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HIGH SCHOOL

Rutherford County-area boys soccer: What you need to know

Cecil Joyce
USA TODAY NETWORK - Tennessee
Oakland's Ben Massaro takes a shot against Riverdale during a 2016 game. The Patriots reached the Class AAA state tournament last year.

With the high school soccer season under way, here's what to look for out of area teams in 2017:

Players to watch

Richard Aguirre, Smyrna, Sr., Mdf.: Northwest Mississippi signee was 7-AAA Midfield MVP with 10 goals.

Jacob Apigian, Central Magnet, Sr., Mdf.: Was strong for Tigers during postseason run.

Elijah Barrett, Central Magnet, Jr., Def.: Earned all-district and second-team all-area honors last season.

Colin Dunkley, Blackman, Sr., GK: Earned second-team all-area honors a season ago, tossing 10 shutouts.

Robell Habte, Stewarts Creek, Sr., Fwd.: Scored 12 goals and six assists to earn 7-AAA Offensive MVP honors.

Jorge Hernandez, Oakland, Sr., Mdf.: Scored nine goals with 12 assists in earning first-team all-area honors.

Brandon Hillis, La Vergne, Sr. Def.: Earned second-team all-area honors last season.

Jakob Hurst, Oakland, Jr., GK: Tossed nine shutouts to earn 7-AAA Co-Goalkeeper of the Year.

Noor Lalani, Oakland, Jr., Def.: Helped a stingy Patriots defense that averaged allowing just 1.5 goals per contest.

Ben Massaro, Oakland, Jr., Mdf.: Helped lead Oakland to the Class AAA state quarterfinals a season ago.

Asfaw Putty, MTCS, Sr., Fwd.: Earned second-team all-area honors a season ago after leading Cougars in scoring.

Brandon Rosenbaum, Blackman, Jr., Def.: Helped a Blaze defense that allowed just four goals in league play.

Yadiel Ruiz, La Vergne, Sr., GK: Earned all-area honorable mention last year, tossing five shutouts and five games with just one goal allowed.

Central Magnet Junior Luis Sanchez battles for possession of the ball during a Spring Fling contest last season. Sanchez is one of the top returnees for the Tigers.

Luis Sanchez, Central Magnet, Sr., Mdf.: Scored 20 goals and led Tigers with 12 assists in earning first-team all-area last season.

Carter Smith, Stewarts Creek, Sr., Mdf.: Knox College commitment earned second-team 7-AAA honors a season ago.

Garrett Taylor, Oakland, Soph., Fwd.: Burst onto the scene as a freshman a year ago and was one of the area's top scorers.

Related

Quick shots

Loaded for return: The Central Magnet and Oakland teams are coming off of state tournament appearances a year ago.

The Tigers reached the Class A-AA semifinals for the first time in school history and has won four straight district titles while the Patriots reached the Class AAA quarterfinals. Both teams return numerous weapons from a season ago and could be primed for return trips to the state.

Central Magnet went 3-0 against county teams a season ago.

Blackman reached the Class AAA sectional last season and is looking to take the next step.

New schedule: District 7-AAA will play a round-robin, home/home schedule this season for the first time. District teams will play each other twice. The regular-season league champ will earn an automatic region berth.

Rebuild: The Siegel soccer team has just one senior on the squad - midfielder Daquarius Taylor. There are 12 freshmen and 12 sophomores on the squad.

The two team captains - midfielders Nick Newby and Juan Soto - are juniors.

TSSAA ready: Providence Christian will be playing its first season in TSSAA, battling in DII-A. The Lions are led by goalkeeper Cole Hodges and top goal scorers David Lukasick and Cade Caughron.

Tournaments to watch: 840 Challenge Cup (March 16-18 at Wilson Central); White House Tournament (March 30-April 1), Smoky Mountain Cup (March 17-19 in Gatlinburg)