The good news for boys soccer teams this season in Class 5A-I is that Phoenix Brophy lost two of the most talented players in the state to graduation.

The bad news is that the Broncos may be even better.

The defending state champs return nine of 11 starters from a team that went 22-2-1 and was ranked eighth nationally by one publication.

Helping the Broncos’ cause is an influx of players who were on club teams last season. Coach Marc Kelly said the team could have as many as seven players sign Division I scholarships.

But the state championship will not be a one-team race. Tempe Corona del Sol, Phoenix Desert Vista, Mesa and Gilbert Highland, along with Tucson Salpointe, should all have a say in who wears the crown in 2009.

“We know we need a bunch of players to learn how to compete at the varsity level,” Highland coach Tim Barmettler said. “Obviously, Brophy looks solid. It should be an interesting year.”

In the 3A-1A ranks, Chandler Valley Christian returns as the defending state champ.

The Trojans lost a bunch of talent to graduation, but it won’t bother them much. Look for them to be in the mix — if not at the top once again.

Teams to watch

Brophy: The defending 5A-I state champion went 22-2-1 last season and might be even better this season, with nine of 11 starters returning.

Corona del Sol: A solid, competitive team from last year returns the key ingredients to challenge anyone in 5A-I.

Desert Vista: The 5A-I runner-up will battle Corona del Sol for the Central Region title as well as other contenders for the state crown.

Mesa: Perhaps the wild card in 5A-I. When at full-strength, the Jackrabbits have as much talent as anyone.

Chandler Valley Christian: The defending 3A-1A champs were hurt by graduation, but the Trojans will always remain competitive.

5 players to watch

Nick Ayers, Brophy, Sr., F, Defending 5A-I state champ will rely on him for experience and goals.

Derek Freeman, Dobson, Sr., F, Last season’s East Valley Region Offensive Player of the Year.

Branden Hansen, Mountain Pointe, Jr., F, Controls the ball and game for Pride.

Brad Mason, Gilbert, Sr., F, One of many talented Tigers coming back.

A.J. Goshinska, Highland, Sr., F, Hawks will need his scoring while defense gains experience.

Others to watch

James Cohn, Brophy, Sr., MF; Michael Smith, Red Mountain, Sr., G; Jaime Lara, Mesa, Jr., D; Antonio Lara, Mesa, Sr., G

Key dates

Dec. 8-12: Tempe Diablos Tournament

Dec. 29-Jan. 3: Mustang Invite

Feb. 2: State regional playoffs

Feb. 12: State finals

 Did you know?

• Mesa could be the hotbed of local soccer this season. With Mesa High, Dobson and Red Mountain all providing quality teams and players, the East Valley Region should also come down to the wire like it did last season, with those three teams sharing the regular-season championship and Red Mountain taking the season-ending tournament title.

• If Phoenix Pinnacle can repeat as the 5A-II state champ, more than a few people would be surprised. The team lost the state’s all-time leading goal scorer in Kyle Ciliento, as well as Tyler Schultz and keeper Connor Redd. A repeat performance would be nothing short of incredible.