C. Milton Wright came up short in last year’s Class 2A state title game, but nonetheless posted an impressive season during which few in Harford County solved the Mustangs. Can they return, and win it, this season?

It could be tough after losing 10 seniors from that group, but coach Andrew Harrell believes this team has a shot to do it. And so do other area coaches — most surveyed by The Aegis selected C. Milton Wright as one of the county’s favorites entering 2025, along with Harford Tech, Patterson Mill and Fallston.

This will also be the first soccer season of the new-look Upper Chesapeake Bay Athletic Conference, shifting away from upper and lower divisions teams could fluctuate between year to year in favor of three set divisions of five teams each with a conference championship game.

Here’s what to watch for this season in Harford County girls soccer. (Editor’s note: not all teams responded to requests for information.)

Aberdeen

Coach: Ali Cataggio, second season

Last season: 5-7

Top returners: Seniors Grace Buxton (M), Madelynn Freda (D) and Amira Hines (D).

Newcomers to watch: Sophomore Sa’Morya Catlin-Young (F); freshmen Bryanna Baker (F) and Kashvi Sharma (D).

What must happen for your team to succeed? “They need to work as a team and learn to trust each other.” — Cataggio

Bel Air

Coach: Mike Friskey, sixth season

Last season: 7-7

Top returners: Senior Alyssa Foote (M); junior Addison Bullinger (M); sophomore Savannah Barry (M).

Newcomers to watch: Senior Anna Tackett (GK); juniors Madison Birth (M) and Tiffany Jew (M).

What must happen for your team to succeed? “Increase in work rate and consistency in possession.” — Friskey

C. Milton Wright

Coach: Andrew Harrell, sixth season

Last season: 8-4, Class 2A state finalists

Top returners: Seniors Sophia Adams (M), Sophia Hodges (M) and Mackenzi Milich (D).

Newcomers to watch: Juniors Lanie Gunter (M) and Jill Hatfield (GK); sophomore Bella Enguillado (F).

What must happen for your team to succeed? “For our team to succeed this season we’re going to have to grow up fast. We lost 10 seniors last year on a state finalist team. We have great returners who are very talented, but we have to get up to speed fast. We have to train with a different focus and mentality daily. We also need to jell on the field. With many new starters, getting them comfortable together is a priority. It’s going to take time, but we have a group that is hardworking and determined.” — Harrell

Fallston

Coach: Anthony Pasko, first season

Last season: 8-5

Top returners: Seniors Victoria Goad (D), Ruby Reddel (F) and Kasey Resh (M).

Newcomers to watch: Junior Maura Lawall (M); sophomores Kendall Rees (M) and Brooke Tetteris (M).

What must happen for your team to succeed? “We must come together as a team and stick together on and off the pitch. With the right mindset, unwavering commitment, and strong support, we are setting our sights on Fallston High School girls soccer’s seventh state championship.” — Pasko

Harford Tech

Coach: Michael Moloney, first season

Last season: 10-5, state quarterfinalists

Top returners: Seniors Olivia Marcello and Ashley Shelton; junior Alayna Weaver.

Newcomers to watch: Sophomores Ada Puhalla (M) and Riley Wolfe (M); freshman Mia Mosely (F).

What must happen for your team to succeed? “As long as the players communicate, are willing to take chances and play together as a team, I expect we should be successful this season.” — Moloney

Havre de Grace

Coach: Lea Cataggio, third season

Last season: 8-4

Top returners: Seniors Julianna Baker (D), Sophia Fruchey (D) and Sophie Molyneux (M).

Newcomers to watch: Freshmen Abi Gladfelter (D), Mya Norris (M) and Vivienne Poppano (M).

What must happen for your team to succeed? “Our motto each year is that we are family. We try to make our girls believe in the value of a full program. No one person is bigger than the team.” — Cataggio

John Carroll

Coach: Hayley Howe, 11th season

Last season: 8-4-2, IAAM A Conference quarterfinalists

Top returners: Seniors Cali Priedel (M), Emma Fuchs (F) and Ava Porrovicchio (M).

Newcomers to watch: Senior Izzy Argueta (M); juniors Payten Root (F) and Emma Sobzak (D).

What must happen for your team to succeed? “Lean into our talent and our leadership. With all upperclassmen we just need to play our style of soccer and play as a team, for each other.” — Howe

Joppatowne

Coach: Duane Keller, second season

Last season: 4-7-1

Top returners: Senior Kayla Reynolds (D); sophomores Kylie Benner (GK) and Jayda Daniels (F).

Newcomers to watch: Senior Imani Gomez (D); freshmen Iliana Diaz (M) and Chantell Thurman (F)

What must happen for your team to succeed? “We have six returning players from last year and 18 on the team this year. Once the team learns who each other are and become comfortable around one another, there is no telling what can be achieved.” — Keller

North Harford

Coach: Chuck Travis, first season

Last season: 2-11

Top returners: Seniors Mia Honig (D), Savannah Picha (GK) and Zoe Shum (M),

Newcomers to watch: Freshmen Anna Gerres (M), Selena Holmes (D) and Debi Marin (D).

What must happen for your team to succeed? “For us to succeed and stay in the mix, we need to remain healthy, stay disciplined within our system, and continue to fight together as a team. If we do those things, I believe we can be competitive in every game this season.” — Travis

Patterson Mill

Coach: Brad Crossley, first season

Last season: 9-6

Top returners: Juniors Kendall Brown (D) and Ava Robertson (M); sophomore Eliza Baldwin (D).

Newcomers to watch: Freshmen Kaelyn Krumholtz (D) and Bella Ratliff (D).

What must happen for your team to succeed? “Defensively we will be extremely strong. It will be scoring that will make the difference. Also, we are relatively young, so getting comfortable early in the season will be important.” — Crossley

Have a news tip? Contact Taylor Lyons at tlyons@baltsun.com, 410-332-6200 and x.com/TaylorJLyons.