The American Fork girls soccer team has seen a number of ups and downs over the last three years, but the Cavemen have one accomplishment no one else in Region 4 can match during that time span:

Since the beginning of the 2005 season, the Knights have compiled a 29-1 record and racked up three league crowns, as well as reaching three straight 5A state title games.

The only blemish on that mark was a 2-1 loss to American Fork on the road last September.

"This is all this group of seniors have known," said Lone Peak head coach Mike LaHargoue. "They've gone 29-1 in region and been to the state finals. Now we have to remind them about the work that went in to getting there. It doesn't just happen."

Whether another return to the championship is in the cards for the Knights won't be determined for a couple of months, but a number of Region 4 teams are hoping to keep them from their fourth straight league title.

"(Lone Peak) lost its main scorer and is a little more inexperienced than it has been in the past," said Timpanogos coach Aaron Barth. "I think maybe someone can put them down. I hope it will be us."

But everyone knows that dethroning the champs won't be easy.

"It's tough to be the top dog," said Lehi head coach Brett Bergholm. "Everyone's gunning for you but, Mike LaHargoue has done a great job. I've learned that quality programs stay quality if they stay true to what they do."

Here's a look at each of the girls soccer teams in Region 4:

Contenders

LONE PEAK (2-2-0)

Gone is forward Shantel Flanary, a potent striker that made a lot happen in the front for the Knights, but LaHargoue feels he has a bunch of players that can fill that void.

"We need to find ways to put the ball in the net," he said. "Once we do that, I think it could open a floodgate."

Teams won't find it easy to score against the experienced Lone Peak back line, including keeper Raven King.

The biggest concern for the Knights is getting healthy and when they do, they'll be very dangerous once again.

TIMPANOGOS (3-1-0)

The Timberwolves have become a consistent contender that can beat anyone when they play well. 2008 will be no exception as Timpanogos heads into league play with a lot of confidence.

"We have a lot of potential," Barth explained. "We only lost three seniors, so we had a lot of people returning. These girls are used to playing together, so we're looking really good."

The T'Wolves have some potent strikers, including Gel Dickson and Marissa Nimmer, that can make things very difficult on opposing defenses.

If the young players mature quickly, Timpanogos could be the team to knock off the Knights.

LEHI (3-0-1)

The Pioneers have quietly put together a solid team and brought back many of their main players from the 2007 playoff squad.

"We have our core back including four solid seniors," Bergholm said. "We have a good mix of girls that have all played together and have good chemistry."

Lehi hopes to add an attacking offense to their traditionally stout defense, creating pressure up front and relieving it in the back. Players like Paige Ituma, Kyleigh Royall and Harley Spier have tools to make that become a reality.

The other teams know that the Pioneers have been on the rise and this might be one of the best teams they've put on the field.

Darkhorses

AMERICAN FORK (2-3-0)

The Cavemen have started the 2008 campaign slowly but that could turn it around in a hurry.

With players like Kaycee Mansfield and Nikki Ybarra up front, American Fork has strong scoring threats just waiting to pounce on any opportunity.

The Cavemen need to shore up the back line but if they do, they could be right in the hunt.

PLEASANT GROVE (0-3-2)

The Vikings can't seem to find the finishing they need to be a factor, but they have the ability hang with any team in the Valley.

Chunnie Johnson and Kourtney Dinehart both scored in the opener against Provo, but since then Pleasant Grove hasn't been able to score more than one goal in each of their other three contests.

The Viking defense has played well in three of the games and could be vital to keeping the team in games long enough to put the ball in the back of the net.

Building for next year

SPANISH FORK (4-1-0)

The Dons have rocketed out to a hot start, but wins over Payson, Carbon and Grand aren't going to scare anyone.

Still, Spanish Fork has put in 15 goals led by four by Courtney Acosta and three from Kaylee Beckstrom. That will put opposing defenses on notice that this team can be explosive.

These type of wins indicate that the Dons -- while not yet a huge threat in league play -- are getting things going in the right direction.

• Jared Lloyd can be reached at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it