Trent Bassingthwaite, Gorham senior, goalkeeper: Returning Telegram all-state selection posted eight shutouts and allowed six goals in an 11-1-3 season.
Liam Bell, Wells sophomore, forward: Scored hat tricks in three of Wells’ six regular-season wins last season and added three goals in two playoff games, including both in a tight 3-2 loss to Greely in the regional quarterfinals.
Milo Belleau, Waynflete senior, goalkeeper: One of several strong keepers in southern Maine recorded 10 shutouts in a 12-2-2 season for the Class C Flyers, and impressed against Class B powers Yarmouth and Falmouth.
Bobby Brittingham, Portland senior, goalkeeper: A three-year starter who has improved in all facets, a key part of a Bulldogs team that has opposing coaches wary.
Matt Caron, Scarborough senior, forward/midfield: Critical component to expected Class A title contender in multiple areas, also possesses a strong throw-in that creates opportunities in the box.
Cody Elliott, Gorham senior, midfield: Small in stature but the All-Telegram returner has a voracious appetite for winning balls in the midfield; scored nine goals with six assists as a junior.
Jackson Fotter, Gorham junior, forward: Speedy, relentless attacker led Gorham with 15 goals as a sophomore and was on a Seacoast United U16 National Premier League team that advanced to the national final this summer.
Pat Gassman, Kennebunk senior, midfield: A ball-winner with his feet and his head, and a strong defensive presence for the Rams, who return seven starters and expect to improve from a 6-9 record.
Patrick Grant, Yarmouth senior, forward: Speedy hard worker scored lone goal in Class B championship win; steps to front with graduation of Telegram Player of the Year Adam Labrie.
Jon Groothoff, Yarmouth senior, midfield: He and sophomore brother Luke moved from the Santa Rosa, California, area where he was an all-small school selection. Both have impressed in preseason.
Bryce Hayman, Gray-New Gloucester junior, midfield: All-WMC and All-Western B pick scored seven goals with seven assists. After summer with Seacoast NPL squad is one of the five returning starters on a veteran team that went 8-6-2 in 2014.
D.J. Henrikson, Westbrook senior, goalkeeper: A leader from the back who had four shutouts with a 1.54 goals-against average and 60 saves is a key reason for the Blue Blazes’ improved record and confidence.
Mackenzie Hoglund, Cheverus senior, midfield: His 13 goals as a junior, and midfield toughness and creativity helped lead the Stags to a surprise Class A title and put him on the Telegram all-state team.
Garrett King, Scarborough junior, forward/midfield: Combines size, speed and long-range power into a formidable scoring threat at his best in big games; another Seacoast United NPL player.
Josiah Krul, Camden Hills junior, midfield: The All-East pick as a sophomore “has matured a lot over the summer,” said Coach Ryan Hurley, adding to adept skills, strong shooting and good tackling.
Fernando Lopez, Deering senior, midfield: Able to play effectively at a high pace, can finish with his own shot or serve to his teammates. He and Jonathan Bujambi will give Deering a strong midfield presence despite graduating a standout in Stephen Ochan.
Ryan Moody, Bonny Eagle junior, forward: Spent summer on Seacoast United’s U16 NPL team and scored 10 goals with five assists in a 5-6-3 sophomore season.
Jacob Nason, Greely senior, forward: Injuries cost him several games but two-time Western All-State pick still scored seven times, bringing his career total to 35 goals.
Wes Parker, Cape Elizabeth senior, midfield: Skilled player with creative vision in middle of field will lead a Capers team that must compete at a high level to match WMC powers.
Ethan Spaulding, Greater Portland Christian junior, midfield/forward: The Maine Soccer Coaches Association’s All-Western pick scored 28 goals in a 12-3-1 season and has 66 in his first two seasons.
Jonah Spiegel, Falmouth junior, midfield: Versatile year-round player who played defense as a freshman and forward as a sophomore, he was another Seacoast United NPL player and also was on the U.S. youth men’s team that attended the European Maccabi Games in Berlin.
Ahmed Suja, South Portland senior, forward: Very clever with the ball at his feet and an intense competitor, the All-SMAA pick posted 14 goals and 12 assists in 2014.
Simon Trcka, Thornton Academy senior, forward: By far the most dangerous scorer in Class A last season, the boarding student from the Czech Republic had 20 goals with 10 assists in 12 games and was an Telegram all-star pick.
Andrei Vile, Cheverus senior, defense: Tough to beat in the air or on the ground, Vile is also capable of starting and finishing in the offensive end; especially dangerous on set pieces.
Keenan Welzel, Brunswick senior, forward: Fit enough to give high work rate for the full 80 minutes. With crafty middie D.J. Souza’s help, could exceed junior scoring totals (15 goals, eight assists) for one of Class A North’s top contenders.
– Steve Craig
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