The 2021 high school boys soccer season gets underway this week for teams across the state. After last year’s canceled season, there’s more anticipation than ever to get the season going. To prepare fans for the upcoming season, the Deseret News has put together capsules for every team in 6A. Every coach was invited to participate and submit information.
The region rankings are based on coaches’ preseason projections.
There are four new boys soccer coaches in 6A this year: Tyler Stockstill (Granger), Greggory Donohoo (West Jordan), Sean Terry (Copper Hills) and Justin Jahnke (Jordan).
Here are the 6A teams and players to watch this upcoming season.
Region 1
1. Weber Warriors
Head coach: Jan Swift
2019 record: 14-5-0 (third in Region 1 with an 8-4-0 record)
2019 postseason: Beat Copper Hills in 6A championship.
Additional info not provided.
2. Davis Darts
Head coach: Souli Phongsavath
2019 record: 12-2-3 (first in Region 1 with an 11-1-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Granger in 6A quarterfinals.
Returning contributors:
- Simon Jensen, F, Sr.
- Eliot Pehrson, MF, Jr.
- Stephen Seelos, MF, Sr.
- Nash Jensen, D, Jr.
- Talon Meyer, MF, So.
Coach comment
“We lost some talented players and are optimistic some of the younger ones can step in right away.”
3. Layton Lancers
Head coach: Rick Talamantez (27th year)
2019 record: 13-4-1 (second in Region 1 with a 9-3-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Pleasant Grove in 6A quarterfinals.
Returning contributors:
- Josh Robinson
- Marco Aguirre
- Matias Rodriguez
4. Fremont Silverwolves
Head coach: Fred Smith (ninth year)
2019 record: 6-11-1 (fifth in Region 1 with a 5-7 record)
2019 postseason: Missed playoffs.
Returning contributors:
- Naime Odel, MF, So.
- Eijah Taylor, F, Sr.
- Cannon Erwin, D, Sr.
- Sam Batt, GK, Sr.
- Dax Iverson, D, So.
5. Syracuse Titans
Head coach: Taylor Allen (third season)
2019 record: 3-12-2 (seventh in Region 1 with a 1-10-1 record)
2019 postseason: Missed playoffs.
Returning contributors:
- Bennet Carlson, D, Jr.
- Hayden Poll, GK, Sr.
- Greyson Scales, D, Sr.
- Jacob Packer, D, Jr.
- Clark Teeples, D, Sr.
- Devin Bailey, D, Jr.
- Tracen Jacobs, M, Sr.
- James McFarland, M, Soph.
- Ryken Smith, M, Soph.
- Corbin Bodily, F, Jr.
Coach comment
“We are really excited about this upcoming year and this upcoming team. We have some incredible upperclassmen leaders and some great young guys, but we have a lot of returning talent for the first time in a long time here at Syracuse. Lots of boys who have played good varsity minutes and high-level club ball. The boys have been diligent during the offseason and we are just thrilled to finally be playing.”
6. Northridge Knights
Head coach: Rafael Guerrero (fifth year)
2019 record: 4-11-1 (sixth in Region 1 with a 3-8-1 record)
2019 postseason: Missed playoffs.
Returning contributors:
- Logan Smith
- Tyler Rommlitz
- Cameron Morrell
- Connor Williams
- Gaven Nelson
Coach comment
“We have 12 returning players that are seniors and 15 juniors. We are very competitive team that prioritize technique over physicality. We are going to be unbeatable if we trust each other and learn to play together.”
7. Roy Royals
Head coach: Craig Charlesworth
2019 record: 10-7-1 (second in Region 5 with a 5-4-1 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Wasatch in 5A quarterfinals.
Additional info not provided.
8. Clearfield Falcons
Head coach: Jason Steiner
2019 record: 7-10-0 (fourth in Region 1 with a 5-7-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Copper Hills in 6A first round.
Additional info not provided.
Region 2
1. Granger Lancers
Head coach: Tyler Stockstill (first year)
2019 record: 10-6-2 (third in Region 2 with a 4-4-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Copper Hills in 6A semifinals.
Returning contributors:
- Salvador Colorado, F, Sr.
- Ryan Soto, M, Sr.
- Jesus Arellano, C, Sr.
- Diego Fuentes, C, Sr.
- Jacob Hall, C, Sr.
