Here are the top Pueblo prep boys soccer players to watch for the 2022 season

A boatload of seniors are back to represent their schools for the 2022 boys soccer season in Pueblo. With such an abundance of talent, a competitive year is expected in the South-Central League, led by defending league champion Pueblo West.

Pueblo West won the S-CL a year ago with a 9-0-1 record and went on to qualify for the postseason. The Cyclones defeated Thomas Jefferson in the first round before falling in the second round to finish with a 13-2-2 record.

Centennial also qualified for the playoffs after finishing 8-1-1 in the league before falling to Palmer Ridge in the first round.

Here's a look at the players to watch for the 2022 season:

Alex Gastelum-Ruiz, senior, Pueblo South

A second-team all-S-CL player as a junior, Gastelum should have another solid season as one of the Colts' midfielders.

"He continues to be the 'lead by example' player for our team," South coach Dustin Ethredge said. "He is our most tactically sound player with a great understanding of the game.

"He's the glue that holds our team together and he'll be crucial for us this season."

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Joshua Quintana-Torres, senior, Pueblo South

The senior forward is ready to step up for the Colts.

"Josh has been waiting his turn to be the leader of our team," Ethredge said. "He's an incredibly hard worker with a ton of talent that should have plenty of defenses on high alert."

Kevin Barrios, junior, Pueblo South

Barrios received plenty of experience last season and is ready to step up his game.

"Kevin really turned a corner and started to come into his own towards the end of last season," Ethredge said. "That momentum has carried into practices, and he has the potential to be the best goal keeper in our league this season."

Irvin Alardin, senior, Centennial

A first-team all-S-CL selection as a junior, Alardin is considered one of the top players in the league from his defender position. He did have a goal and two assists from the back row a year ago.

"He's matured into his body, very calm, skillful," Centennial coach Jeff Sterling said. "He's the leader of our team and I think he's always been known as one of the better players in the league. He's going to have a breakout year. We're not sure where we'll play him this year."

Victor Quintana, senior, Centennial

Another all-S-CL first-team returner, Quintana gives the Bulldogs plenty of experience. He poured in 15 goals and added 14 assists for 44 points, leading the team in all three categories.

"He's improved in the last year," Sterling said. "He needs to take the next step, not getting frustrated. He can be the best player on the field when he wants to be. He's a man among boys: fast, dangerous. What I liked about him last season was his assist total."

Christian Moctezuma, senior, Centennial

Another senior returner for the Bulldogs who was a member of the all-S-CL first-team as a junior, Moctezuma scored 14 goals and added 10 assists for 38 points, second on the team.

"He's our most creative player, a guy who is willing to take people on one on one," Sterling said. "He sees the game really well and can break a team down and open up somebody else. He can play different positions and is the personality of the team, a big talker."

Oscar Dominguez, senior, Centennial

A second-team all-S-CL pick as a junior, Dominguez should be one of Centennial's top players.

"Oscar flies under the radar because he's not really flashy," Sterling said. "He is our hardest-working kid. He doesn't score a lot of goals or get a lot of assists. Overall, he's a fantastic player, very skillful, gives an entire 80 minutes every game."

Tyson Borden, junior, Pueblo West

A center back who is capable of scoring goals, Borden is a returning all-S-CL first-team selection. The junior solidifies the Cyclones' defense and oftentimes pushes up to aid the offense.

"He possesses outstanding foot skills along with being great in the air," Pueblo West coach Eric Young said. "He makes it extremely difficult to penetrate the Pueblo West back line."

Bradford Goodrich, senior, Pueblo West

Another returning first-team all-S-CL selection as a junior, Goodrich is in the mix as one of the Cyclones' top players. The wing/forward scored four goals and added five assists as a junior.

"Bradford is offensively minded, possessing an outstanding shot on goal, who will be competing for the top spot in the S-CL for goals and assists this season," Young said.

Talon Wagner, junior, Pueblo West

As a midfielder, Wagner will be counted on to patrol and control the middle of the field for the Cyclones.

