THE TIMES’ RANKINGS

A preseason look at the top boys’ soccer teams in the Southland:

1. Woodbridge (SS-Div. II)

The Warriors are ranked first in Student Sports’ national preseason rankings for the second consecutive year, but will that translate into a section title? It didn’t last season.

2. Quartz Hill (SS-Div. I)

Kiel McClung is the biggest threat on a team that is ranked third nationally and capable of scoring goals in bunches. The Rebels are the defending Division I co-champions.

3. Nogales (SS-Div. III)

The Nobles have 10 returning starters from a team that lost to eventual champion Los Alamitos, 3-1, in the Division II semifinals. They’re ranked seventh nationally.

4. Santa Margarita (SS-Div. I)

The Eagles made an uncharacteristically early (second round) exit from the Division III playoffs in February, but they appear capable of making a deep run at the Division I level this season. They’re ranked eighth in the nation.

5. Mater Dei (SS-Div. I)

Goalkeeper Nate Pena and forward Randy Poggio are on scholarships at UCLA and San Jose State, respectively, but the Monarchs are expected to battle Santa Margarita for the Serra League title.

6. Santa Barbara (SS-Div. II)

With eight starters and 14 lettermen returning from last season, the Dons could contend for their second section title in three years. They shared the Division III championship with Brea Olinda in 2001.

7. El Dorado (SS-Div. II)

Nine starters and 13 lettermen return from a team that upset Mater Dei, 2-1, in the Division III title game last season.

8. Dana Hills (SS-Div. I)

Ryan Oakes, a talented transfer from Boise, Idaho, joins a Dolphin team that has six returning starters from a squad that closed the last season with a 17-0-3 run before being upset by Temecula Valley, 3-2, in a playoff opener.

9. Alta Loma (SS-Div. I)

The Braves lack the depth of last season’s team that suffered its only loss in the Division I semifinals but could be dangerous if a couple of talented players can recover from injuries.

10. Marina (SS-Div. I)

Eight starters, including six seniors, return from last year’s team that advanced to the second round of the Division II playoffs.