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 5A. Every coach was invited to participate and submit information.
The region rankings are based on coaches’ preseason projections.
There are five new boys soccer coaches in 5A this year: Jim Combs (Olympus), Shaun Johnson (Mountain View), Joey Sandres (Orem), Kaiwi Chung-Hoon (Timpanogos) and Jayson Manzanares (Provo).
Here are the 5A teams and players to watch this upcoming season.
Region 5
1. Farmington Phoenix
Head coach: Aaron Soelberg (second year)
2019 record: 4-9-2 (fifth in Region 5 with a 4-5-1 record)
2019 postseason: Missed playoffs.
Returning contributors:
- Alex Judd, D, Sr
- Cameron Bingham, F, Jr.
- Spencer Wall, F/ M, Sr.
Coach comment
“This time last year we were left with some harsh feelings and memories. We are just so excited to be able to get out on the pitch and play. It seemed like this season would never come from last year. The boys have been working hard for this moment and are ready to kick this season off. What is nice about this year, unlike any other year, is that everyone is starting from the same spot, no preconceived notions of who is the best or who has what starters coming back. Everything is unknown and I like that.”
2. Box Elder Bees
Head coach: Kurt Jarman (second year)
2019 record: 8-8-2 (third in Region 5 with a 4-5-1 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Olympus in 5A quarterfinals.
Returning contributors:
- Reggie Greer, F, Sr.
- Tylon Phetsysouk, W, Jr.
- Keeton Lamb, GK, Sr.
- Skyler Stokes, C, Sr.
- Tyson Low, M, Jr.
Coach comment
“I really like the group of boys we have coming back this year. I am encouraged by their efforts and hunger to compete.”
3. Bonneville Lakers
Head coach: Jared Anderson
2019 record: 7-6-2 (fifth in Region 11 with a 6-5-1 record)
2019 postseason: Missed playoffs.
Additional info not provided.
4. Viewmont Vikings
Head coach: Spencer Keddington (sixth year)
2019 record: 10-2-4 (first in Region 5 with a 7-1-2 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Jordan in 5A first round.
Returning contributors:
- Brandon Wood, D, Sr.
- Ben Gladwell, F, Sr.
- Taison Yoshida, F, Sr.
Coach comment
“We have some really good returning talent with some experience, but not as much experience as we’re accustomed to. Hopefully we will learn to play hard and play together. If we learn how to do those two things, we should be able to compete in a competitive Region 5.”
5. Woods Cross Wildcats
Head coach: Ray Parkhurst (second year)
2019 record: 7-9-3 (fourth in Region 5 with a 4-5-1 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Brighton in 5A first round.
Additional info not provided.
6. Bountiful Braves
Head coach: Lou Plank
2019 record: 4-9-2 (sixth in Region 5 with a 3-7-0 record)
2019 postseason: Missed playoffs.
Additional info not provided.
Region 6
1. Brighton Bengals
Head coach: Brett Rosen (fourth year)
2019 record: 18-1-0 (first in Region 7 with a 9-1-0 record)
2019 postseason: Beat Olympus in 5A championship.
Returning contributors:
- Cameron Neeley, C, Sr.
- Joe Barlow, GK, Sr.
- Eliot Lewis, M, Sr.
- Devin Brog, M, Sr.
Coach comment
“After missing a year, we are excited to get back playing. We need to fill a lot of holes due to graduation but look forward to the challenge.”
2. Olympus Titans
Head coach: Jim Combs (first year)
2019 record: 15-3-2 (first in Region 6 with an 8-1-1 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Brighton in 5A championship.
Additional info not provided.
3. Skyline Eagles
Head coach: Shawn Kennedy
2019 record: 7-7-2 (fourth in Region 6 with a 5-5-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Wasatch in 5A first round.
Returning contributors:
- Ben Giles, M, Sr.
- Ben Howarth, M, Sr.
- Caden Kennedy, M, Sr.
- Seryu Kim, D, Sr.
- Riley Liston M/F, Sr.
Coach comment
“The 2020 team was devastated by the inability to play. We were able to go to tournament in St. George and came home 3-0. It was the only thing the boys would get from the season. It was very strong team packed with loads of senior talent. The boys were hoping to make it through to the finals ... but COVID-19 put an end to all those dreams. This year’s boys are excited to play. COVID-19 is still giving an unreasonable amount of time and safety measure just so they can play. It’s tough to practice, hear and get visual facial cues for how the boys are doing.”
4. East Leopards
Head coach: Rudy Schenck (15th year)
2019 record: 5-8-4 (third in Region 6 with a 5-4-1 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Skyridge in 5A first round.