Coach comment
“This group of seniors has been forced to deal with adversity over the past couple seasons with coaching changes and a shortened season due to COVID-19. Our staff is focused on leveraging that grit and determination to fuel our performance throughout the season. Additionally, we have challenged the whole team with building a winning culture on the field and in the classroom and leaving the boys soccer program in a better place than it was when they arrived. Together with the support of the Granger administration and faculty and the experience of our coaching staff, we are committed to empowering our student-athletes to reach their goals.”
2. Hunter Wolverines
Head coach: Brett Solberg
2019 record: 7-7-4 (fourth in Region 2 with a 3-4-1 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Pleasant Grove in 6A first round.
Returning contributors:
- Brandon Lim, D, Sr.
- Luis Loza, GK, Sr.
- Bryan Aguilar, MF, Jr.
- Alejandro Rauda, MF, Jr.
Coach comment
“After having our tender hearts put in a blender and turned into an oblivion last year, we are just grateful to be able to play.”
3. Taylorsville Warriors
Head coach: George Sirstins
2019 record: 4-7-3 (third in Region 3 with a 3-4-1 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Layton in 6A first round.
Additional info not provided.
4. Cyprus Pirates
Head coach: Luis De La Cruz (second year)
2019 record: 9-3-5 (first in Region 2 with a 5-1-2 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Weber in 6A quarterfinals.
Returning contributors:
- Mahonri Xochipa, CB, Sr.
- Michael Martinez, M, Sr.
- Alex Ortiz, M, Sr.
- Cristian Real, M, Sr.
- Jose Gomez, D, Sr.
- Jair Ortiz, F, Sr.
Coach comment
“The Cyprus High School boys soccer team is excited to get back on the field and represent our school and community. We recognize the efforts of our administration to help us stay safe and play ‘the beautiful game.’ We look forward to region play and competing against strong opposition.”
5. West Jordan Jaguars
Head coach: Greggory Donohoo (first year)
2019 record: 5-8-0 (fifth in Region 3 with a 2-6-0 record)
2019 postseason: Missed playoffs.
Returning contributors:
- Brian Miranda
- Christian Munoz
- Deon Ascencio-Martinez
- Diego Gonzales Garcia
- Ismael Antonio Arbizu
Coach comment
“West Jordan High has a powerhouse roster of seniors this year followed by a pack of hungry juniors stealing minutes by forcing my hand. This is going to be an exciting year.”
6. Kearns Cougars
Head coach: Raul Cavazos
2019 record: 5-9-0 (fifth in Region 2 with a 1-7-0 record)
2019 postseason: Missed playoffs.
Additional info not provided.
Region 3
1. Herriman Mustangs
Head coach: Ryan Mitchell (11th year)
2019 record: 9-7-1 (5-2-1 in Region 3 with a 5-2-1 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Weber in 6A first round.
Additional info not provided.
2. Bingham Miners
Head coach: Leo Gonzalez (fourth year)
2019 record: 7-4-3 (second in Region 4 with a 7-3-2 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Granger in 6A first round.
Returning contributors:
- Kalob Timothy, M, Sr.
- Oliver Palafox, M, Sr.
- Josh Hair, CB, Sr.
- Eduardo Lopez, F, Sr.
- Zack Rosqvist, CB, Sr.
- Zack Sprunt, M, Sr.
- Ian Stutz, F/M, Sr.
- Parker Gurr, M/GK, Sr.
- Kevin Jones, F, Sr.
- Brennan Leonard, RB, Sr.
Coach comment
“Bingham is looking forward to the upcoming season especially after the cancellation of the 2020 soccer season. The boys are excited to see how our squad plays and we are hopeful to achieve our goals. We are also excited to play for the first time in this region with high-quality teams and outstanding talent.”
3. Riverton Silverwolves
Head coach: Paul Moizer (20th year)
2019 record: 6-8-3 (fourth in Region 3 with a 2-4-2 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Davis in 6A first round.
Returning contributors:
- Dalton Churilla, F, Sr.
- Weston Daw, W, Sr.
- Nate Smart, CB, Sr.
Coach comment
“This year will be interesting because there are so many unknowns. Because we didn’t finish the season last year, there are a whole group of players that haven’t played much varsity, that will be called on to start this year. I think we have a solid group and should be competitive if we gel and play hard as a team.”
4. Jordan Beetdiggers
Head coach: Justin Jahnke (first year)
2019 record: 7-9-2 (fourth in Region 7 with a 4-6-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Skyridge in 5A quarterfinals.
Returning contributors:
- Cole Kartchner, F, Sr.
