YAIAA girls' soccer preview: League returns star-studded field

When Central York beat Dallastown for last year's YAIAA championship, the final matched up two of the league's top defenses. Although both graduated their goalkeepers, seven of their eight combined defenders are back.

For the whole league, nine of the 12 all-stars selected by GameTimePA.com are back this season. That includes player of the year Kennedy Little of Central York.

Here is a breakdown of the YAIAA girls' soccer season:

Preseason top 5

1. Dallastown

2. Central York

3. Dover

4. Northeastern

5. South Western

Players to watch

SIERRA AUSTIN, DALLASTOWN, SR. >> The Wildcats defender, a GameTimePA.com all-league performer, did not give up a goal from her position on the field. Conversely, she converted all five of her penalty kicks.

BROOKE FIRESTONE, DOVER, SR. >> A scoring stalwart, Firestone fired in 23 goals as a junior. Coach Bret Altimore called her "the total package on and off the field," after last season.

LAUREN GOUGH, SOUTH WESTERN, SR. >> Gough's resume includes 46 career goals and 14 assists. She is South Western's all-time leading scorer.

BRI HACKOS, CENTRAL YORK, SR. >> One of three three-year starters for the defending league champs, this midfielder is headed to the New Jersey Institute of Technology after this year to play soccer.

PAIGE HARTMAN, DALLASTOWN, SR. >> Another GameTimePA all-league selection, Hartman's scoring boosted the defensive-minded Wildcats after she transferred from Dover. A notable goal came in the waning moments of a 1-0 league semifinal win vs. Susquehannock.