It has been nine months since last spring’s soccer season ended, but that postseason still set the tone for the coming campaign for the top programs in Northern Virginia. While every spring presents a chance to reset, teams that found success last year are looking more to build on that foundation than start over.
Last spring, programs such as Forest Park, Hayfield and Meridian put together deep playoff runs. The Mustangs even captured a Class 3 title, the 12th in program history. As those teams return to the field this month, they look to build on that momentum.
No local team at the Class 6 level went further than Lewis last season. The Lancers made it to the state championship game for the second time in three seasons. But for the second time in three seasons, they fell short.
“That creates that hunger,” Lancers Coach John Millward said. “Picking up where we left off is the goal this year. But, ultimately, we have to build chemistry in the early season just like everyone else.”
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Millward brings back several starters from last year’s squad, and his roster features 14 seniors. Returning playmakers include forward Elias Rodriguez, who totaled 18 goals last spring, and key midfielders Moad Ezzahir and Ermias Yoseph. Millward is not worried about any senior’s aspiration to get back to the state playoffs. The early season is all about cultivating that kind of desire in the rest of the roster.
“The coach and the senior captains cannot want this more than anyone else on the pitch,” Millward said. “Everybody has to step up if they want to continue the culture we have tried to set up here. We need to find that insatiable hunger to purse excellence on a daily basis.”
1
Lewis (14-7-1)
Return to menuAfter two runner-up finishes in the past three seasons, the Lancers are hungrier than ever to win a state title.
2
Herndon (13-2-3)
Return to menuThe Hornets, coming off a Liberty District title and state quarterfinal appearance last season, have generated plenty of preseason buzz.
3
Osbourn (20-1)
Return to menuThe Eagles have evolved into a Prince William County power, posting an undefeated regular season each of the past two years.
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Forest Park (13-6-2)
Return to menuSeniors Ben Colcombe and Nana Gyamfi headline a Bruins team that made a deep postseason run in 2023.
5
McLean (13-4)
Return to menuThe talented Highlanders will have their hands full in the ever-competitive Liberty District.
6
Osbourn Park (9-4-4)
Return to menuThe Yellowjackets return their entire starting lineup, including key seniors Luis Argueta and Jorge Ortega.
7
Hayfield (16-2-3)
Return to menuDespite losing some of the depth that helped them reach the state semifinal last spring, the Hawks maintain a foundation for success.
8
Washington-Liberty (9-4-2)
Return to menuCoach Jimmy Carrasquillo’s program is a consistent contender out of Arlington County.
9
Meridian (18-3-1)
Return to menuThe Mustangs, one of the most successful programs in the state, captured their 12th state title last season.
10
Battlefield (15-6-1)
Return to menuThe Bobcats are expected to be a force in Prince William County after reaching the state quarterfinals last year.
On the bubble: Alexandria City, Langley, Loudoun County, Riverside, W.T. Woodson
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