It will be another challenging year for the Ballard Beavers boys soccer team as it enters its fourth year in KingCo 4A.

"KingCo is always tough, if not the toughest in the state, it's definitely in the top two or three," said Hunter.

During pre-season workouts at the Queen Anne Bowl in recent weeks, Hunter said there would be only three to four seniors on the team. "The team is young, we have only a handful of seniors. The majority of the team is juniors with two sophomores," said Hunter.

On the plus side, most of the players have been in the Ballard program long enough to know the system. "All these kids on the team have been in the program since they were freshmen. They have been with us and know what our expectations are," said Hunter.

On offense, Hunter says the team will play attacking soccer and utilize a crossing game.

Defensively, the Beavers will put pressure on the ball and make it tough for the other team to push the ball down the field.

Senior Erasmo Alvarado Luna is one of the team's top players. "He will be a big leader for us. He is looking forward to providing a lot of excitement up front for us," said Hunter.

Luna brings a passion to the sport that he developed as a youngster growing up in Mexico. Hunter said Luna is an excellent player who fits in well with the team. His brother Ivan plays for the junior varsity.

Three-year varsity letterman Alex Strickland is another leading player for the Beavers. The goal will be well defended by Adam Karuso.

Ballard fans will be treated to an exciting brand of soccer. The Beavers will be seeking their first appearance in the KingCo playoffs.

The regular season starts on Friday, March 24, 7:30 p.m. at Bothell.