Outlaws soccer returns veteran squad

Nine players return to the boys soccer team, and will anchor the solid Outlaws squad this season.

David Liming (second team all-league), Scott Everson and Will Newport are all very solid players who will control the midfield. All three pass the ball well and are able to win 50/50 balls.

"If balls are passed to them, they're going to get it," said Coach Rob Jensen. "They are all very good athletes."

Outlaws fans will once again see Max Quinn and Lee Elder at the forward position. Quinn made several goals last year for Sisters and a lot of plays that led to goals for the Outlaws.

"Max was a big contributor for us last year, and this year I look for him to step up even more," said Jensen. "He's one of our fastest athletes and can run past defensive players to be first to the ball. Lee is also a very fast player and will be a big help to the team."

Sam Orwig, Tanner Smith, Kody Johns and Jake Laskin return on defense.

Orwig, at stopper, will be the anchor on defense. According to Jensen, Orwig can push up and win goal kicks from the other goalie and is a very savvy player. Jensen told The Nugget he is looking for big things from Smith this year.

Johns moved up from JV to play on the varsity team at the end of the season last year and started for the Outlaws in their playoff game against Mac High. Kody played the entire game and had a stellar performance.

"Kody had knee surgery in the off season but he's looking 110 percent," said Jensen. "He's very athletic and contributes physical tenacity to the team."

Laskin rounds out the returning defensive players. Jensen said that Jake has a solid work ethic and is always in the right spot.

Veteran keeper Joey Farruggia will be in the box the entire time for the Outlaws this season.

"Joey has seen action at the varsity level for the last two years. He's solid and is always in the right position to make the save. He's fearless in the box," said Jensen.

Four new players will join the Outlaws for their 2008 season.

Senior Patrick Young and junior Kevin Marquardt will both see action at the forward position.

"Both these guys are experienced newcomers," said Jensen. "They will both be able to score for us while they're on the field."

Adding depth to the midfield will be sophomore Scott Bowen and freshman Dirk Vandervelde. Bowen and Vandervelde are young, skilled players who are talented at dribbling and passing the ball.

"This year we hope to compete for the league title and go further into the playoffs than we did last year," Jensen said. "We have a solid, veteran team."

The Outlaws begin their season with a jamboree at Philomath High School on Friday, August 29.