Year after year, the western Wake area provides some of the top soccer teams and talent in the state, and 2010 should be no different.

Apex: The Cougars didn't lose to anyone last year except for eventual state champion Leesville Road and neighboring Green Hope. Apex finished 12-4-3 including the season-ending 2-0 loss to Leesville. Among the seven returning starters are Christy Kaznowski, Angie Funari (signed with Elon), Maddi Burkey (signed with Meredith) and N.C. Soccer Coaches Association all-state pick Jessica Jackyra.

Athens Drive: The Lady Jaguars were 8-9-2 last year and exited the first round of the NCHSAA playoffs. Athens got its share of upsets during the season thanks to the steady play of goalkeeper Rachel Collins, a USC-Upstate signee. Collins was the 2009 conference defensive player of the year and allowed just 14 goals.

Cary: Cary held 13 opponents to two goals or less despite a 4-13-2 overall record.

Cary Christian: The Knights were NCISAA 2-A runners-up last year after winning the title in 2008. Cary Christian finished 17-4 and returns nine lettermen, including keeper Katrina Wertz (10 shutouts) and junior Noelle Beasley (17 goals).

Fuquay-Varina: The Lady Bengals were the 5-seed last year but upset 1-seed Holly Springs in the first round. Fuquay ended 2009 with a 9-8-2 overall record.

Green Hope: The Falcons were the top seed from the Tri-Nine 4-A and reached the Eastern 4-A quarterfinals before being ousted by Leesville Road, 2-0. Green Hope finished 18-5-0. Senior midfielder Reilly Brown (signed with Georgia) was all-state in 2009. Jordan Veniza (Appalachian State) and Tori Krause (Davidson) also return.

Holly Springs: The Greater Neuse Conference champions went 13-5-1 last year, but losing to Fuquay in the opening round was a rude introduction to its new conference.

Panther Creek: The Lady Catamounts took a second-round exit in the state playoffs and return Kenzi McNeilly (Virginia Commonwealth) to a 15-8-2 squad.