Here is how the season is shaping up:
BURBANK
The Bulldogs (13-2-5 last season) had the area’s top player last season in Kristina Amela — a junior.
As a sophomore, she scored a school-record 32 goals, was the All-Area Player of the Year and shared the Pacific League Player of the Year honor.
“Kristina has been playing a lot with her club team,” Burbank Coach Loi Phan said. “She has gained a lot of experience, and we are hoping that helps her this season.”
The team also had an outstanding player in senior fourth-year player Melanie Fielder. Fielder, who has committed to Drake University, has been moved from sweeper to her more natural position of stopper.
Players who Phan said he expects big things from are sophomore sweeper Alyssa Meredith, junior defender Stephanie Alcaraz and freshman forward Courtney Austin.
“We only have two seniors, so we’re going to be young,” Phan said. “But we have some girls who can play, and they are ready to get going,”
Joining returning sophomore midfielders Natalie Burns and Ashley Ortiz is sophomore Marlene Mejia, a transfer from Burroughs.
Two other players who could make impacts are sophomore midfielder Natalie Bastidas and freshman midfielder Alexandra Amela, Kristina’s sister.
“We have three sets of sisters on the team,” Phan said.
In goal is senior Jenna Todd, who had 15 shutouts last season.
Phan said he expects Arcadia and defending champion Crescenta Valley to be his team’s toughest competition in the Pacific League.
BURROUGHS
The Indians (7-15) had their ups and downs last season.
After starting the campaign with some impressive victories, Burroughs faded down the stretch, struggling during Pacific League play.
“We had some problems internally last season,” Indians Coach Elias Garcia said.
