The Comanches girls soccer team is in first place at 4-0-1.  Its first goal is finishing in first place in the Century standings.

Its next is moving up the Division II rankings. Here is the current listing:

DIVISION II
1. Flintridge Sacred Heart
2. Chaminade
3. Harvard-Westlake
4. Valencia/V
5. Canyon

Canyon, the highest ranked DII school in Orange County, might have a hard time without those other teams losing. But considering no other county school is in the top 10 in Div II, it appears Canyon’s the best county option for a CIF title in that division.

The team doesn’t shy away from CIF talk, or the rankings. After beating El Dorado, 3-2, on Tuesday, preserving first place, game-winning goal scorer Alana Mitchem said this, “If we would have loss, not only wouldn’t we be in first place, it would effect how we are ranked in CIF. We want to be ranked No. 1.”

Canyon relies on a high-pressure style of play. The Comanches use their speed to force mistakes, make runs and score goals. El Dorado coach Marc Smith said what allows Canyon to play that style is having depth.

Of the 18 non-goalie players on the roster, at least 14 played a solid number of minutes. And it comes from every grade level. Freshman Taylor Alderete is lightning in the front, while freshman Jamie Smith contributes off the bench on defense.

Sophomore Sarena Granandos assisted the game-winner Tuesday, and sophomore Courtney Tye saw action in the backfield.

Junior Darien Pyka is the heart-and-soul of the defense, while junior Alana Mitchem netted two goals Tuesday.

And senior keeper Linzey Smith is hard to beat, while seniors Caitlin Williams, Stephanie Morgan, Jessica Murphy, Lauren Irwin, Brooke Atkinson and Ava Aguado play signficant roles.

More from the girls soccer blog:

• Girls soccer: Tuesday’s recap
• Girls soccer: Costa Mesa, Estancia play to a tie
• Girls soccer: Canyon takes control of Century race
• Girls soccer: Tobolski’s 3 of the day
• Girls soccer: Field of 11 contest, week 3 (Tobolski’s picks)
• Girls soccer: Field of 11 contest, week 3 (Eichelberger’s picks)
• Girls soccer: New top 10 (with explanations)

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