SOUTHERN SECTION PLAYOFFS : Esperanza Girls No. 1 in 4-A

In its first year in the 4-A division, Esperanza High School gained the top seeding in the Southern Section girls’ soccer playoffs.

Esperanza, 22-0-3 overall, is the only undefeated team in the 4-A division. Last season, the Aztecs reached the final of the 3-A division before losing to Buena, 2-0.

This season, Esperanza, which was moved up to the 4-A division along with the rest of theEmpire League teams, has shown strong improvement in its offense, while maintaining its tenacious defense.

But Esperanza, strong as it is, is in for a battle. No. 2 Capistrano Valley (17-5-1), No. 3 Royal (18-1-2), No. 4 Mission Viejo (18-2-1) and No. 5 Simi Valley (20-2-2) make this year’s 4-A division the toughest in recent history.

While Esperanza might rank as the division’s toughest defensive team--the Aztecs have shut out 18 opponents and allowed only seven goals this season--Capistrano Valley is well-balanced. Royal, led by striker Tanya Schraml and sweeper Stevie Campbell, is a finesse-oriented team, while Mission Viejo has won the past three 4-A championships.

Agoura (20-0), the Southern Section 2-A champion the past three years, is considered by many to be almost unbeatable this season. But if any team has a shot, it could be No. 2 Mater Dei (17-4-2).

Other top 10 3-A teams include No. 5 La Habra (12-3-4) and No. 6 Canyon (15-2-3).

In the 2-A division, No. 5 Valencia (14-6-0) is the only Orange County team in the top 10.

In the 1-A division, only two Orange County teams--Capistrano Valley Christian and Santa Margarita--are involved, and both must play wild-card matches Wednesday.