1. McDonogh
Coach: Harry Canellakis
Last season: 16-3, ranked No. 4
Postseason: IAAM A Conference finalist
Outlook: The Eagles' bid for a wire-to-wire No. 1 ranking last season was foiled by Archbishop Spalding in a loss on penalty kicks in the IAAM A Conference title game. With nine starters returning — including five sophomores — McDonogh is poised to achieve the feat this year.
2. River Hill
Coach: Brian Song
Last season: 19-0, No. 1
Postseason: Class 3A state champion
Outlook: After capturing the program's eighth state title with an undefeated 2012 season, the Hawks have all the ingredients to continue their success. Sheridan Street, an All-Metro first-team pick, and Alex Hamer, a second-team selection, give River Hill a prolific one-two punch.
3. South River
Coach: John Sis
Last season: 18-2, No. 3
Postseason: Class 4A state champion
Outlook: With 10 starters back from last year's title team to go with a number of newcomers who are prepared to challenge for spots, the Seahawks are primed for a repeat. All-Metro Player of the Year Kacie Longo, a senior forward, provides consistent scoring and leadership as the team's catalyst.
4. Archbishop Spalding
Coach: Ashly Kennedy
Last season: 15-3-3, No. 2
Postseason: IAAM A Conference champion
Outlook: Kennedy, a former standout at St. Mary's, takes over for Bob Dieterle, who turned Spalding into a powerhouse with four IAAM A Conference championships in 11 seasons. Kennedy will look to maintain the lofty standards with a hard-working group that emphasizes an attacking, high-pressure style.
5. Arundel
Coach: Laura Coe
Last season: 16-2, No. 6
Postseason: Class 4A East regional finalist
Outlook: After falling to Anne Arundel County rival and defending Class 4A state champion South River in overtime in the East regional title game last fall, the Wildcats return several talented players as they look to avenge that loss. Is this the Wildcats' year?
6. Catonsville
Coach: James Fitzpatrick
Last season: 14-2, No. 8
Postseason: Class 4A North regional finalist
Outlook: The Comets, who return eight starters, have all the pieces in place to build on last year's highly successful season. Jennifer Nonn is one of the area's premier goal scorers; Allison Dingle provides stability at center midfield; and all four defenders return, led by Anna Higdon.
7. Bel Air
Coach: Josh Clemmer
Last season: 8-7-2, unranked
Postseason: Class 3A North regional semifinalist
Outlook: With 10 starters back, the Bobcats are primed for a breakthrough season in the wide open Upper Chesapeake Bay Athletic Conference. The team's continuity and chemistry starts with Jordan Layfield in the middle, Caroline Lozzi in the back and a handful of goal scoring threats up top.
8. Perry Hall
Coach: Rick Testerman
Last season: 10-4-2, No. 10
Postseason: Class 4A North regional semifinalist
Outlook: Expectations are high at Perry Hall, where nine starters return, highlighted by a versatile midfield and staunch defense. Testerman said the deep senior class should provide leadership as the Gators look to build on last year's 10-win season.
9. Fallston
Coach: Mark Hannahs
Last season: 14-3-2, No. 7
Postseason: Class 2A state finalist
Outlook: Scored on with 23 seconds left in last year's Class 2A title game against three-time defending champ Middletown has motivated the Cougars. With eight starters back and a handful of newcomers eager to make an impact, Fallston is striving for a better ending this season.
10. Broadneck
Coach: John Camm
Last season: 11-3-2, No. 12
Postseason: Class 4A East regional semifinalist
Outlook: Overshadowed by Anne Arundel County rivals South River and Arundel last year, the Bruins want to state their case this season with a talented and focused group returning. All-Metro second-team forward Ellie McNulty leads eight returning starters.
11. C. Milton Wright
Coach: Paul Austin
Last season: 17-2-1, No. 5
Postseason: Class 3A state finalist
Outlook: After reaching the state playoffs for a third straight year with a stacked senior roster in 2012, the Mustangs start with a largely new and talented cast. How quickly last year's reserves adjust to lead roles and the newcomers step up will determine their success.
12. Notre Dame Prep
Coach: Val Teixeira
Last season: 7-5-3, unranked
Postseason: IAAM A Conference semifinalist
Outlook: Teixeira, who is the director of coaching for Premier Soccer Club, takes over the program and he expects immediate success. The Blazers — a mix of experienced and young players — will look to possess the ball, counter attack and set the tone with constant hard work.
13. Eastern Tech
Coach: Kim Williams
Last season: 13-1-2, No. 9
Postseason: Class 3A North regional semifinalist
Outlook: The Baltimore County champions took a significant graduation hit, losing eight players, but the Mavericks return enough talented players to remain in contention. Midfielder Brandie Bryant leads the team, and goalkeeper Ryan Jones is tough to beat.
14. John Carroll
Coach: Gary Lynch
Last season: 10-8-1, unranked
Postseason: IAAM A Conference semifinalist
Outlook: Six starters return, including three seniors, leaving the Patriots with a quality foundation as well as some questions. Senior midfielder Sophie Centi sparks the team, with defender Kara Klages anchoring the back as the young squad looks to improve on the go.
15. Marriotts Ridge
Coach: Robin Grey
Last season: 9-6-1, unranked
Postseason: Class 2A North regional semifinalist
Outlook: Injuries limited the Mustangs in 2012, but the experience gained by younger players will be a benefit this season with eight starters returning. Taylor Hensh and Alexis Zadjura are the playmakers, with goalkeeper Jenna Bergquist anchoring a sturdy defense.
Others considered: Centennial (6-7-2, unranked); Century (9-4-2, No. 15); Chesapeake-AA (10-5-1, unranked); Hereford (7-5-1, unranked); Manchester Valley (13-3-2, unranked); Mercy (9-9, unranked); Reservoir (8-6-4, unranked); Severn (9-7-1, unranked).
glenn.graham@baltsun.com