Goodrich soccer team looks for similar success in 2008

By John Droke
Posted Thursday, August 21, 2008

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By John Droke
VIEW Sports Writer

GOODRICH — Evan Huizenga knows that losing the seniors who led the team to a 10-0 GAC record a year ago will be hard to replace, but feels the seniors now may have learned some valuable lessons from their leadership. Robert Short, Second Team All-State and David Garr, Honorable Mention All-State return to lead the way for the Martians, and both scored 15 goals in 2007.

Also returning are Alex Arnold, Caleb Jones, Brandon DeGrouchy, Ryan Eskuri, Chad Frownfelter, Danny Leppek, Austin Douglas, Dale Sifferman, Chris Baker, Luke Harrison, Richie Kepsel, Andrew Patrick, Chase Bertrand, Kevin Hergenreder and DJ Hill.

“So many players could be returning varsity players from last season,” said Huizenga. “We held so many players last season because the talent pool was so good. I am excited for all of their varsity experience to pay off even bigger this season”.

Last year the team finished 19-4-2, scoring 106 goals and allowing just 24. The Martians won 17 games in a row and were undefeated in GAC competition with a perfect 10-0 record, seven of which were shutouts. This year’s schedule will be tough for the Martians as they open their season against the Div. 3 State Champion Detroit Country Day.

“I am prepared to deal with this tough schedule and so are the players,” said Huizenga. “They understand why we are preparing this way and they have taken it upon themselves as a challenge to achieve great things. We also have begun the new GAC tournament for boys’ soccer this fall as that has opened some other opportunities for the GAC schools to schedule more games that are outside of the regular conference play.”

The Martians’ greatest strength this season is the simple fact that they play as a team. “We work together very well and we train together very hard,” explained Huizenga. “The level of competition is so high for each individual on the team that it takes the level of play up for each competition.”

Like all great programs, success starts with great leadership and preparation. By the looks of returning Martians, the tough non-league schedule and an experienced coach like Huizenga, Goodrich could definitely repeat the success they had from a year ago.

GRAND BLANC
Greg Kehler has had a lot of success over the years as coach of the Grand Blanc soccer program and his tenth season doesn’t appear to be anything but success again.

Last year’s undefeated Big Nine champs return with the depth and experience to make another run at the championship.

Returning this year for the Bobcats are goalkeepers Kyle Huber and Corey Cunningham. Aaron Tuck, Ryan Keener and Chris Kruse have valuable experience on defense while Matt Filos, Carter Brochu and Alex Kruse will provide the midfield attack. Freshman Zach Carroll will provide depth as well and with the speed of outsiders Tim Walker, Mike Machala along with Vince Mckeoun and Billy James up top the Bobcats make for a dangerous team with a ton of weapons.

“We probably have the best speed on our team I’ve ever had since I’ve coached here,” said Kehler. The Bobcats annually have a target on their backs in league play and according to Kehler that won’t change much this year.

“With only eight league games this year since Kearsley joined the Metro, every match is important and we’ll take them one at a time,” said Kehler. “Our league has improved so much the past few years as far as balance, we have to be prepared for every opponent.”

Many of the players are playing year-round now and with the better training through their club teams, prepare the Bobcats for their league play year-in and year-out. Grand Blanc appears to have the athletes and coaching staff to be a powerhouse once again.