Entering his second season as head coach of the Tahoma High boys soccer squad, Jason Johnson is looking to build on last season, which saw his team finish fourth overall in the South Puget Sound League, 4A North Division.

Tahoma contended for the top spot in the SPSL North through the mid-way point of last season with a senior-laden team that went 10-5-1 after being bounced in the first round of district playoffs last spring.

The Bears return four senior this year, defenders Kyle Miller, Connor Dillon, and Paul Bachman as well as goal keeper Chad Burgess. In addition, sophomore Jordan Downing and junior Britton Jolley return for Tahoma.

“Britton Jolley was a first team all league player last year as a sophomore,” Johnson said. “And (he) looks to be even better this year. He is ready to be one of the best players in the league.”

Johnson will also look to sophomore Logan Young and juniors Eddie Espinoza and Daniel Soltero to make an impact on the varsity squad this season.

Tahoma is considered by coaches as one of the favorites to win the division this season, but will face tough competition to defending league champion Thomas Jefferson as well as Auburn Riverside and its usual rivals Kentridge as well as Kentwood.

As of Wednesday, the Bears were 3-1-1, having dropped a 1-0 match to Kentlake on March 27 and tied with Auburn on March 25.