Last season had all the makings of a down year for the St. Dom’s boys’ soccer team.

After losing a wealth of talent from the 2001 state championship team, the Saints could have been forgiven for taking last year to regroup.

Though the follow-up campaign ultimately laid the groundwork for this season, it didn’t happen in the way most probably expected. The Saints went 11-3-2 and reached the Western C final before losing to a potent North Yarmouth Academy team.

The Saints have much of that squad returning and high expectations following them.

St. Dom’s should be the top Western Maine Conference club in Class C. Though the Saints did lose key personnel from last year, much of the club is back. All-Conference midfielder Josh Dwinal leads a strong group of halfbacks along with Mike Perreault, Ryan Turgeon and Jack Lavoie. The defense is secure with Christopher Dubay, Ryan Guerin, Dylan Nadeau, Josh Hixon and Pat O’Neill and keeper Nate Hamlyn. Up front, the Saints have some balance with Brandon Gervais and Shawn Longley.

“The bench looks pretty deep right now,” said St. Dom’s coach Lee Hixon, “so we hope to stay focused and be in the hunt at the end of the season.”

Traip won 12 games last year and should be a potent club as well with it top scorers back in Rob Rochester and Mike Scott.

In Class A, Greely and Cape Elizabeth each took heavy hits at graduation but should maintain their status among the elite programs in the state.

In Class B, Falmouth should remain the team to beat with the return of All-State forward Jimmy Velas and the transfer from Cape Elizabeth of All-State forward Dan Forcella. Yarmouth lost its All-State talents in Greg Abbot and Gunnar Hagstrom but should still be a force. Freeport moves up to Class B and could be a formidable foe with 10 seniors back from last year.

Three local schools are among those hoping to move up the Class B ladder.

Fryeburg won seven games and gave Falmouth a good run in a playoff game. Coach Bob Logan has much of the club back, looking to build off last year’s experience.

“We had a good season last year and played well in the playoffs,” said Logan. “That experience of being in the playoffs for all the guys is going to be a huge plus for us. I’m energized and looking forward to the season.”

Logan has 14 upperclassmen returning, including six seniors: Ryan Crowell, Drew Wopat, Shannon Philpott, Lamont Butterfield, Morgan Labonte and Larent Levasseur.

Poland won five games last year and returns WMC All-Star Max Levine in goal. Kevin Young and Josh Pomerleau are experienced up front, and Stevie Ray, Brad Marsh and Eric Piper solidify the defense.

“We feel we can compete with most teams and look forward to a postseason for the first time in three years,” said Poland coach Ben Perry. “The team has a very positive outlook and works well together. (We are) moving the ball with the short game to replace the kick-and-run style we have used in the past.”

Gray-New Gloucester won four games last year and hopes to add a few more victories and challenge for a playoff spot. The Patriots return All-State forward Andrew Worth. The defense should be experienced with Mike Amergian, Joe Beotte, Nick McCarthy and Tom Hamann.

“A .500 season should mean a playoff berth, and that is our goal,” said G-NG coach Tim Darnell. “How quick the freshmen mature will dictate just how far we will go.”

Wells and Gorham each won seven games last year and could stay in the playoff chase. York, which went 3-11, returns 14 players and could improve greatly.