UP FOR GRABS!!

Who will be this year's Orange Empire Conference champion? The race is on for the top spot

With no clear-cut standout teams in 2017, this year's Orange Empire Conference is totally up for grabs as the conference play kicks off this week.

With each team possessing the ability to not only score on the opposition, but STOP the opposition, it will come down to a few key matchups, health and the ability to play as consistently as possible during this important portion of the season.

In alphabetical order, here is a breakdown of each team, heading into OEC play.

CYPRESS (3-2) – After a jarring 7-0 loss to powerhouse Cerritos, the Chargers have regrouped nicely with wins in three of their last four contests, all via shutout. In their three wins, Cypress has outscored the opposition 5-0, while being outscored 11-0 in its two losses.

Freshman Ulises Gomez has led the way with seven points (3G, 1A), while Alex Supancic is close behind with four points (2G).

In goal, it's been a two-man committee as Eddie Vasquez Hernandez (four starts, six goals allowed, 2.19 GAA) and Eric Rodriguez (five goals allowed in 250 minutes, 1.78 GAA) have both earned playing time for the Chargers.

FULLERTON (2-5) – Offense was hard to find for the Hornets in 2017 before a 2-1 win over Glendale on Tuesday helped snap a three-match scoreless streak.

While the Hornets continue to find that "go-to" guy for offense, five different FC players have found the back of the net, including Melchor Gomez, Jonathan Olvera, Tyler Grassi, Miles Metoyer and Cesar Ortega.

In net Silvestre Puebla has a 1.67 GAA with a pair of wins and a shutout to his credit.

GOLDEN WEST (3-1-1) – Solid start for the Rustlers in 2017, who have posted wins over San Diego City (1-0), Compton (1-0) and Cuyamaca (5-1) and have battled top-tiered teams Long Beach (lost, 1-0) and Cerritos (0-0 tie) to the limit.

Sophomore Martin Rafael leads the team with three goals (six points), while teammate Ronaldo Escudero (2G, 4A) leads the team with eight points.

Goalkeeper Luis Sosa has allowed just three goals and notched two shutouts thus far for the Rustlers in 315 minutes of action.

IRVINE VALLEY (1-3-1) – The Lasers have the firepower to put up some scary threats on the opposition, but are still looking for that consistent output from the front line.

Forwards Eder Olivas (six points) and Toby Waterman (five points) each have a pair of goals, while freshman Grant Joyce has provided a goal and an assist thus far in 2017.

In goal, Braden Peters has been solid, allowing just seven goals (1.56 GAA) with 20 saves in 405 minutes of action.

NORCO (1-3-1) – After a winless start through their first four matches, the Mustangs found some offensive success with a 4-3 road win over Citrus on Sept. 8.

Freshman Aaron Gonzalez has two goals and an assist for the Mustangs (five points) to lead the team, followed close behind by sophomore teammate Abraham Castro (one goal, one assist).

Norco has used the tandem of Angel Gutierrez and Anthony Hernandez in goal with both stoppers producing solid numbers during the early stages of 2017.

ORANGE COAST (1-1-5) – The Pirates in 2017 have been fit to be tied … literally … in 2017. With the exception of a 2-1 win over Chaffey and a 3-1 setback to unbeaten Long Beach, Coast has five stalemates to its credit.

Freshman midfielder Vitor Gameiro has been the pacesetter for the Pirates with four goals and five assists (13 points), while fellow freshman Nick Cardenas has been effective as well with three goals and an assist.

Goalies Sina Shahnazari and Jack Tunstall have combined for a 1.57 GAA and 11 goals allowed with 38 saves in 630 minutes of action.

SANTA ANA (2-1-1) – The Dons, always a threat in the Orange Empire Conference, continue to show impressive numbers in 2017, earning wins over San Bernardino Valley (1-0) and MiraCosta (3-2) and earning a 2-2 tie against East L.A.

Freshman Joshua Castellon has notched three goals and an assist (seven points), while Daniel Castro (1G, 2A) and Diego Henriquez (2G) each have four points.

In goal, freshman Stephen Sanchez has allowed seven goals in 382 minutes of action, notching a 1.65 GAA along the way.

SANTIAGO CANYON (0-3-3) – The Hawks are still looking for win No. 1 for 2017, despite a pair of shutout efforts against L.A. Mission and Cuyamaca (both scoreless draws).

Freshman Juan Reyes leads the way for the Hawks with two goals and an assist, while teammates Devin Cornejo, Shewangezaw McNichols and Rafael Nogueda each have scored goals during this early portion of 2017.

In goal, keep an eye on freshman keeper Aaron Servin, who has allowed just four goals in 225 minutes of action.

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