2013 High School Boys Soccer Preview
Noted absences Several players who would have been key area returners won’t see varsity action after being selected as candidates for the U.S. Soccer Development Academy. Players for the first time this year had to make a choice between the academy’s busy training regimen or playing for their high schools. Just how the loss of these players affects the caliber of play remains to be seen.
Standing Pat First Colonial captured its first Eastern Region title last year with a 2-0 victory over Grassfield. But the Patriots’ journey into state competition ended quickly with a 3-2 quarterfinal loss to Colonial Forge. First Colonial lost Eastern Region Player of the Year Brian Davidson to graduation, but is hoping to stay on top with seniors Brooks Nopper (9 goals), Tyler McArdle (8 goals) and goal keeper Alex Lally. Can Falcons rebound? New Cox coach Eric Blackmore welcomes six seniors – including Division I signees Ryan Albiston and Adam Newcomb (Ferrum) – who were part of the Falcons’ dominance during their freshmen and sophomore seasons. Last year’s 6-3-1 Beach District effort likely left a bad taste in their mouths.
Elsewhere in the Beach District Ocean Lakes also is a strong contender just on the presence of Justin Trout (14 goals, 8 assists), one of the leading returning scorers in the area. Wes Hendrix also is a threat. The two will benefit from a young but skilled midfield headed by freshman Jack Monroe and Belgian sophomore Johann DePicker, who recently moved to the United States. Kellam will look to strengthen its defense after the graduation of keeper Jake Burtch (Virginia Wesleyan). David Feane will get help from Adam Vaughan, who is returning after an early-season injury. Kempsville is another squad hurt by graduation. But seniors Blake Laibstain, Jan Brennick, Josh Hopkins and Nick Clayton return. Landstown’s Austin McKenzie is a junior who has yet to play a complete season because of injuries. Garrett Walke (9 goals, 3 assists) and Kyle Fisher (5 goals, 5 assists) lead what might be the area’s most experienced returning lineup. Princess Anne will look to Joseph Thames under first-year coach Nick Marchland, a former Hickory assistant. Bayside features a host of returners led by Mickias Tesfamariam (5 goals), Kendall McIntosh (4 goals, 4 assists) and Colton Watson (4 goals, 3 assists). Salem returns Chadler Hershberger and six other starters. Noah Beardsley is solid in goal.
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