Top 10 Utah high school boys soccer teams to watch in 2016

Video: Xavier Medina's highlights vs. Waterford
See the American Leadership Academy player in action.

Consistency is the hallmark of championship programs. For that reason, it comes as no surprise that many of the defending boys soccer state champions in Utah are poised to make another title run in 2016. They will face plenty of stiff competition, though. Many of last year's top teams have enough pieces in place to also make a championship run.


Brighton (Salt Lake City)
The Bengals came within a whisker of winning the Class 5A title last season. Brighton has enough key playmakers returning this spring to be considered a title favorite once again. Senior midfelder Ben Fankhauser will make it tough to contain the Bengal offense. He scored or assisted on roughly two-thirds of Brighton's goals last season. Senior defenders Josh Clark and Andrew Petersen also return to anchor a defense that allowed 1.2 goals per contest.

Riverton
The Silverwolves are only two years removed from their last Class 5A title and the ingredients are already back in place for another special season. Junior forward Micah Hammond is back to give teeth to the Riverton offense after tallying a team-best 12 goals last season. Ryan Christensen anchors the midfield and Jake Cole leads a defense that allowed just 0.9 goals per match in 2015.



Alta (Sandy)
Change is a theme for Alta this spring. The defending Class 5A champions are now in Class 4A and must replace many graduated stars – including several top scorers and their goalkeeper. Alta should remain a contender since senior defenders Preston McIllece and Spencer Rasmussen are back to anchor a Hawks defense that yielded just 11 goals a season ago.

East (Salt Lake City)
Scoring in bunches wasn't a problem for East last season and it shouldn't be again this spring. The Leopards return their top two playmakers in Matthew Barker and Hugo Olivera. The duo teamed to help East rank second in scoring among Class 4A teams in 2015. Barker lead East with 14 goals and Olivera tallied an additional eight goals and led the Leopards in assists.

Lone Peak (Highland)
Defense was a trademark for the Knights last season, as Lone Peak allowed just 12 goals in 17 matches. The Knights are assured of reaching a similar level of defensive prowess this season, since senior defender Adam Canfield returns to anchor the back line once again.

Dixie (St. George)
No other Class 3A team has been able to touch the Flyers in recent seasons. Dixie comes into the spring as back-to-back state champions. The Flyers have claimed Class 3A titles three times in the past four seasons and have plenty of pieces in place to win again in 2016. Seniors Av'ry Green and Tyler Bennett will pace the offense again this season after combining for 15 goals a season ago. Senior goalkeeper Ethan Poulton also returns to build on a junior season where he tallied seven shutouts.

Maple Mountain (Spanish Fork)
The Golden Eagles seemed poised to take a big leap forward this spring. Junior forward Ian Stonehocker scored a team-best 12 goals a season ago. He is joined in leading the offense by senior midfielder James Lewis. Senior defender Sam Krommenhoek once again anchors a backline that helped Maple Mountain finish with the No. 2 scoring defense in Class 4A last season.

Provo
Replacing Tyler Gordon will not be an easy task for the Bulldogs. But the cupboard definitely isn't bare either. Senior forward Jonathan Ruvacabla was the team's No. 2 scorer last spring with 14 goals. Senior midfielder Luis Hidalgo chipped in nine goals and guided the offense with a steady hand. It should help a Bulldogs offense that averaged 3.2 goals per game in 2015 remain potent this spring.



Hunter (West Valley City)
Defensively, the Wolverines were one of the better teams in Class 5A a season ago. This fact is unlikely to change this spring with senior goalkeeper Justin Motzkus back between the pipes. Motzkus ranked second in Class 5A and third in the state last season with nine shutouts. Senior defender Adam Brinkerhoff returns to anchor the back line and make Motzkus' job easier.

American Leadership Academy (Spanish Fork)
ALA must replace Mahonry Chichia, the state's leading scorer last season. Still, the Eagles have more than enough talent to soar high and push for their third Class 2A title in four seasons. Senior forward Juve Almanza tallied six goals in the team's final three playoff games last spring and had 17 goals overall. Senior midfielder Xavier Medina should also be tough to contain after tallying 14 goals and 18 assists a year ago.

John Coon covers Utah high school sports for MaxPreps. You can contact him at john_coon@hotmail.com or follow him on Twitter at @johncoonsports