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The theme for the 2011 boys soccer season is attrition. Many of the state's most decorated and talented players (with some excepttions) have moved on making way for a new wave of players to hit the field and gain notoriety. The Divsion 1 field will be relatively open, however some of soccer's familiar faces continue to pop up in the top ten as well as a few surprises. Here is how we ranked them:

#1 Brookfield Central- Last year the Greater Metro, arguably the best soccer conference in the state, was won not by state champion Marquette or perennial power Brookfield East, but rather Brookfield Central. They are the team that returns the most, not necessarily in terms of numbers, but rather in terms of accolades. Led by returning starters Stuart McBain MF, 2nd team all-state selection, as well as Alex Olszewski D and Danny Frederick MF both of whom earned 2nd team all-area honors. The Lancers appear to be the slight favorites this year in the conference and in the state.

#2 Milwaukee Marquette- Steve Lawrence has continued the dominance that Bob Spielmann had started winning another state title for Marquette, the program’s 7th, Lawrence’s 2nd. Marquette loses Wisconsin “Player of the Year” honoree Alex Megna along with two other 1st team all-state selections but return 1st team all-state and 2011 “Player of the Year” candidate Patrick Hodan along with other solid contributors from last year. Look for them to again contend for a conference championship, and 8th state title.

#3 Kenosha Bradford- Bradford is coming off of a 23-2-1 season in which they advanced all the way to the sectional championship. With 2nd team all-state selection Cesar Gutierrez, as well as 2nd team all-area defensemen Kyle Gulas, Bradford appears to be the team to beat in the Southeast Conference.

#4 Appleton North- North has a lot to overcome with the graduation of Kirby Allen (Appleton Post-Crescent player of the year) and 1st team all-area forward Elias Efthimiou. The cupboard is not bare though. The Lightning has two key players returning to their back line, defensemen Adam Hermsen and Ryan Whalen who should be a formidable duo for offenses to deal with.

#5 Muskego- The Warriors must find a way to replace three players who were named all-area in 2010. One player that may be Muskego’s next star in the making is rising sophomore Andrija Novakovich who was a member of the U-14 state cup champion FC United squad. Coach Eric Hess and his squad are well coached and should be very competitive in 2011.

 #6 Waukesha West- In 2011 West will see a lot of familiar faces on the field. They return most of their contributors from a 20-4-5 team which advanced all the way to the state quarterfinals. Headlined by midfielder and 2nd team all-area selection John Roder, the Wolverines could see a Classic Eight Conference title and a lengthy playoff run in their future.

#7 Milwaukee Regean/WCLL- The Huskies may be the surprise team in 2011. They were an extremely young squad last season and essentially return their entire lineup from last year, including goal scoring machine Cheenuj Shong who appears to be a legitimate “Player of the Year” candidate. Throw in a talented young group of players who are expected to contribute; the Huskies are a team to look out for in 2011.

#8 Kettle Moraine- With the return of leading goal scorer Trey Dowling along with midfielders Nick Biasiotta and Sam Bley, the lazers look poised for a deep post season run.

#9 Germantown- Brad Bane, Taylor Klopatek and Michael Busch make up a talented core of players for the Warhawks to build of off in the 2011 season.

#10 Chippewa Falls- Chippewa Falls has two of the better players in the area, in forward Aaron Bresina and midfielder Jason Faschingbauer on their roster. The Cardinals look to compete for the top spot in the Big Rivers Conference.

Honorable Mention: Arrowhead, Brookfield East, Eau Claire Memorial, Kenosha Tremper, Neenah, Madison Memorial, Menomonee Falls, Middleton, Milton