BOYS' SOCCER PREVIEW: SCARRED BUT SMARTER TALENTED CANYON LEARNING FROM ITS EARLY MISTAKES.

Byline: Heather Gripp Staff Writer

CANYON COUNTRY - The wake-up call sounded early.

Last season, the Canyon High boys' soccer team won its first Foothill League title in several years by using a group determined to return to the playoffs after a three-year absence. However, by the time the Cowboys reached the playoffs, they were buying into talk about how talented they were, and they lost in the first round.

The realization about the danger of being overconfident was reinforced in this season's first game as the Canyon team, touted as being better than last season, lost to Quartz Hill.

Having the lesson in humility taught so early can be just what the Cowboys need to live up to lofty expectations. Canyon, which was 3-1 entering the championship round of this weekend's Burroughs tournament, is favored to repeat at Foothill champions and break the league's history of first-round playoff elimination.

``I think we already had the wake-up call,'' Cowboys coach Pete Getz said. ``Quartz Hill, they just destroyed us. ... I think the guys were confident, overconfident. That knocked them off their pedestal. We got hammered. I think it was a good thing. If it wasn't against Quartz Hill, it would have been against another team, and as you get closer to league and further into the season, that's scary to worry about. It's good we already had that game.''

They also have plenty of talent.

Canyon returns its entire defense, led by senior captains Ceasar Aguilar and Jamshir Lakdawala. The defense allowed nine goals in 10 league games last season and has become stingier with experience.

The defenders are backed up by a pair of capable goalkeepers. Senior Moses Morrison transferred from Valencia and was expected to start in goal, but knee problems have kept him out of the lineup. Bryan Louzil has started in Morrison's place and is doing well enough to make Getz unsure how he will split time when both keepers are available.

``They're both good,'' Getz said. ``Either way, I'm in a pretty good position.''

Sophomore strikers Landon Llamas and James Wolfe ensure the Cowboys' offense also is in a good position despite the graduation of last season's leading scorers.

Canyon would like to improve its play in the midfield and needs to win more 50-50 balls but is encouraged by the fact it realizes there is room for improvement.

``I think it'll be a good year for us if we can iron out the kinks,'' Getz said.

Opponents already are impressed.

``The team to beat this year is Canyon,'' Saugus coach Nate Wright said. ``Canyon is really sharp this year.''

Valencia coach Vince Ferry agreed.

``Canyon is stronger than last year,'' he said.

Stronger and wiser.

``They really want to win league,'' Getz said. ``But they also really want to win in playoffs. They were really upset with last year because they lost in the first round of CIF. They really wanted to do well in CIF. They keep bringing that up. They were really let down by that. It's a growing process and a learning process. They've already gone through some more of that learning process this year, so hopefully that's a good thing.''

AT A GLANCE

Team: Canyon boys' soccer

Coach: Pete Getz, 4th season

Last season: 20-7-3, 8-0-2, Foothill League champions

Top returnees: Jason Abdullah, Sr., MF; Ceasar Aguilar, Sr., D; Jamshir Lakdawala, Sr., D; Brandon Migdol, Jr., F.

Top newcomers: Landon Llamas, So., F; Jeff Lucertero, Jr.,MF; Moses Morrison, Sr., GK; James Wolfe, So., F.

CAPTION(S):

photo, box

Photo:

Ceasar Aguilar, left, is back to anchor Canyon's formidable defense, which allowed only nine goals in 10 league games last season.

Andy Holzman/Staff Photographer

Box:

AT A GLANCE (see text)