Texas high school soccer: Our top 10 Austin area boys soccer teams

As some Austin-area schools begin district play this week, here are our top 10 boys soccer teams entering the most important part of the season:

1. Vandegrift

The Vipers are simply stacked as they return six starters from a team that went 14-7-2 and have added three players from the Austin FC academy, including goalkeeper Charlie Reed, who has signed with Clemson. Midfielder Emmy Aranda was second-team all-Central Texas last year with 12 goals and 12 assists, while forward Yandel Andrade, midfielders James Hehman and Rahul Gupta and defenders Rory Jacops and Chance Piening are all back. Forwards Luke Hawley and Ryder Atwood join the program from the academy.

2. Connally

Five starters are back from a brilliant 2023 campaign when the Cougars advanced to the Class 5A state tournament, won District 23 and finished 23-3-5. Forward Lawrence Doe (21 goals, 7 assists) is lethal on through balls, a two-time district MVP and a returning first-team all-Central Texas selection, while Aaron Olade (8 goals, 10 assists) and Orlando Frias (14 goals, 7 assists) are back to direct play in the midfield. All three players earned some sort of all-state honor a year ago, as did Alex Rodriguez, who will lead the defense.

3. Glenn

The Grizzlies are loaded with nine starters returning from a team that went 17-6-4 and won a playoff game. Forward Tito Don Juan scored 19 goals and had 13 assists a year ago and is a two-time first-team all-district pick, while midfielder Vince Rodriguez enters his fourth year as a starter and is a returning first-team all-district pick. Defenders Ayden Leiva and Cody Winters are back to lead the defense.

4. Round Rock

A wealth of experience returns for the Dragons in seven players with starting experience. Midfielder Nuhan Mahmud and defender Connor Gritzmacher return from early season-ending injuries last winter, with defender Kai Haruki and midfielder Brody Box back after earning first-team all-District 25-6A honors a year ago. Midfielder Diego De La Mano, defender Tate Gutierrez and goalie Cole Chuchmach mark the team’s other returning starters.

5. Georgetown

The Eagles return six starters from a team that went 17-3-7, finished second in District 23-5A and won a playoff game. Forward Martin Valdez is one of the area’s best players, while midfielders Kash Anderson and J.J. Carrillo Jr. solidify the midfield. All-district defenders Christian Vargas and Henry Seigman also return.

6. Stony Point

With forwards Alexis Salgado (11 goals), Karl Jeremiah Theagene (10 goals) and Micah Marquez (10 goals) back from a team that went 18-5-3 and advanced to the Class 6A regional quarterfinals, the Tigers may have the most dangerous front line in the area. Six starters in whole return for Stony Point as it should challenge in a loaded District 25-6A.

7. Bowie

District 26-6A will be a complete toss-up, but Bowie seems to have as good of a shot to win it as anyone. Midfielder Jake Ciccarello and forward Griffin Crawley, both of whom were first-team all-district picks a year ago, lead the Bulldogs, who have impressed early in the season and fielded a dominant JV a year ago.

8. Anderson

The Trojans played everyone tough last year in their return to Class 6A and have seven starters back, which in a wide-open District 26-6A should only pay dividends. Forward Jud Anderson is one of the area’s top scoring threats and tallied 17 goals and seven assists last season. Forwards Jesse Lang and Trevor Rener, midfielder Kyle Bresler and defender Rowan Martin are also key returners for the Trojans.

9. LASA

Five starters are back from a team that went 14-0 in District 24-5A and advanced to the regional quarterfinals. Midfielder Yohannes Heineman scored 14 goals a year ago and will lead the offense, while the defense should be stout with goalie Marco Vidal, center back Isaac Held and defensive midfielder Graham Gilbert returning.

10. Lake Travis

The Cavs are the biggest mystery in the Austin area. Lake Travis lost all 11 starters from last year’s team and has suffered some rough losses in nondistrict play — which should be noted came against good competition. Sure, there’s plenty of talent on the roster, but how quickly can it adjust to varsity play? One thing is certain, and it’s that Cavs coach David Bammel knows what he’s doing after numerous district titles and long playoff runs.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Top 10 Austin area boys soccer teams as district play begins