BOYS’ SOCCER ‘93-’94: SEASON PREVIEW : Esperanza

Coach: Kino Oaxaca (seventh year).

1992-93: 19-2-5, 8-0-2 in the Empire League; defeated Santa Ana Valley in Division II finals, 2-1.

Key returners: Mark Alleman, Sr., forward, first-team All-Section; Mike Morales, Sr., halfback, first team All-Empire; Albert Raya, Jr., halfback, scored four playoff goals.

Key newcomers: Shawn Anderson, Jr., sweeper; Joe Da Rosa, Jr., forward; Aaron Pugmire, So., forward; Marc Rodick, So., forward.

Outlook: Oaxaca returns only two starters, Alleman and Morales, but he’s counting on his program’s winning attitude and his three sophomore starters to lead the Aztecs to a sixth consecutive playoff appearance. “We’re not so much the team to beat, but the team that will get everybody else up,” Oaxaca said. “With so many young players, the preseason should be interesting.” Oaxaca said his young players will follow Alman’s lead. “The team is built around (Alleman),” Oaxaca said. “He’s smart and can make the defense make mistakes.” Oaxaca calls Morales the league’s best halfback. “He’s smart and he has great touch.”