CYPRESS, Calif. ---  After being a part of the program for 12 years now as an assistant, Erick Hurtarte will begin his 13th season as the head coach for the Lady Chargers soccer program.

After talking with Coach Hurtarte about the upcoming season, it's obvious he has a lot of confidence in his team as well as high expectations for this 2014 squad. 

"We want to do well in league, win league, and carry our focus into the State playoffs, said first year head coach Erick Hurtarte. "Once we make playoffs, our goal is to bring home that 4th State Championship to Cypress College."

Coach Hurtarte addresses the fact that his 2014 team is very young.  Despite being a young team, he focuses on the sophomore leaders and the talented freshman that have joined the team this offseason.

"This years team has 18 freshman and five sophomores.  We're hoping that the sophomores continue to lead with their experience and it helps that our incoming freshman are high talented players."

Coach Hurtarte was asked which athletes will stand out as leaders and which players would breakthrough as key contributors in 2014. 

"Kendra Serrano will continue to be a big-time player for us, and expect Jade Perez to be a big contributor this season as well.  When it comes to breakthrough players and freshman, there's simply to many players to name.  Everyone on this team will be a big contributor and all of our players really understand the game."

The two year captain and former first team All-OEC standout Kendra Serrano will be leading the defense once again this season while 2013 second team All-OEC selection Jade Perez looks to continue her success as a forward in her second season at Cypress College.

The Lady Chargers will host Long Beach City tomorrow at 3:00 pm in a scrimmage. After tomorrow's scrimmage, they will prepare for their first official contest of the season on August 28 vs. Sierra @ Ventura College.

Cypress finished 2013 going 11-7-4 overall with a 10-4-2 conference record.  The Lady Chargers advanced to the second round of the Southern California Regional Playoffs before falling short against Cerritos College.  

"Our philosophy will stay the same this season in the sense that we will continue to focus our game on possession, said coach Hurtarte.  "The difference is, we will focus a bit more on mental preparation and team bonding so that the chemistry stays strong throughout the entire season."

The Lady Chargers will host Golden West College in their first home contest on Friday, September 19, at 3:00 PM.