When longtime Georges Valley coach Sam Pendleton announced his retirement to start the fall soccer season, it was an early indication that this would be a season of change in the MVC.

Between graduation, coaching changes and injuries, there’s plenty of adjusting to go around.

The defending Class C state champs from Georges Valley will remain one of the league’s top teams despite losing five seniors. Zach Thorbjornson, an All-State back, leads a solid group of Buccaneers.

Mt. Abram (13-2-1), which lost in the semifinals in overtime to NYA, lost all but six returning players. Still, the Roadrunners have some talent to work with. Sam Witherspoon, Andy Sperry, Christian Talmage and Sam Dyar are all returning starters.

“With only six returning varsity players from last year, it is going to be crucial that we have senior leadership,” said coach Darren Allen.

Monmouth went 11-3 last year but lost 12 seniors. Kyle Pelletier is the only returning starter.

“A challenging season is ahead of us but with hard work, we hope to continue to be competitive at a high level,” said Monmouth coach Gary Trafton. “Our players are anxious to continue the tradition of playing at a high, intense level.” Mountain Valley won 10 games last year, but lost a number of seniors and will go without the services of All-State player Pat Harris who injured his knee. That leaves the Falcons trying to regroup under a new coach.

Hall-Dale and Telstar each had winning records last year but are rebuilding. The Bulldogs lost six seniors; the Rebels lost 10. New coach Tim Remington has just five returning starters in Terry Collins, Kevin Zinchuk, Ross Parker, August Reiss and Blake Conrad.

“The more we get on a field and practice the thing they already know hot to do, the better we will be,” said Remington. “Strategy-wise this team is very good. They know what to do. Game experience is what they need to perfect.”

Winthrop, Dirigo and Lisbon all still have young teams. The Ramblers return the most with just three players not back.

“We have to raise our level if we want to reach the postseason,” said Winthrop coach Lonney Steeves. “We have the group of players to do that.”

Dirigo has eight returning players and should have a solid defense. Finding a consistent offense that was missing last year will be key. Lisbon went 6-6-2 in the regular season and has just four returning players. The Greyhounds will rely on a number of underclassmen in starting roles.

“Even with a young team, I’m really excited about the season,” said Lisbon coach Scott Barden. “Our younger kids show a lot of promise for the future of the program.”

Both Jay and Livermore Falls expect to be improved. The Tigers have all but four starters back and nine varsity players back overall.

“I’m really excited about this up-and-coming team,” said Jay coach Tim Noll. “We should turn a lot of head in the MVC.”

The Andies return most of their team and add a group of freshmen who have been playing together since grade school.

“Look for a team that has the desire and willingness to get better each game,” said Andies coach Larry Thornton. “The positive attitudes of the upper classmen have gone a long way in preparing the freshmen for the season.”