It was a pretty routine question: who’s the top player in Southern California? There are varying perspectives on playing talent, and each view has some distinction  in terms of expertise, vantage point and personal attachment. In this case we decided to pick the brains of the player on the field who have competed with and against one another.

So we asked a few of Southern California’s elite who was tops in their estimation. Of course, the question took some defining. Former National Team player and MLS professional Luis Gil was mentioned, along with Real So Cal product Moises Orozco – now playing professionally in Mexico.

We wanted current players. And there was one in particular who garnered more attention than any other.

Raul Mendiola

Raul Mendiola, Arsenal FC: Players that know him have a reverence for his ability with the ball. Although he’s small, he travels even faster than his reputation. Observe the following statements from his Top 20 Regional peers:

“It’s impossible to get the ball from him and every single time he has it something magical happens.”

“He’s a handful to play against. For a guy his size he packs a pretty decent shot.”

“He’s the quickest player I’ve ever seen. He dribbles through almost everyone and also plays a lot of one touch but hardley ever shoots but when he does its almost guaranteed a goal.”

Here are some of the other names that came up among the SoCal players …

Armando Gaitan, Cosmos Academy West: A former member of the Valley United club, Gaitan was tagged for his shot and talent. Gaitan plays alongside other guys like Genaro Barrientos, Peter Chodas and Marvin Iraheta.

Adam Zepeda, LA Galaxy: The word ‘tough’ came up when discussing this goaltender. He’s got excellent shot-saving ability and is a great competitor. Just ask top teammates like Riley Wolfe and Eric Verso.  

Lucas Dall'orso, LA Galaxy: Dall’orso isn’t afraid to throw his body into the action, a quality that got him praise and criticism from fellow players. While some don’t like the frequency with which he dives and slide tackles, other recognized he’s just a tough player to beat in the middle of the field. Over the past couple years he’s played well alongside guys like Juan Gutierrez and Juan Pablo Ocegueda.

Let’s get to the girls, where there were there were usual suspects.

Lauren Bohaboy, So Cal Blues: She’s been a force for years while guiding talented teams (think Haley Rosen, Kimberly Marshall, Kaitlin Dickmann, etc.) to the postseason. Her teammates and competitors admire her athleticism, strength and powerful shot.

Maya Theuer, San Diego Surf: Toughness and physical strength are adjectives associated with this defender. She’s a national team player who has teamed with other standouts like Alexandra Bailey, Laura Liedle, Kate Perry and Jessica Hale.

Ally Courtnall, Eagles SC: The daughter of former professional hockey player Russ Courtnall, Ally has been involved in both U.S. and Canada’s National Team system. She’s also enjoyed some good battles with club teammate Christina Murillo who opposes her during high school season.   
 
We’ll have much more on this subject, with new regions to probe.