- Wuilmer Garcia Fuentes, M/F, Sr.
- Jonah Knubel, M, Jr.
- Carson Culberson, D/M, Sr.
- Isaac Baker, GK, Sr.
Coach comment
“At Jordan High, we’ve been training this offseason like we have something to prove. From my few years coaching here as an assistant, it seems like we at Jordan are often overlooked, and instead of using that to our advantage, we’ve got hurt feelings about it. We will be playing with a chip on our shoulder this year. We will be building our program stronger, together.”
5. Copper Hills Grizzlies
Head coach: Sean Terry (first year)
2019 record: 15-5-0 (third in Region 3 with a 6-2-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Weber in 6A championship.
Returning contributors:
- Max Gutierrez, Winger, Jr.
- Enoc Figueroa, AM, Jr.
- Angel Cruz, AM, Sr.
- Cole Spencer, HM, Sr.
- Mark Martinez, CB, Jr.
Coach comment
“We are a young team this year but we have a lot of talented players. With the style of soccer we want to play, I believe we can be very successful this year.”
6. West Panthers
Head coach: Kris Hamlet
2019 record: 8-7-2 (second in Region 6 with a 6-4-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Brighton in 5A quarterfinals.
Returning contributors:
- Yahir Estada, Def., Sr.
- Walter Damian Flores, MF, Sr.
- Gerardo Gejar, GK, Sr.
Coach comment
“West will rely on a core group of seniors to be competitive in a very tough Region 3. The 2020 year did not allow for many players to gain valuable varsity experience. This season will require that the team come together quickly to gain a lot of that needed experience on the field.”
Region 4
1. Westlake Thunder
Head coach: Don Bastian
2019 record: 8-7-2 (fourth in Region 4 with a 5-6-1 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Cyprus in 6A first round.
Returning contributors:
- Landon Huebner, MF
- Braxton Bergholm, MF
- Parker Allen, GK
2. American Fork Cavemen
Head coach: Casey Waldron
2019 record: 2-11-3 (fifth in Region 4 with a 1-10-1 record)
2019 postseason: Missed playoffs.
Additional info not provided.
3. Skyridge Falcons
Head coach: Jerry Preisendorf (sixth year)
2019 record: 12-3-4 (second in Region 8 with a 7-2-1 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Brighton in 5A semifinals.
Returning contributors:
- Austin Wallace, M/F, Sr.
- Ian Nielson, M/D, Sr.
- Seth James, D, Sr.
- Nic Saunders, F, Sr.
Coach comment
“With not having a season last year, I believe the state is wide open, and it is anyone’s championship to grab. I like our squad, we are going to be young, but I believe we have the leaders it takes to get the job done. Our seniors that were here as sophomores and made it to the final four know what it takes, and they will be able to bring them along. Our squad is deep, and only time will tell, but I love our chances.”
4. Lone Peak Knights
Head coach: Mark Graham (sixth year)
2019 record: 7-9-2 (third in Region 4 with a 5-5-2 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Copper Hills in 6A quarterfinals.
Returning contributors:
- Soren Dahl, D, Sr.
- Reed Dayton, D, Sr.
- Jaret Bromley, D, Sr.
- Isaac Price, M, Jr.
- Spencer Brown, F, Jr.
Coach comment
“We expect to win a lot of games, and we expect every team we play to be very talented and well coached. From freshmen to seniors, Lone Peak has quality players who will compete at a high level.”
5. Pleasant Grove Vikings
Head coach: Chris Ecalono (10th year)
2019 record: 14-4-1 (first in Region 4 with a 9-3-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Weber in 6A semifinals.
Returning contributors:
- Mark Bigelow, GK, Sr.
- Luc Holdaway, CB, Sr.
- Conner Rice, WB, Sr.
- Trenton Richardson, F, Jr.
- Oscar Ortiz, D/F, Sr.
- Clayton Ecalono, M, Jr.
- Cole Memmott, M, Jr.
- Jonah Hubert, M/D, Jr.
- Jake Steggell, D, Soph.
Coach comment
“We are just excited to play. With last season wiped out we only are returning one varsity player from 2019. We are a well-balanced team with well-rounded seniors, a solid group of juniors and a few underclassmen who will contribute. We are looking forward to the season.”
6. Corner Canyon Chargers
Head coach: Drew Van Wagenen
2019 record: 7-9-1 (third in Region 7 with a 5-5-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Roy in 5A first round.
Additional info not provided.