PREP PREVIEW: BOYS SOCCER Greater Metro stands a header above the rest Conference is loaded with solid programs; ATHLETES TO WATCH Sean O'Brien, sr., Hartford: All-state player the last two years and the conference player of the year in '96, he is one of the fastest midfielders in the area. His excellent ball control and work ethic accounts for his nine game-winning goals and assists combined last year. Chris Dabaian, sr., New Berlin Eisenhower: Allowed just four goals in 10 Parkland Conference games last year and had 11 shutouts in all. Spent nearly three weeks in the summer training in Holland. Nikola Stancevic, sr., New Berlin Eisenhower: With his teammate Dabaian, this midfielder also made the all-state team last season. He had 12 goals, but seven of them were game-winners. He also assisted on two other game-winning goals. "When we need the game to be won, he's there," coach Mark Steinlein said. Joe Hammes, sr., Marquette: An all-state defender last year, Hammes is very strong in the air and is a technically sound player. "With him we'll win the ball in the air," coach Bob Spielmann said. "You don't want that ball to drop so someone can pounce on it." Eric Kubacki, sr., Marquette: Another all-state selection for the Hilltoppers, this midfielder is known for great distribution of the ball. Kelly Markgraf, sr., Cedarburg: As one of the few returning starters from the state championship team, this all-state midfielder is known for his leadership skills. Dominic DaPra, sr., Racine St. Catherine's: An all-state forward last season, he is one of the fastest in the state. "Very few high school kids play striker at his pace," coach Tony Guinn said. "He's at three times their speed." Ramone Saavedra, sr., Milwaukee South: As a forward, he scored 26 goals last season. "He is a dangerous threat whenever he touches the ball," coach John Welk said. Tim White, sr., Milwaukee Pius: His is a soccer family: older brother Pat plays for the Wave, other brother Eric plays for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. White is a smart midfielder and the leading scorer for Pius last season. Though he stands just 5 feet 7 inches, he packs "a lot of power in a small package," coach Roger Radke said. Nicholas Walls, jr., Wauwatosa East: This junior forward is already called by some coaches a lock for the all-state team. His speed already has Division I colleges interested. Wes Wild, sr., West Allis Hale: As a fourth-year starting midfielder, Wild is, at 6-0, one of the strongest and biggest players in the area and built more like a linebacker than a soccer player. Andrew Hatch, jr., Whitefish Bay: A skilled and technically sound player, Hatch will direct traffic and create opportunities in the midfield. Mike Janusz, sr. Waukesha Catholic Memorial: First team all-Metro conference last year, he led the team in assists in '96. Fred Kinateder, sr., Waukesha Catholic Memorial: As a forward, he led the team in scoring and is known for being creative and finishing at the goal. Jonathan Simpson, sr. Brookfield East: He is coming back at forward from a torn anterior cruciate knee ligament last season and is a good finisher. Sean Reti, sr., Brookfield East: Already orally committed to play at Marquette University, the forward has the ability to take on opponents. He is also new to the area, coming from Ohio. Ryan Schweitzer, sr., Kettle Moraine: Possibly one of the best sweepers in the state, he is cool and level-headed under pressure. He settles the entire team down with his ball-handling.