Returning contributors:
- Jacob Vincent, F, Sr.
- Spencer Bell, GK, Jr.
- Bryson Harris, D, Sr.
- Carter Olson, F, Sr.
- Josh Bell, M, Sr.
Coach comment
“We will have a lot of seniors on the team this year, but given that last season was cut short, experience is missing. There will be some growing pains early, having to replace defenders, but our attack should be pretty good. Mostly just looking forward to getting on the pitch and playing a full season.”
5. Murray Spartans
Head coach: Bryan DeMann
2019 record: 5-8-3 (fifth in Region 6 with a 4-5-1 record)
2019 postseason: Missed playoffs.
Returning contributors:
- Brian Garcia, M, Sr.
- Dallin Mabey, M, Soph.
- Jonah Garcia, W, Jr.
- Tyler Anderson, D, Sr.
Coach comment
“After missing last season, the excitement for the opportunity to play again is high. It is fun to be around the enthusiasm to get back on the field.”
6. Hillcrest Huskies
Head coach: Brett Davis (14th year)
2019 record: 8-5-3 (second in Region 2 with a 5-2-1 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Lone Peak in 6A first round.
Returning contributors:
- Hillario Cruz
- Sebastian Gomez
- Nate Collard
- Kelvin Chae
Coach comment
“After graduating a large number of seniors last year, the Huskies will put their postseason hopes in the hands of a few high quality seniors and a large number of underclassmen.”
7. Highland Rams
Head coach: Kelly Crestani (first year)
2019 record: 0-14-1 (sixth in Region 6 with a 0-9-1 record)
2019 postseason: Missed playoffs.
Returning contributors:
- Jake Ker, CB, Sr.
- Sam Ker, W, Sr.
- Will Brockbank, OB, Jr.
- Juan Beltran, M, Sr.
- Whitt Gottfredson, OB, Jr.
Coach comment
“In my first year as the head coach our staff has really had to revamp the entire program. We don’t have the number of student-athletes trying out and soccer has been overlooked for the past four years. In fact, the boys Highland soccer team has not posted one win in four years, including preseason. We have tried hard to get the word out that the program is under new direction. We have a group of boys on the team this year that are determined to be competitive in every game. We are led by several seniors returning and some outstanding underclassmen that we will rely heavily on. Leadership on the team is outstanding and I couldn’t be prouder to be part of such a dedicated group of young men!”
8. Cottonwood Colts
Head coach: Dominic Militello (fifth year)
2019 record: 0-15-0 (sixth in Region 7 with a 0-10-0 record)
2019 postseason: Missed playoffs.
Returning contributors:
- Cesar Aguilar-Rivera F, Sr.
- Marshall Granzin D, Sr.
- Pablo Calderon M, Sr.
- Brian Livoyochi GK, Sr.
Coach comment
“Our guys will always compete to the best of their ability and give a perfect effort.”
Region 7
1. Alta Hawks
Head coach: Mackenzie Hyer (third year)
2019 record: 12-4-1 (second in Region 7 with a 8-2-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Box Elder in 5A first round.
Returning contributors:
- Chase Jordan
- Will Summerhays
- Jonah Fisher
- Josh Nelson
Coach comment
“We are excited to be back on the soccer field after last year’s season was canceled.”
2. Mountain View Bruins
Head coach: Shaun Johnson (first year)
2019 record: 12-5-0 (first in Region 10 with a 10-2-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Sky View in 4A semifinals.
Additional info not provided.
3. Orem Tigers
Head coach: Joey Sandres (first year)
2019 record: 12-5-1 (second in Region 10 with a 9-3-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Mountain Crest in 4A first round.
Additional info not provided.
4. Timpview T-Birds
Head coach: Mathew Wheatley (fourth year)
2019 record: 7-9-1 (fifth in Region 7 with a 4-6-0 record)
2019 postseason: Missed playoffs.
Returning contributors:
- Ammon Oyler, M, Sr.
- John Sandberg, D, Sr.
- Bronx Thomas, D, Sr.
- Lance Taylor, F, Sr.
Coach comment
“As a growing program we were disappointed to miss an opportunity to play and improve last year. We are excited to see what we can do this year with a roster mixed with veteran senior players and eager young players.”
5. Lehi Pioneers
Head coach: Tim Graham (third year)
2019 record: 6-10-1 (fifth in Region 10 with a 5-7-0 record)
2019 postseason: Missed playoffs.
Additional info not provided.
6. Mountain Ridge Sentinels
Head coach: Eric Arthur (second year)
2019 record: first year
2019 postseason: N/A
Returning contributors:
- Tyler Moon, M, Sr.
