Outlaws gear up for exciting soccer season

The Outlaws boys soccer squad has made steady improvements, and their collective skill and “soccer IQ” has grown tremendously, thanks to Coach Jeff Husmann, who has coached them the past four years. Husmann noted that with the improvement the team’s expectations for success has grown and the boys are up for the challenge.

Sisters has shifted to 3A, and the change will allow the Outlaws to be even more competitive.

According to Husmann, the seniors are the spirit and identity of this year’s team. They have raised the bar of the program as they have put in the work, and stepped up as positive leaders. They have high expectations for this year and model to the other players what it takes to be successful. Seniors include Aidan Eckert, Corbin Fredland, Tate Kaczmarek, Taine Martin, Zenus Ortega, and Gus Patton.

Eckert is a four-year starter, a very skilled player, and often orchestrates the offensive attack. He’s also skilled on defense as he disrupts the opponent’s offensive threat.

Kaczmarek is also a four-year starter, and Husmann noted he’s highly motivated to lead the team. He is attack-minded, has a high work rate, is passionate about the game, and is skilled and physically fit.

Patton has come to own the center-back position. He’s a smart, tough defender who communicates well with his teammates. Gus is the leader of the Outlaws’ defensive unit and truly enjoys playing the game.

Fredland emerged as the Outlaws’ starting goalkeeper last season, and has fully committed himself to improvement at that position. He is very athletic and has great field vision. Husmann noted that this year he will also contribute in the midfield, as he is speedy and fit.

Martin, according to Husmann, has shown the greatest improvement from last season. He understands his role well, can be a nuisance to other teams, and his speed will help the Outlaws surprise their opponents this year. Martin is part of the Outlaws’ one-two punch at goalkeeper and has improved in that position as well.

The juniors, Carson Bell, Vincent Christian, Austin Dean, Baylor Dyer, Evan Martin, and Dylan Rundle, will bring a lot of experience and toughness to the team.

Most notable is Vincent Christian, a three-year starter. Christian is passionate and highly motivated, and played several positions for the Outlaws last year. With the team’s increased skill level, it’s likely Christian will be in a more attacking role this year. He has an impressive skill set and understands the game well.

Dean is once again going to be a force to be reckoned with. He is physical, scrappy, and highly coachable. He was a versatile player last year and has the ability to immediately impact a game. He most likely will play as a defensive midfielder, but he also has the speed to make smart, attacking runs.

Dyer had a breakout year last year, and earned a starting spot as an outside back. He is tenacious and speedy and continues to learn his role as a contributor to the team. He also likes to get forward with the attack-minded offense.

Martin is another player who has shown solid improvement from last year. Husmann stated that although Martin is somewhat unorthodox in his playing style, he is quite effective as a defender. He’s excellent at challenging the offensive threat and savvy at leading the counter attack.

Bell is a skilled player and understands the game well. He was a strong leader on the JV squad last year, has steadily improved, and will be a big contributor on the varsity team this year. Rundle is an intelligent player, is committed to improve, and is very coachable.

Sophomores Daniel Benson, Micah Dachtler, Bryant Davis, Andrew Islas, Keegan Kroytz, Cooper Merrril, Levi Szesze, and Max Verbitsky will also play for the Outlaws this year. Husmann noted that the greatest improvements from last year have come from this group of guys. The coaches have high expectations for these guys and several will be vying for time on the varsity pitch.

Benson, Dachtler, and Merrill are all sophomore standouts.

Benson is a very crafty, offensive-minded player, more confident this year, and motivated to improve. Dachtler put in a lot of time in the off-season, and is a knowledgeable and versatile player. Husmann noted that Merrill has developed into a rugged and intelligent defender, and is hungry to improve.

Freshmen that join the Outlaws program include Joseph Dirksen, Dugan Draper, Rylan Holden, Jesse Polachek, and Frank Trask, and Husmann has noticed their commitment to improve. They arrive early and work on skills before practice even begins, and have a shared passion and love for the game.

Husmann said, “It can be a bit daunting to be the young guys on the team, but they are very coachable and motivated. Jesse Polachek is certainly a standout among this group. He comes with a lot of club soccer experience and will certainly be a contributor on the varsity team. Ryan Holden is also a skilled player and has a strong soccer background. It will be exciting to see the growth of these players.”

This year’s squad is physically fit, balanced, understand the game well, and have set high goals for the season. Their goals are to foster a positive team culture, win their division, go deep into the state tournament, and have fun along the way.

Sisters will kick off their season with a non-league matchup against Madras on Friday, August 30.