No. 15 New Milford

Last year’s record: 16-6

Final ranking: No. 9

Marquee game: vs. Lyndhurst, Sept. 5

Best assets: New Milford plays possession soccer and can finish any chance with one of the deadliest strike combinations in North Jersey. Cydney Borner and Alexis Monroy earned All-Bergen honors last season and combined for 60 goals. The Knights do not need to kick the ball upfield to the forwards. “We possess the ball exceptionally well and generate goals. That should be a strength for us,” coach Joe Albanese said.

Biggest concern: Even with sweeper Justine Ricciardelli anchoring the back line for the third season in a row, questions will be asked of New Milford’s defense. Senior keeper Autumn Rogers was fantastic down the stretch last year, but much depends on her recovery from a shoulder injury. Albanese’s plan to protect his inexperienced defenders is to utilize the style that has worked in years past. “With the challenge of breaking in a new defense, we’re hoping we can possess the ball up the field more,” Albanese said.

— Dave Meisel