Las Vegas Premier U18 coach Jason DiOrio is anxiously awaiting the start of his team’s club soccer season. And truthfully, he has a lot to be confident about.

Captain Sean Zaher has a lot to do with his coach’s optimism. Entering the final year of club, Zaher is the prototypical leader who will guide his teammates one final time before he goes off to San Diego State in 2010.

His leadership is something that’s always been a part of his skill set, and the one thing that’s set him apart from other players over the years.

“He’s been a captain of his team since he was 13,” said Diorio, who has watched Zaher grow at Vegas Premier for at least that long. “He’s just natural in that role and he is always one of the hardest-working players on the field.”

Zaher plays in the central midfield where he can serve as the conductor of a group that captured the Nevada State title last year. Zaher wins his share of possessions in the middle of the field and rarely does too much with the ball. In fact, his unselfishness is something that can actually detract from his game at times.

“This year, finishing is really what he can work on,” Diorio said. “I’ve talked to him about it and it’s something that I would like to see more of. Other than that there really isn’t a whole lot to improve upon.”

Zaher has the unassuming quality to his game of a player that truly took off just a couple years ago – once he grew into his 6-foot-1 frame. He has three older brothers who all became college players, so Zaher was never the lone superstar in his household. But even when he may have been a tad awkward physically, he always had a knack for galvanizing a team.

Those skills will be put to use as Vegas Premier implements four new players and prepares to take on a more challenging schedule that will hit major showcase tournaments on the west coast.

“We want to try to be more successful at the next level of competition,” Diorio said. “We are trying to move forward and get to the next level.”

In order to get there, Vegas Premier will have to contend with some major teams and players within their region.

Colorado clubs like the Rush are always a handful with players like Robert Derschang, Cole Chapleski and Adam Tormoehlen.

Neusport defender Joshua Sylva  is a top regional prospect while Tucson SC striker Donny Toia has been on the U.S. National team radar and can really play.

So in other words, Las Vegas Premier will need all the leadership Zaher can provide.