"He can dominate the center of the field with an uncanny knack to be in the right place at the right time to disrupt attacking teams and initiate offensive counter attacks," Young said.

He scored one goal with two assists a year ago and was named to the all-S-CL second team.

Alex Robinson, senior, Pueblo West

An outside back/wing, Robinson is considered one of the Cyclones' leaders on the field.

"He has great playmaking instincts ... has the potential to end up with double digit assists by the end of the season," Young said.

Robinson tallied three goals and five assists as a junior and was named to the all-S-CL honorable mention team.

Victor Molina, senior, Pueblo East

A center defender, Molina is one of the team captains and will be looked upon for leadership.

"He's going to be a leader on the field," East coach Bruce Mahaffey said. "He is going to be directing the whole field. He won't be expected to score a lot but will be protecting the net. He'll control our back line."

Carson Page, junior, Pueblo East

As the Eagles' top returning player, there are plenty of expectations for Page as he enters his junior year. He was a first-team all-S-CL selection as a sophomore.

"We're hoping he won't see as many shots as he did last year with a better defense," Mahaffey said. "His skills have improved and he has more knowledge in front of the next. We're expecting big things out of him."

Steve Diaz, senior, Pueblo East

Diaz is a central midfielder who will be looked upon for his leadership and skill.

"He's going to be controlling the game in the midfield for us," Mahaffey said. "With his knowledge he can see ahead of people and he'll be pushing our offense. He has a strong foot and he should be able to score a few goals for us."

Antonio Lucas, junior, Pueblo East

Lucas is the central midfielder and forward for the Eagles who has been named a captain.

"He'll be controlling the front end of the field and should score quite a few goals from distance," Mahaffey said. "We expect him to be one of our leading scorers."

Brett Zane, senior, Pueblo County

A senior who is considered the heart of the team, Zane is one of those players who leads by example as well as vocally.

"He lives and breathes soccer," Pueblo County coach Jeff Gibson said. "He'll be our leader in the midfield. He's a utility kid you can put anywhere and he'll do the job."

Stetson Brunick, junior, Pueblo County

Brunick was a honorable mention all-conference player as a sophomore and will be looked upon to score for the Hornets.

"He'll be one of our main scorers, at least he'll be in the running," Gibson said. "We'll let him run and shoot. He's super fast. Anybody who has played against him knows that. He'll probably be double-teamed all season and is an obvious target."

Jackson Lehy, junior, Pueblo County

Considered the heart of the defense, Lehy will direct the Hornets from the back row.

"He's one of the most composed players under pressure that I've had," Gibson said. "He instinctively makes moves to keep everyone under control. He's one of the most polite on and off the field. He'll knock you down and then ask if you are OK. He's a great kid, very genuine."

Kade Fisher, sophomore, Pueblo County

An up-and-coming player, Fisher has speed to burn, and Gibson will use him on the flanks as a left-side winger.

"Like (Brunick), he's fast and has good touch," Gibson said. "He will be used on the wings this season transitioning back and forth. He's small but plays bigger than his size."

Adrian Adubato-Koch, junior, Pueblo Central

One of the team's few upperclassmen, Adubato-Koch will be looked upon to supply leadership from his goalkeeper and midfield positions.

"He is a leader and always encourages his teammates, always putting the team first," Central coach TJ Thiebaut said. "He will play a couple different roles. He knows how to protect the goal, facilitate in the midfield, and can put the ball in the back of the net."

Alexander Roque, senior, Pueblo Central

A starter since he entered high school, Roque brings high energy to a young team.

"His skills and unselfish play will be a threat on the attack," Thiebaut said. "His experience and leadership will help the Wildcats' soccer program, which will have a new look."

Chieftain senior sports reporter Jeff Letofsky can be reached by email at jletofsky@chieftain.com or on Twitter @jeffletofsky

This article originally appeared on The Pueblo Chieftain: Here are the top prep soccer players to watch in Pueblo this season