Boys soccer returns experienced veteran players

The Outlaws boys soccer squad is excited about their upcoming season, returning many experienced, veteran players to the team. A full schedule is in place, beginning with a jamboree at Sisters High School on Thursday, August 26, with play against Redmond and La?Pine.

Sean Alvarez, Gavin Christian, Ricky Huffman, Noah Pittman, and AJ Scholl all return for their final season and will bring excitement, experience, and positive leadership to the squad.

Alvarez is a four-year starter for the Outlaws and the backbone of their defense. Coach Jeff Husmann told The Nugget that he is wicked-fast and a smart player. Christian is a versatile player and leads by example both at practice and on the game field. He loves the game and always gives it his all.

Huffman was the Outlaws’ leading scorer last year and his grit and tenacity make it very difficult for opponents. Husmann noted he’s stepped up this year as a positive leader. Pittman always works hard in the off-season and is always the first to show up for practice. Husmann stated that he has matured as a player, and will definitely help establish the culture of this year’s team. Scholl rounds out the returning senior players. He has grown as a player, and Husmann said his commitment to improving shows. He’s tough, scrappy, understands the game, and is always helping the younger players improve their game.

Josh Schiller, also a senior, is new to the team this year. Husmann noted that Schiller understands the game, will bring a toughness to the team, and will contribute on defense.

The juniors are an exciting and talented group of players. Aidan Eckert and Tate Kaczmarek have been starters on the squad since they were freshmen. The duo will orchestrate much of the Outlaws’ offense and also help establish the attitude and work ethic of the team. Husmann noted that Eckert has exceptional field awareness and Kaczmarek is a work horse with a love of the game that is contagious.

Gus Patton, also a junior, is very knowledgeable of the game, and a versatile player that will be used in a variety of positions. Taine Martin (junior) has been hard at work perfecting his skills as a goal keeper and will see action in that position. Corbin Fredland is a fast, athletic player, and according to Husmann, has an innate soccer IQ.

Husmann has high expectations for his group of sophomores, which include Vincent Christian, Austin Dean, Evan Martin, Carson Bell, Baylor Dyer, Will Fogarty, and Waylon Kiefer.

Christian and Dean saw lots of varsity action last season and will continue to get lots of minutes on the field this year also. They had a big learning curve last year as freshmen and will be leaders on the field this year. Martin, who has matured as a player, is fast and is proving to be a tough defender.

Bell is a versatile player who is comfortable on both sides of the ball. Dyer is very fast and will contribute in the midfield. Kiefer had a break-out season last year and will contribute this year at the varsity level.

Injury kept Will Fogarty on the sidelines last year, but he’s back this year and ready to play. Husmann said that he is an experienced player with a strong soccer IQ.

“In many ways the success of our season hinges on how well this group of sophomores adapt to the varsity level,” Husmann said.

Nine freshmen will round out the boys soccer roster. They include Daniel Benson, Micah Dachtler, Bryant Davis, Andrew Islas, Keegan Kroytz, Merrill Cooper, Kyler Pilarski, Dylan Rundle, and Levi Szesze.

“I am excited to see a strong group of freshmen joining the squad,” said Hussman. “It can be a bit daunting to be the new kids on the team. However, this group brings a toughness and strong work ethic that will certainly help push the older players. I suspect many of these guys will be vying for a spot on the pitch.”