Outlaws return strong boys soccer squad this season

The varsity boys soccer team returns all of last year's starting players except for the goalkeeper.

Back from last season are Ryley Newport (first team all-league, first team all-state), Matt Bryan (first team all-league), Ande Phillips (second team all-league), Dominick DeLeone, Charlie Phillips, Jacob Evan, Eli Callan, Jordan Wellman, Kelly Crowthers, Jeremy Evan, Stephen Redfield, Ben Mansker, Slater Smith and Oscar Wiegand.

Ryley Newport, Ande Phillips, Charlie Phillips and Jacob Evan will play at both the midfield and forward positions.

"Ryley is very clever with the ball and scores lots of goals. He has become the type of striker to do whatever it takes to score," said Coach Rich Hummell.

According to Hummel, Charlie Phillips is very physical and skilled and will be posting up top to make things happen.

Hummell said, "Charlie is one of the best ball handlers on the team. He is showing some passion this year, and that is what I was looking for. He is going to have a break-through season."

Jacob Evans is stepping up this year and has already shown Hummell he can play anywhere on the field. Hummell said he is strong and quick and a very intelligent player who has developed a nice shot.

Matt Bryan, Dominick DeLeone, Jordan Wellman, Evan Simms and Eli Callan will play at midfield.

Matt Bryan was selected first team all-league last year.

"Matt is a wicked dribbler and plays with attitude," said Hummell. "He possesses a healthy arrogance on the field which is what it takes to get to the next level. I look to Matt as one of our playmakers. He will run the midfield and create the pace."

DeLeone played stopper last year and this year moved to the midfield.

"Dom is solid," said Hummell. "He will also establish pace through the midfield. He is a tenacious defender, skilled with the ball and creative in his passing combinations."

Jordan Wellman, Eli Callan and Evan Simms will all play outside midfield.

"Jordan is a lefty who played outside mid last year," said Hummell. "He has grown bigger, stronger and quicker in the last year. His ball handling is brilliant, and he's also developed a nice shot. Eli is lightening quick, and when he's in the game things happen. Evan is new to the team and a great all-around athlete. He's quick, a good handler and has a deadly accurate left foot. He's great at crossing the ball into dangerous territory."

Kelly Crowthers, Stephen Redfield, Jeremy Evan, Oscar Wiegand, Slater Smith and Ben Mansker will handle things on the defensive end.

"Kelly is the cornerstone of the team. He is solid, and the only kid on the team I can trust fully as last man back. He is quiet in person but has a big personality on the field. He's quick, aggressive, smart on defense and will be a great leader. Stephen is the fittest kid on the team and will be able to go for hours. He's become more aggressive on defense and is a smart passer and defender," said Hummell.

Jeremy Evans is quick and has great ball control. The team looks to Evans to start the attack and move the ball around the back. Hummell said that playing lacrosse has helped improve his aggressive style.

Wiegand started for the Outlaws two years ago but was back east last season. He will start again for Sisters this year as stopper.

Hummell said, "Oscar is lightening fast. He's developed good footwork and a shot. He's an aggressive defender who will not get beat often."

Smith will play wherever he's needed on defense. Slater is passionate about his position and a fast player on the field. He's quick to defend and good with the Outlaws' pressure cover system of defense.

Joey Feruggia (sophomore) and Kanoa James (junior) are new to the team this year and will share time at the keeper position.

The Outlaws will host North Marion in a non-district game on Thursday, September 7 at 5:30 p.m.