More tight battles expected in boys soccer

Concord boys soccer coach Shawn McCuen expects another tightly contested Northern Lakes Conference race and a tough Class 3A sectional, with the area champion facing steep tests. Concord, ranked 10th in the preseason coaches poll, is coming off three straight sectional titles and was one win from state two years ago. McCuen says Goshen returns nearly its entire team after winning the conference and dominating, while Northridge brings back experience after a young campaign and Warsaw remains consistently strong. Concord must replace Yurem Castro, who scored 41 goals with 14 assists over two seasons, with leaders like Jeremy Cruz, Luis Barajas, Erick Rodriguez and Herrera.