Boys soccer squad prepares for season

The boys’ soccer team has proven they are a squad to be reckoned with. The Outlaws have established themselves as one of the strongest teams in the league, winning league titles the past two years. Coach Jeff Husmann told The Nugget that they did lose a very strong group and this year will be about improving each week.

Thirty-two guys signed up to play, and more are expected to join the team once school starts. Within that number are 14 freshman, the most since Jeff Husmann took over as head coach six years ago.

Sisters did lose some key players from last year, but Husmann told The Nugget that this is a new year, a new team with new possibilities, and a chance for players to earn a starting position.

Five seniors are on the squad, including Micah Dachtler, Cooper Merrill, Daniel Benson, and Andrew Islas, who are all back for their third year on varsity. Carter Van Meter joins the senior group as a first year varsity player.

Dachtler plays at center back, is a strong leader and a very versatile player. Husmann told The Nugget that Micah has played at every position and is a student of the game, and often helps coach the younger players.

Merrill is a role model on the team. Husmann noted that Cooper is a very hard worker in practice, is highly coachable, and is willing to do what is best for the team.

Husmann stated, “Cooper has shown tremendous maturity and is ready this year to be a leader on this team. We will be developing his diversity as both a central defender and a striker. He plays a very physical style of soccer and will certainly worry the defense of our opponents.”

Benson has worked hard to become a very strong offensive player. Last season he was second in goals scored for the Outlaws and hopes are that the trend continues. Husmann stated that Daniel is a highly skilled striker and creates opportunities for himself and others. Benson, along with Merrill, could be a potent partnership.

Islas, according to Husmann, arrived to preseason focused and ready to step up his game. Husmann noted that Andrew is a skilled ball handler, has pace and vision, and has a strong soccer IQ. He will most likely be used as a striker, as well as a central defender.

Van Meter’s background in wrestling will help him become a tough and speedy defender. Husmann noted that Carter is scrappy and has been working hard to learn his job in the back line, and added that he is coachable and highly motivated to improve.

“This group of seniors have truly developed as a cohesive and positive group of leaders on this team,” said Husmann. “In preseason practices they already have demonstrated positive leadership. They have been part of our increased success and look to build on it this season.”

Juniors include Mason Dahl, Nick Palmer, and Joseph Derksen and varsity players Frank Trask, Chris Roach, and Dugan Draper.

Dahl and Palmer are both second year varsity players. Husmann described Dahl as a crafty offensive-minded player, whose confidence is increasing, and who will certainly contribute to the lineup. Palmer is a leader on the team. He sets high expectations for himself and his teammates. Husmann stated that Palmer has put in time in the offseason and is ready to be an impact player.

Derksen is a first year varsity player and has worked very hard in the offseason to develop his skills as a goal keeper.

Trask has improved over the past year, and has earned a spot on varsity. He will most likely be part of the defense. Draper is a fast and tenacious player who will probably make contributions to the team as an outside midfielder. This will be Roach’s first year on the team.

Kayden Morris, Grayson Humpert, Mason Brang, Tyler Hamlington, and Dakota Smithers make up the sophomore players. Morris brings a physical style of play, is coachable and motivated to improve, and most likely will see time on the varsity pitch. Humpert has improved his play over last year, and is also motivated to earn a spot on varsity. Husmann noted that the coaches have high expectations for Humpert. Brang is not only fearless, but a tough-minded defender. Hamlington loves the game and is developing into a skilled player. Smithers is new to the sport, but motivated to improve at every practice.

Three of the 14 freshmen, Alex Nieto, Felix Montanez, and Jasper Jensen, are expected to contribute somewhat at the varsity level. Nieto and Montanez are both skilled and experienced players. Jensen is versatile, and has a solid understanding of the game.