Eric Masters, Carson's new boys soccer coach, said the transition has been a smooth one.
"The guys have been super excited," Masters said. "The scrimmage we had went real well. The guys are working hard and getting things out of practices. They have bought into what we're trying to do."
Midfielders Louis Camacho, Gustavo Gonzalez and Victor Romero plus forward Jason Martinez are the only players returning from last year's third-place team.
Many talented JV players have moved up to the varsity this year, and Masters is hoping they will be able to pick up the slack left by the departed seniors, they are: Senior midfielder Jaime Lopez, junior midfielder Chris Espinoza, junior midfielder Omar Garcia, junior midfielder Johnny Lopez, junior fullback Christian Navarro, junior midfielder Sam Hutchinson, junior fullback Carlos Munoz, junior fullback Zach Bruce, junior goalie Marco Magallon, sophomore fullback Michael Samii and sophomore fullback Cruz Kerver.
Top newcomers are freshman forward Christian Hernandez, freshman midfielder Jonathan Guevera and freshman fulback Zach Smith.
"We are loaded with midfielders," Masters said. "It's kind of a nice problem to have, but at the same time it's tough because they all want to play. We have a lot of guys that can play a lot of positions. We're trying to find the right chemistry.
"The team is very technical. We have a lot of guys that can do great stuff with the ball. I feel this team has great depth. We are going to have guys coming off the bench that are just as strong as guys on the field."
Magallon is the only goalie listed on the roster, and he didn't play either JV or varsity last season. Obviously it's key that he stays healthy because the JV team, according to Masters, has just one goalie.
"I don't think he even tried out," Masters said. "He played on one of the club teams last season."
Carson opens its season with a game at Reno at 7 p.m. Wednesday. The game will be played on Reno's football field.
DAYTON
First-year coach Karl Watts inherits a team that won just two games last season, so the only way to go is up.
"It's a talented group with experience and understanding of how to play together," Watts said. "Some of them have played for many years and have a passion for the game."
Returning this year are forwards Alfredo Dominguez, Leo Rodriguez, Adan Gomez and Guillermo Ledezma plus goalies Edgar Diaz and Colton Mason. Also back are fullbacks Jonathan Vasquez, Miguel Salcedo and Raul Leon. Isaaiah Ruybal is the only midfelder returning.
The top new players are midfielders Arturo Marcato and Ricky Pacheco.