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closeSoccer squads shots finding the back of the net
Local soccer teams are already full swing into their season schedule, coaches are feeling confident
Shaun Scott
The majority of soccer programs in the area already have competed in four to five contests on the pitch this year. Local coaches are excited about their respective teams’ prospects in the coming months. Unlike many other types of sports, soccer is one that virtually requires all-year around training in order for players to be starters at the varsity level. Below is a look at how five of East Pierce County’s varsity high school soccer squads in the area will fare this spring.
Rogers Rams
Head coach: JR Farias (third year)
Last year’s record: 8-8-2 overall (Didn’t advance to postseason)
Players to watch: Bryce Humphreys-F, Kyle Johnson-F, Ethan Golding-MF, Stephen Dutson-MF, Josh Carbullido-MF, Trevor Kawamura-MF, Joel Mcmurdo-DF and Korey Kase-DF.
Outlook: Anyone who comes across Emerald Ridge Jaguars soccer coach JR Farias knows how much time and effort he puts into making sure his team succeeds every year.
“I love what I do. Coaching is all I ever wanted to do,” Farias said. “I’m honest with my teams and demand their respect but give them respect back. I’m the first one to tell someone they messed up, but will also be the first one to tell them they did it right and give them a pat on the back.”
The 2008 version of the Rogers Rams boys soccer team has depth in all of its positions.
“I think the strength of this team is having a full roster of guys that can play. I can move guys around in and out and not lose something at any point,” Farias said. “We are very skilled and talented at each position on the field.”
Cascade Christian Cougars
Head coach: Keith Patefield (second year)
Last year’s record: 7-9 overall (Didn’t advance to postseason)
Players to watch: Derrick Clifford-G, Chris Peterson-MF, Bryan Ide-MF, Kyle Sadler-MF and Devin Ossman-D.
Outlook: Cascade Christian’s cohesiveness on and off the field is evident in practice every day, head coach Keith Patefield said. The Cougars aren’t concerned with individual statistics and accolades but are focused on playing together as a unit.
“We have a great bunch of guys who have been working hard together to improve every day at practice. These guys do not get caught up in themselves but are dedicated to be humble leaders on and off the field,” Patefield said. “Our defense is pretty solid with Derrick Clifford in the goal.”
Unlike most high school soccer programs in the immediate area, only a few players on the Cougars roster play soccer outside of the spring season. Most varsity soccer players at high schools throughout East Pierce County play select or premier soccer in addition to their high school season.
“We only have three kids on the team that play soccer outside of school,” Patefield said. “But we do have a great bunch of athletes and young men that like to play the game of soccer. We work hard at communicating on the field.”
Emerald Ridge Jaguars
Head coach: David Rosdahl (third year)
Last year’s record: 10-5-3 overall (Advanced to state for first time in school history)
Players to watch: Kevin Weeks-G, Zach Britton-D, Suku Hudson-F, Tommy Todd-G, Teddy Ciocca-D, Johnny Dew-MF, Shawn Hanson-MF and Justin Pense-F.
Outlook: Last season’s ride to the state tournament for the first time in school history is something no one will forget anytime soon. This year, the Jaguars return three SPSL all-league performers including Kevin Weeks, Suku Hudson and Johnny Dew to the starting lineup once again.
“Our strengths this year are speed, goal-keeping, physical play and team unity,” Emerald Ridge coach David Rosdahl said. “The areas where we need improvement for success are ball possession, motion off of the ball and consistent scoring.”
Puyallup Vikings
Head coach: Matt White (seventh year)
Last year’s record: 11-3-4 (Advanced to West Central District playoffs)
Players to watch: Justin Veltung-F, Kyle Gaedke-MF and Devin Thomas-MF.
Outlook: Since Matt White took charge of the Puyallup Vikings soccer program in 2002, the Vikings have experienced a multitude of successes under his guidance.
“My coaching style is that of a teacher,” White said. “Our strengths are in ball possession and in our offensive attack. Team defense and intensity for the entire game are things we need to improve on.”
Bonney Lake Panthers
Head coach: Luke Helling-Christy (third year)
Last year’s record: 8-5-1 (Advanced to districts, one game shy of state playoffs)
Players to watch: Dillion Dayton-G, Paul McMullan-MF, Zach McMullan-SW, Chris Martos-MF and Craig Sterling-D.
Outlook: The Bonney Lake Panthers boys soccer team never has had a problem advancing to the district playoffs since the school opened three years ago. The problem is they haven’t won a district playoff game the past two seasons. Panthers head coach Luke Helling-Christy expects his team to get over the hump this season.
“We want to improve our playoff record,” Helling-Christy said. “In the past, I think it hurt us that we didn’t have any senior leadership. We have that this year.”
The Panthers quartet of Dillion Dayton, Paul McMullan, Zach McMullan and Chris Martos are all returning starters who bring a wealth of experience to the table, Helling-Christy said.
“Last year we got eliminated by Camas when they scored a goal late to beat us,” Helling-Christy said. “They got second in state last year. We’re pretty excited about our chances of winning in the postseason. Hopefully it will be part of our natural progression.”