I guess we will wait for Marco top 20 soon
La Jolla United 14U A might make another run at the title this season. You can’t underestimate the value of good coaching, strong club values, and a great culture—and honestly, you can say that about most clubs.
That said, if you’re ranking teams based on returning starting talent, it’s really the only way to make a preseason power ranking. Twelve months can make a huge difference, especially for players in clubs that prioritize development.
La Jolla’s trajectory depends heavily on a player who two seasons ago played up all season including at JOs. I believe he’s playing on a High School team until three weeks into November If that is true then it may be a while before we know exactly what we’ve got with LJU 14A.
If you’ve got LJU 14A inside information then I will defer to your more informed opinion.
Their 12A took 15th place at the 2025 Junior Olympics. The player Marco mentioned is certainly talented, but I don’t think he is a 14-spot improvement level of talent, so I would not call them an early favorite unless they have picked up some additional athletes. I do like their coach a lot!
I think Dons, NP, and Mission could be the top 3 for the upcoming season. Unless we how the SoCal patriot plays out. Or after the shuffles of clubs. Maybe even Invictus the new club might have transfers players. We will just need to wait and see.
I would be curious if this year’s 12U down year winds up hitting Newport at all this year, or if it will take 2 years to hit 14U.
They were dominant in 10U boys this year so maybe that smooths out the dip?
Unless there have been defections, Newport 14A has no weak spots. At center, they have a kid who played for Vanguard two years ago. He moved over to Newport last year and played on Newport’s 14A all season. Behind him, they have two big, fast, athletic utilities who are both lock-down center defenders and both played on Newport 14A last year. On the wing they have a speedster who is equally comfortable on either side of the pool, scores in bunches, and also played on Newport 14A last year. Newport has a brick wall in goal.
Newport not only has enough talent to win 14u this season, they have enough talent to run the table.
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How many kids did Newport had that were first year playing 14A team?
Zero if you are talking about overall experience. On Newport 14A, they had two kids who were playing in their third JOs. Everyone else on their roster had more than that.
If you are referring to youngers / 13u players on 14A, they had four.
Oh ok just four player, dons have more players coming back that play at platinum div this year compare to any other teams I wonder?
I believe there are two second-year 14U players who made La Jolla’s varsity squad, which is wild. La Jolla High School is a powerhouse.
There are lots of good things happening at Coggan. . . Age group polo is just one of them.