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 2A. Every coach was invited to participate and submit information.
The region rankings are based on coaches’ preseason projections.
There are seven new boys soccer coaches in 2A this year: Sam Begg (ICS), Joe Murray (Rowland Hall), Stephen Blake (American Heritage), Isaac Partridge (Freedom Prep), TBD (Utah Military Hillfield), Will Schroeder (Diamond Ranch) and TBD (Telos).
Here are the 2A teams and players to watch this upcoming season.

2A North
1. Layton Christian Eagles
Head coach: Chris Tatro
2019 record: 18-0-1 (first in Region 16 with a 9-0-1 record)
2019 postseason: Beat Rowland Hall in 2A championship.
Additional info not provided.

2. Rowland Hall Lions
Head coach: Joe Murray (first year)
2019 record: 15-3-0 (second in Region 17 with a 11-1-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Layton Christian in 2A championship.
Returning contributors:
- Jesus Lamas, M, Sr.
- Jude Whitten, M, Sr.
- Charlie Frech, F, Soph.
Coach comment
“Just looking forward to my first year as head coach.”

3. Waterford Ravens
Head coach: George Shirley
2019 record: 15-2-1 (first in Region 17 with a 11-1-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Millard in 2A quarterfinals.
Additional info not provided.

4. APA West Valley Eagles
Head coach: Dave Neil (second year)
2019 record: 12-6-0 (third in Region 17 with a 8-4-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Beaver in 2A quarterfinals.
Returning contributors:
- Josue Flores, W, Sr.
- Diego De La Torre, W, Sr.
- Carlos Padilla, Jr.
- Juan Vargas, GK, Jr.
- Juan Ledo, D, Soph.

5. St. Joseph Jayhawks
Head coach: Clay Parry (fifth year)
2019 record: 10-3-1 (second in Region 16 with an 8-1-1 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Rowland Hall in 2A quarterfinals.
Returning contributors:
- Ozzy Escalona, M, Jr.
- Armando Escobedo, D, Jr.
- Josh Ortiz, GK, Soph.
- Jonny Ramirez, F, Jr.
- David Hooslyn, D, Sr.
- Carlos Garcia, F/M, Soph.
Coach comment
“We are a young team with only two seniors. We focus on controlling the ball and connecting multiple passes.”

6. Intermountain Christian Lions
Head coach: Sam Begg (first year)
2019 record: 4-6-1 (third in Region 16 with a 4-5-1 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Waterford in 2A first round.
Returning contributors:
- Kyler Begg, D, Soph.
- Scotty Florell, D, Soph.
Coach comment
“2020 was shaping up to be a great year for our team, unfortunately the season was canceled. We only return two starters (sophomores) from last year’s starting 11. We have a lot of new blood and energy and will be looking to rebuild to the form we showed last year before the stoppage.”

7. Wendover Wildcats
Head coach: Lorenzo Rivera
2019 record: 3-10-1 (fifth in Region 16 with a 3-6-1 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Beaver in 2A first round.
Additional info not provided.

2A Central
1. Real Salt Lake Academy
Head coach: Oli Brittain (second year)
2019 record: Didn’t participate
Returning contributors:
- Karl Weisenfeld, M, Soph.
- Paul Kim, D, Soph.
- JC Sanchez, GK, Soph.
- Dylan Hernandez, D, Sr.
- Shawn Curtis, F, Sr.
Coach comment
“We are all very excited for the upcoming high school season. Everyone is raring to go after having the season cut short last year. We have strengthened the team and program this year and are hoping to build on last season’s great start. This is the first year we have a senior class that have gone the whole way through the school and we are aiming to send them off on a high.”

2. Wasatch Academy Tigers
Head coach: Ryan Anderson (third year)
2019 record: 4-8-1 (fifth in Region 17 with a 4-7-1 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Diamond Ranch in 2A first round.
Returning contributors:
- Will Larkins, CM
- Asaki Matsumoto, CM
- Kuya Fuji, RW
- Bimmer Boonyasi, F/MF
- David Cottam, MF/DF
Coach comment
“With lots of returning talent and a solid group of new players, we are looking forward to a strong season.”

