SEC Red. Key returners: Stephen Junga (sr., F), Mike Kaminski (sr., D), Eric Williams (jr., D). Key newcomers: Too soon to say. Strength: Motivation. After last season’s early exit from the playoffs, Saline has extra motivation to make a statement this year. Weakness: Proven underclassmen. The Hornets will need newcomers to step up to maintain its spot atop the SEC. Outlook: Saline has the makeup to contend with Huron for another league title. If the Hornets keep their momentum, they could find themselves back in the comfort of the district finals. Coach Brian Lampman says: “There is tremendous competition in the SEC, but I like our chances if we are able to stay healthy and focused. This team is driven to climb back to the top of the mountain.”

SKYLINE EAGLES The Eagles enter their first season as a varsity program with hopeful pieces in place. Led by returning juniors Eric Brody-Moore and Jeff Robbins, who combined for 25 goals and 20 assists on last year’s junior varsity team, Skyline is looking to make its mark on the SEC.

Coach: Chris Morgan (3rd year) Last season: Skyline finished with an 11-3-3 overall record, playing a myriad of JV and varsity teams. Skyline lost in the district semifinals to Dexter. Key returners: Eric Brody-Moore (jr., M), Peter Bakker (so., D), Jackson Greenstone (jr., F), Sam Keller (so., D), Jeff Robbins (jr., M). Key newcomers: Josh Carn-Saferstein (fr., F/M). Strength: The Eagles tout a lot of young talent that is looking to prove itself. Weakness: The team has never been fully tested in year-round varsity play. Outlook: Skyline should be turning heads as the season progresses. Whether it has the extra gear to compete in the playoffs remains to be seen. Coach Chris Morgan says: “It is our goal to improve with each game and come together in time for the districts. Our expectations are high for the program. Hopefully the boys will rise up to meet them.”

WASHTENAW CHRISTIAN WILDCATS The Wildcats have big shoes to fill this season, having lost 33 goals and 15 assists from Mason Dulling. Washtenaw Christian, with its light numbers, seems to be in a constant state of rebuilding. The Wildcats will often play with no subs and sometimes even short-handed.

Coach: Ross Gordon (6th year) Last season: 9-5-2. Key returners: Mathias Donat (so., M), Nathan Kircher (jr., GK), Kevin Stout (sr., M). Key newcomers: Josiah Donat (fr., F), James Pipe (fr., D). Strength: Work ethic. Weakness: Size and lack of upperclassmen. The Wildcats don’t have the type of numbers the majority of their opponents will have. Outlook: Washtenaw Christian will need to find consistent goal scorers to fill the void left by Dulling and maintain a winning record. Coach Ross Gordon says: “We’re looking towards gritting out a winning season where we will always be shorthanded and undersized. We’re working to take advantage of our players’ skills and soccer intelligence.”

YPSILANTI PHOENIX First-year coach Terry Collins, who’s been coaching soccer since 1973, is trying to turn around the Phoenix program. Ypsilanti is constantly battling low numbers and is currently a step below its SEC competition. Having a coach willing to stick around and establish the program through the tough years will have to happen before the Phoenix will be able to contend with the class of the league.

Coach: Terry Collins (1st year) Last season: The Phoenix finished with seven total wins, just one in SEC play. Key returners: Daouda Conde (sr., M), Youtonah Duagbon (so., M), Jacob Herring (jr., D), Darwin Medrano (jr., M), Kevin Wu (jr., GK). Key newcomers: Too soon to say. Strength: Technical skills. Weakness: Lack of experienced goal scorers. Outlook: Ypsilanti is shooting to rise above the .500 mark and surprise some teams in the SEC. Coach Terry Collins says: “We’re trying to get back to playing the game the way it should be. They’re getting back to playing soccer as a team.”