After reaching the MACJC State Tournament last season for the first time since 2009, the Northwest men's soccer team is looking to build off last season's success.

"The guys came out last year and worked hard during the preseason," second-year head coach Charlie Baldwin said. "That really helped us to put out a good effort during the season, and we had the tools to be successful. I'm looking for things to continue in that direction this season."

In order for Baldwin's team to replicate or even top last season's 7-4-2 mark and second place finish in the MACJC North Division, the Rangers will be looking to some young faces to help carry the team. In fact, the Rangers only return two sophomores from last year's squad in defender Zach Farmer and midfielder Ryan Clyburn. Farmer is the only returning starter from last year's team, finishing with two assists and his lone goal against Copiah-Lincoln in the 2013 opener.

However, the Rangers will also get help from a group of sophomore transfers, led by the Biloxi trio of Aaron Stoeger, Devin Stoeger and Tyler Gill. All three players spent their freshman seasons at Jones County, playing in at least 10 of the Bobcats' 16 matches last season. The Rangers also add former Gulf Coast midfielder Ryan Maniccia and Waldorf College midfielder Mamadou Mbaye to their roster.

"I hope to see all five players bring in some leadership qualities," Baldwin said. "They all have some experience behind them and played a little bit, so hopefully they will get a lot of playing time and bring in those leadership qualities that we need and get us where we need to be this season."

The Rangers will also see a familiar face in the net this season. Redshirt sophomore Josh Delgado will be the Rangers' top option at keeper. Delgado saw some action in 2012, playing in eight games and collecting nine saves, before sitting out last season after an ACL injury. He will replace Taylor Thevenot, who collected 120 career saves in 26 games over two seasons.

"We're glad to have (Delgado) back and we're expecting a lot out of him," Baldwin said. "He already has one season of playing time under his belt, and we hope to see him provide some veteran experience."

In addition to Delgado, the Rangers will also have Matthew Williams in their arsenal. Williams, who played at South Panola last season, is one of 15 freshmen signees. Baldwin is also hoping to see Williams gain a lot of time in the net behind Delgado, to prepare him to inherit the starting role for next season.

Entering preseason camp, there are some freshmen that have already caught Baldwin's attention. Karim Mueller, a forward from Neshoba Central High School, finished his senior season with 15 goals and 14 assists, and averaged at least one goal and one assist in each game for the Rockets. Midfielder Thomas King also comes in from Northwest Rankin, helping lead the Cougars to a 22-2 overall record, district championship and a berth into the Class 6A State Semifinals.

"We have several solid players coming in out of this class," Baldwin said. "If they can perform well in preseason, it will help us quite a bit. This freshman class is going to have to step up and fight hard to get playing time."

As for the 2014 schedule, the Rangers open the regular season with matches at Copiah-Lincoln on Sept. 22 and Southwest Sept. 23. The Rangers will open division play by traveling to Itawamba on Sept. 5.

"Our division is always real competitive," Baldwin said. "There are players from each team that we have recruited in the past, but didn't get. Each team has been extremely talented year in and year out, and I look for it to be much of the same this season. Home field advantage may help, but in this division, anybody can beat any team on any given day."

After last season's success, Baldwin isn't afraid to admit that he has high goals for the team this season.

"We want to win the state title," Baldwin said. "That's probably our biggest goal. In order to that, though, we have to get into preseason and work hard. We have to have players that are willing to come off the bench with good attitudes and make good of their time when they're asked to perform."

Click here to see the entire 2014 roster.