* Classes weighted by TopDrawerSoccer.com Players To Watch & Top 100 Lists

No: 1: Loyola Marymount

With the biggest class, and the deepest, the Lions claim the top spot in these rankings and possibly your heart next year.

A pair of LA Galaxy teammates headline the collection in James Rochlitz and Billy Thompson.

Rochlitz, a central midfielder ranked No. 35 in TopDrawer.com’s Top 100 List, is an aggressive ball winner who’s making waves in the US Soccer Developmental Academy. Goalkeeper Thompson stands 6-foot-6 and is the prototypical collegiate netminder with his physical nature and the ability to dominate in the air.

Loyola Marymount’s class of eight is rounded out by striker Chris Hamano (Mustang Soccer Academy), midfielder Sean Sears (Marin FC), forward John Ikard (Real Colorado), defender John LaCouture (Real Colorado), defender David Kucera (DeAnza Force) and Chris Bernardi (Mustang FC).

The Lions finished in the bottom half of the conference in 2008 and topping their rivals in recruiting could be the start of a pattern.

No. 2: San Francisco

The Dons didn’t officially release their signing class for 2009 but receive a high mark because of the players who are known to be joining the team.

Nick Rihn will be a welcome addition to a defense that was one of the best in the West Coast Conference. San Francisco captured the regular season conference title a year ago, and will strengthen its core with a player like Rihn, a smart defender who also has attacking ability. Rihn has been one of the top players for Real So Cal over the years, and is a multidimensional player.

Colorado Rapids goalkeeper Brendan Roslund is also headed to the Bay. Roslund is 6-foot-6 with good technical ability, and a great head on his shoulders. He’s continually showed improvement throughout his career and his work ethic should serve him well on the college level.

No. 3: Gonzaga

The Bulldogs will add four players to a young core with loads of potential. Crossfire Premier central midfielder James Matern joins the fray and brings his athleticism and attacking prowess.

Matern will be joined by midfielders Casey Ames (Spokane, Washington), Ian Hartfield (Spokane, Washington) and forward Erik Nielson (Boise Capitals Soccer Club).

Gonzaga will return key cogs like midfielders Tye Perdido and Nick Love along with defender Nick Barclay. Last year’s conference end result was second place – with a bullet.

No 4: Portland

The Pilots will bring in four players starting with Colin Anderson, a midfielder from Tucson, Arizona. Two decorated players from Canada: goalkeeper Justin Baarts and midfielder Ben Hemphill will join the mix along with Marc Tonkel, of Los Gatos, California.

Second to last in the conference a year ago, the team will return midfielders Colleen Warner and Frankie Lopez as they retain their offensive firepower while adding reserve offense.

OTHERS:

San Diego and St. Mary’s (CA)(m) never officially released their signees, but the Toreros will add goalkeeper Eric Shannon, the sure-handed keeper for the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Santa Clara will bring on Erik Hurtado, Takahide Kameya and Larry Jackson as they try to move out of the conference’s basement.