THE TIMES’ RANKINGS

A preseason look at the top girls’ soccer teams in the Southland:

1. Santa Margarita (SS-Div. I)

The Eagles, who finished 20-1-4 last season, have the talent and experience to live up to high expectations -- theirs and everyone else’s.

2. San Clemente (SS-Div. I)

After winning Division I title with a 21-3-3 record, Tritons won’t surprise anyone this season, even though they have only four seniors.

3. Harvard-Westlake (SS-Div. I)

National player of the year Jill Oakes graduated, but Wolverines (23-1-2 last season) are still loaded with Gina Farias-Eisner, Jamie Artsis and Tracy Lansing.

4. Esperanza (SS-Div. I)

Aztecs return 11 players from last year’s Division I semifinalist, which finished 21-3-4, and add two freshman midfield starters in Lindsey Domene and Jamie Petrossi.

5. Capistrano Valley (SS-Div. I)

Last year’s Division I runner-up, which finished 17-4-2, relied on goalkeeper Staci Sinkway. The Cougars can do the same this season.

6. Mission Viejo (SS-Div. I)

Diablos should be this season’s San Clemente -- a team that succeeds after not qualifying for the playoffs the season before.

7. Edison (SS-Div. I)

Last season’s Division II champions, who finished 22-1-6, lose standout goalkeeper Jenna Huff, but senior Jane Wyche leads a strong midfield.

8. Aliso Niguel (SS-Div. I)

Goalkeeper Marissa Welliver leads a defense that returns intact from last season, when it allowed only 12 goals and had 18 shutouts while posting a 19-4-3 record.

9. Los Alamitos (SS-Div. I)

Griffins, who were 13-7-5 last season, lost goalkeeper Ashley Deleajandro to graduation, but young players have raised hopes and expectations.

10. El Camino Real (City Section)

Two-time defending City Section champion has a strong midfield, and has added freshman Katie Oakes, Jill’s younger sister.