Boys Soccer Rankings: Defending champion Claremont still the team to beat; South Hills biggest surprise

Tribune Boys Soccer Top Ten Rankings

1. Claremont (11-2-1) — I kept hearing the Wolfpack would not be this good after winning the CIF title last year and losing so many quality players. But this team continues playing solid defense, allowing only 15 goals in 14 games. That gets it done.
2. South Hills (8-1-2) — The surprise of the winter season so far with nice wins over Diamond Bar, Troy and La Serna, but that could change quick in the Sierra League, where every game is tough.
3. Sierra Vista (7-2-1) — Performed well to reach the championship of its own tournament and beat power Salesian in the final. Azusa and La Puente look like their only real challengers in the Montview.
4. Baldwin Park (5-2-2) — Injuries kept them from performing better in their own tournament co-hosted with Sierra Vista, but the Braves have firepower and once the Valle Vista League starts, they will be a contender again. Don’t count the defending champs out just yet.
5. Los Altos (6-4-2) – A tough December schedule and losses to solid Orange County teams. But nice wins over Workman and La Puente.
6. Pomona (4-2-2) — They already beat Baldwin Park 2-0 in a December tournament and the defending league champs are hoping to have another solid year.
7. Mountain View (3-3-3) — They’ve struggled against a quality schedule, which includes two losses to Salesian, but also a quality win over Animo Leadership and tie against La Canada.
8. Damien (4-5-1) – Giving them the benefit of the doubt until league starts. You look at last three losses to Upland, El Rancho and Mater Dei — all solid progams.
9. Glendora (6-8-1) — Bonita, Rowland and Walnut have all beaten the Tartans, who will struggle in the Baseline
10. Nogales (4-3-2) — There was a time when Nogales was king of San Gabriel Valley boys soccer. It looks like they might finally be on their way back.