- Max Palmer, D, Sr.
- Rylan Schulz, F, Soph.
- Ben Maw, GK, Soph.
- Gavin Ayers, M, Soph.
Coach comment
“This year’s team looks to be even better than last year’s team. This is only our second season in existence and we are still a fairly young team. But despite our youth we have a lot of experience at the varsity level due to playing so many freshmen in varsity matches last year. We are excited to show our region and the state what we can do with a full season of games.”
7. Timpanogos Timberwolves
Head coach: Kaiwi Chung-Hoon (first year)
2019 record: 0-14-1 (sixth in Region 8 with a 0-9-1 record)
2019 postseason: Missed playoffs.
Returning contributors:
- Caleb Campbell, F, Sr.
- Luke Steggell, F, Sr.
- Dexter Gundersen, MF, Jr.
- Salvidor Sanchez, F/MF, Sr.
Coach comment
“We are a young team that had a lot of student athletes graduate last year. We have four returning seniors and are looking forward to a great season of soccer.”
Region 8
1. Wasatch Wasps
Head coach: Jared Hendry (third year)
2019 record: 14-2-2 (first in Region 8 with a 8-1-1 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Olympus in 5A semifinals.
Returning contributors:
- Elder Gutierrez Ruiz, GK, Sr.
- Jack Jarret, D, Sr.
- Gabe Manning, M, Sr.
- Edgar Garcia, M, Sr.
- Alan Bautista, M, Sr.
- Ryan Hanley, M, Sr.
- Tanner Wagstaff, D, Jr.
- Josh Jeppson, D, Sr.
Coach comment
“We are very excited about our upcoming season. Last year it was cut short due to COVID-19 and we were looking pretty good. We have many returning starters this year with some underclassman ready to step up. We are ready to play.”
2. Maple Mountain Golden Eagles
Head coach: Larry Cullun
2019 record: 8-6-1 (third in Region 8 with a 5-5-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to West in 5A first round.
Additional info not provided.
3. Salem Hills Skyhawks
Head coach: Jerry Johnson (third year)
2019 record: 11-5-2 (third in Region 10 with a 9-3-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Logan in 4A first round.
Returning contributors:
- Eli Johnson, M, Sr.
- Thacker Simmons, M, Sr.
- Brayden Thurgood, F, Sr.
- Ryan Stevens, F, Sr.
- Christian Berg, D, Sr.
- Angel Salas, D, Sr.
Coach comment
“This is one of the most resilient teams I’ve ever coached. When COVID-1 shut us down last year, our boys immediately started training on their own, looking forward to this season. And although we lost that time together, we have gained an unexpected appreciation for the game and for each other. Playing high school soccer is like playing for your national team: there is a special honor about it. We absolutely feel that excitement. This year we are led by a strong group of returning players, including a few key seniors, who have a lot of varsity experience and a history of success on the field. We’ve also added some good, young talent. All the pieces are there. It’ll be fun to watch these boys come together. Don’t be surprised if this is one of those special years for the Skyhawks.”
4. Park City Miners
Head coach: Matthew Gilmour
2019 record: 9-7-1 (first in Region 11 with a 8-4-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Mountain Crest in 4A quarterfinals.
Additional info not provided.
5. Provo Bulldogs
Head coach: Jayson Manzanares (first year)
2019 record: 7-5-4 (fourth in Region 8 with a 4-4-2 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Olympus in 5A first round.
Returning contributors:
- James Allen, M, Sr.
- Jonathan Peralta, M, Sr.
- Sean Gutzman, GK, Jr.
- Jacob Mullen, D, Sr.
- Carlos Rodriguez, M, Jr.
Coach comment
“After having the season canceled last spring, our team is highly motivated to get back on the pitch. Our senior class is very solid with some seriously talented young players who will be major contributors from the start. With a full new coaching staff for the first time in 30-plus years here at PHS it’s a fresh start with a feeling of excitement and motivation to carry on the torch of the legend of coach Cesar Cardoso who won 16 region championships.”
6. Spanish Fork Dons
Head coach: Shane Ferrin (12th year)
2019 record: 11-6-0 (fourth in Region 10 with a 7-5-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Sky View in 4A first round.
Additional info not provided.
7. Springville Red Devils
Head coach: Mike Schulzke
2019 record: 4-11-1 (fifth in Region 8 with a 3-6-1 record)
2019 postseason: Missed playoffs.
Additional info not provided.
8. Payson Lions
Head coach: Luke Brandley
2019 record: 3-13-0 (seventh in Region 10 with a 0-12-0 record)
2019 postseason: Missed playoffs.
Additional info not provided.