Pacific high school soccer ratings, first blush of the season
Published: March 24, 2009
A little late, three weeks into the season, but that's necessary, it says here, for teams, players and things to settle in their proper orbit and routines.
The ratings are not entirely based on win-loss records, but also strength of schedule, ability and value of returning players and newcomers, strength of opponents, quite a few things. You might note that a team or two might have no wins at all, and one that hasn't taken the field yet.
Keep in mind, we had a 4-10 Kubasaki boysteam rated No. 3 in the pre-Far East Top Ten last May. That was widely debated, even criticized. But the Dragons went on to win all eight matches and the Class AA Tournament title.
That said, here's the first Top Ten of the 2009 season:
Boys
1, Christian Academy In Japan (0-0) -- Defending Far East Class AA Tournament runner-up Knights have yet to take the field, but have surrounded CAJ's career goal-scoring leader Leo Kobayashi (82) with a senior-laden supporting cast.
2, Yongsan International-Seoul (8-0-1) -- Defending Class A Tournament champions if anything are even stronger this year; David Kim (10 goals, 7 assists) does it all.
3, Kubasaki, Okinawa (0-2-2) -- Defending Class AA Tournament champion Dragons have played men's club teams exclusively to this point; we'll know more when they host Kadena on Friday.
4, Kadena, Okinawa (4-4-1) -- See Kubasaki.
5, Seoul Foreign (6-0-2) -- Longtime Korean-American Interscholastic Activities Conference powerhouse isn't the same without Remco Rademaker (183 goals), but a good bet to make another league and Asia-Pacific Activities Conference title run.
6, Nile C. Kinnick, Japan(4-1-1) -- We'll know more when they face CAJ, but Jay Pothula (5 goals), David Krievs (5 assists) and goalkeeper Seth Bell (three shutouts) are off to a fine start.
7, Zama American, Japan(6-2-1) -- After stumbling on opening weekend, the Trojans have reeled off six straight wins. Good opening for new coach Lisa DesJardins.
8, Seoul International (5-3) -- A hearty welcome to the orange and black, who are off to their finest start in years thanks to Eddie and Paul Cho (5 goals each). Tigers, we hardly knew ye!
9, Yokota, Japan (3-3) -- Any team with Tony Presnell (5 goals, 4 assists) on the field stands a shot at winning.
10, E.J. King, Japan (4-2-1) -- Long steeped in good team defense, the Cobras have found an ability to strike offensively thanks to Jon-Jon Green (7 goals) and Ronnie Cardona, Francis Martin and Jeremy Ruelos (5 goals each).
Girls
1, Kubasaki, Okinawa (3-0) -- Main strength is in the middle, front line to back line, for defending Class AA Tournament runners-up. Elizabeth Fabila (7 goals) has a nose for the net, Rina Ihu and Maya Lowe are solid on the wings, freshman sweeper Sydnie Bligh has good size and powerful leg,keeper Gabby Falco is relentless.
2, Seoul Foreign (8-0) -- Karen Lee (19 goals) and Brittney Rader (12) have this team not just winning, but convincingly. Sure wish they could play a Class AA Tournament.
3, Zama American, Japan(7-0-1) -- Best start in school history; Ashliman sisters (Aubrey 18 goals, Mallarie 15 goals, 15 assists) are clicking like a finely tuned machine and getting all kinds of support.
4, Kadena, Okinawa (5-0-1) -- Rebuilding? Five freshman starts? You'd never know it seeing senior Cassie McDonald (12 goals) and freshman Kristi Kariban (9 goals, 6 assists) lighting up opponents' nets.
5, American School In Japan (4-0) -- See Kadena, re: rebuilding. Thought to be down after losing graduated Morgan Bridgman, the Mustangs act as if rebuilding isn't in their vocabulary.
6, Osan American, South Korea (6-1-1) -- Pressley sisters Bria (8 goals) and Jasmine (5 goals, 5 assists) and a rock-solid supporting cast are leaving foes all shook up.
7, Nile C. Kinnick, Japan (5-0) -- Another experienced Japan team off to a terrific start, with Brittany Evans (11 goals, 5 assiists) leading a pack of good veterans blended with sedentary youth.
8, Matthew C. Perry, Japan (10-4) -- Speaking of teams that can light up the net, how about Karla Stroud (20 goals), Danielle Dobson (19 goals, 8 assists) and Heather Hyson (6 goals, 5 assists)? They could make a Class A Tournament title run, too.
9, Taejon Christian International, South Korea (4-1-2) -- After seven years, the long reign of Aaltonen sisters will come to an end this season, but not before senior Nina has her last hurrah (10 goals).
10, Seoul American (3-2-3) -- Still plenty of life after last year's stellar season, with Kelly Gutierrez (4 goals) handling the attack and athletic sophomore keeperLiz Gleaves between the pipes.
What does SportsBlog Nation think? Anybody left out? Who should be moved up and vice versa? Shout it out! Be true to your school and remember, you've entered THE "No-Hate Zone." :)
