The Orcas high school soccer teams this fall have carried over some strong players, and added plenty of fresh new talent as well.

“We did lose some talented players last year, particularly in defense, but at the same time we have a lot of new young but talented players with good skills coming up from the middle school team,” said boys coach Matt Stolmeier. “The middle school program is becoming a great feeder program for the high school team. Our young players have the technical skills to really step in and partake in the varsity squad, which is great.”

Stolmeier said the roughly 16-player squad is mentally strong and the boys are playing well to highlight one another’s skills.

Lady Vikings soccer coach Chama Anderson said the girls’ team will enter the season with a strong foundation from last year.

“This season we continue to build with a great deal of determination, will and potential,” said Anderson.

The boys will play their first home game at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 14 against La Conner, which took the league championship and first place in state last year. The girls’ first home game is also against La Conner, on Thursday, Sept. 15 at 4 p.m.