Former Magnolia High student Cesar Silva came up just a bit short of earning a spot on a Major League Soccer youth team. Silva, one of 12 finalists in the Sueno MLS competition (out of nearly 2,000 entrants) spent the weekend participating in skills competitions at the Home Depot Center. Illinois native Alberto Lopez, 17, won the contest, earning a tryout with the Chicago Fire.

MVP – Mayra Sarinana, Santa Ana Valley

Coach of the year – Fred Lammers, Santa Ana Valley

First team – Estefanie Cervantes (Santa Ana Valley, Sr.); Jovie Diaz (Santa Ana Valley, Sr.); Denise Hager (Western, So.); Elise Humphries (Savanna, Sr., GK); Genesis Luviano (Santa Ana Valley, Jr., GK); Brenda Osuna (Magnolia, Sr.); Amber Poole (Magnolia, Jr.); Gwen Price (Western, Sr.); Chelsea Voelker (Savanna, Sr.)

Second Team – Marlyn Aguilar (Santa Ana Valley, Jr.); Breanna Hinojosa (Western, Jr.); Leona Lawrence (Savanna, Jr.); Angelica Mendiola (Western, Sr.); Emily Ortiz (Santa Ana Valley, Sr.); Dalia Sabbah (Magnolia, So.); Rebekah Torstuet (Savanna, Sr.); Lindsay Wallace (Magnolia, Jr.)

Site, time: Orange Coast College, Thursday, 7:30 p.m.

Outlook: If you are looking for candidates for "most improved football team" of 2008, which Tesoro was in 2007, Magnolia is a good place to start. Potential has often been there, but keeping athletes focused, together and eligible has been a challenge. The Sentinels have size along the offensive and defensive lines and talent at the skill positions. Let's wait for more information, i.e. results of their games and of other Orange League teams' games, before predicting that the Sentinels will make the playoffs for the first time since 1984. Calvary Chapel should be improved, too, and the addition of former Corona del Mar coach Dick Freeman as defensive coordinator is an asset. Magnolia, though, is on the launching pad and ready for take-off, so start your countdown now.

Winner: Magnolia