Spring has arrived, and with it comes another season of Washington Demon boys’ soccer. Washington is in the middle of the program’s best stretch ever, coming off a fourth straight season with at least nine wins.

But 2024 was a particularly special season for the Demons, who went 11-4, won the Southeast Conference for the just the second time in school history, and came one win away from state after reaching a Class 3A substate final.

There will be a number of key pieces to replace, including all-state defensive back Randy Huertero, who was the co-conference player of the year, and all-time leading goal-scorer Manny Raymundo, as well as all-conference midfielders Brayan Arreola and Angel Mata.

But the Demons have plenty of talent still in house. Junior forward Edwin Cortes led the team with nine goals scored last season, while senior Brendan Taylor will continue to anchor the defense.

Mix in a lot of new faces, head coach Sally Hart tells KCII Sports that there are a lot of players who have simply been waiting for their turn to continue Washington’s winning ways.

“We’re looking to our upperclassmen,” Hart says, “and then a lot of our freshman class coming in have played multiple seasons with W.A.S.P., the youth soccer program, and they’ve gone not only to the rec level, they’ve gone on to compete in indoor tournaments [and] they’ve gone on to summer league tournaments.”

“High school ball’s a little bit different and a little different speed, but you get a couple scrimmages under your belt [and] a couple games, and I think these guys will be able to step up to the plate.”

The Demons open up the new soccer season later today when they host Columbus at Washington Wellness Park.