3. Merit Academy Knights
Head coach: Hootie Hennessey (fourth year)
2019 record: 2-13-0 (sixth in Region 17 with a 2-10-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Rowland Hall in 2A first round.
Returning contributors:
- Sandro Diaz, CB, Sr.
- Nafike Mamaye, CM, Sr.
- Cael Buner, CM, Jr.
- Leonardo Monje, RM, Soph.

4. Draper APA Eagles
Head coach: Michael Shaughnessy
2019 record: 3-13-0 (seventh in Region 17 with a 1-11-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Millard in 2A first round.
Additional info not provided.

5. American Heritage Patriots
Head coach: Stephen Blake (first year)
2019 record: Didn’t participate
Returning contributors:
- Jace Pulley, M, Soph.
- Thomas Morris, F, Sr.
- Bryceson Sisneros, OB, Soph.
- Mackay Biesinger, CB, Soph.
- Kincade Van Der Watt, OB, Soph.
- Jerry Tang, OB, Jr.
Coach comment
“I am excited for high school sports to return post-COVID-19 restrictions. We are preparing for a great season of competition. We have some returning athletes for a solid foundation and new athletes who bring additional skill, enthusiasm and energy.”

6. Freedom Prep Eagles
Head coach: Isaac Partridge (first year)
2019 record: Did not participate
Additional info not provided.

7. Telos Titans
https://sports.deseret.com/high-school/team/telos/boys-soccer/schedule
Head coach: TBD
2019 record: 7-7-1 (fourth in Region 17 with a 4-7-1 record)
2019 postseason: Missed playoffs.
Additional info not provided.

8. Utah Military Camp Williams Marauders
Head coach: TBD
2019 record: Didn’t participate
Additional info not provided.

2A South
1. Millard Eagles
Head coach: Dale Josse
2019 record: 11-4-0 (first in Region 18 with a 8-0-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Layton Christian in 2A semifinals.
Additional info not provided.

2. Beaver Beavers
Head coach: Pancho Chavez (fifth year)
2019 record: 11-4-0 (second in Region 18 with a 6-2-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Rowland Hall in 2A semifinals.
Returning contributors:
- Gage Edwards, F, Jr.
- Alex Montoya, M, Soph.
- Breagan Lopshire, M, Jr.
- Jayton Jessup, M, Jr.
- Dylan Bartlett, D, Sr.
Coach comment
“With only thre seniors on the team, we are a young team with talent but not much experience. I am sure most teams will be in the same situation since COVID-19 and not being able to play many games last year. Which effects the development and experience we would have gained with the younger players. However, the challenge and excitement to be able to play will motivate and push us harder to achieve a successful year.”

3. Diamond Ranch D-Backs
Head coach: Will Schroeder (first year)
2019 record: 4-7-0 (third in Region 18 with a 3-5-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Layton Christian in 2A quarterfinals.
Additional info not provided.

4. Gunnison Bulldogs
Head coach: Chase Christenson (first year)
2019 record: 3-9-0 (fourth in Region 18 with a 2-6-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to St. Joseph in 2A first round.
Returning contributors:
- Jon Willden, M, Soph.
- Conner Monroe, M, Sr.
- Bryson Sorensen, F, Soph.
- Carson Tucker, F, Jr.
Coach comment
“We’re really excited about this year. Last year was a blow at our season and we’re looking to catch up from then. We love the game and can’t wait to play.”

5. Parowan Rams
Head coach: Tom Carlisle (third year)
2019 record: 1-12-0 (fifth in Region 18 with a 1-7-0 record)
2019 postseason: Lost to Layton Christian in 2A first round.
Returning contributors:
- Baylor Nehrenz, M, Sr.
- Kelly Mangum, F, Jr.
- Adam Edwards, F, Jr.
- Tysen Gale, D, Jr.
Coach comment
“It’s hard to predict how well we will do this year after missing most of last season, but this year’s group of boys has more game knowledge and experience than any other team from PHS in recent memory thanks to their efforts in the offseason and the amount of time they have now spent playing as a unit. I believe we will do well within our region this year and finally be competitive at state.”

6. North Sevier Wolves
Head coach: Dustin Johnson
2019 record: Did not participate
Additional info not provided.