A solid defense with a more than capable goalkeeper behind it and a young goal scoring forward make this year’s version of Dragon soccer look kind of like a few others in recent years.
But coach Erick Pfeiffer said his young squad is rebuilding this season.
The coach quickly added that expectations for the players on the field are still high.
‘I’ve got eight or nine guys back from last year that, if not starters, played a lot,? Pfeiffer said.
‘I think we’re solid across the field,? the coach said. ‘There are no glaring weaknesses.?
The team looked solid in two early season shutouts against non-league opponents, 8-0 over Clio on Aug. 22 and 4-0 over Farmington Hills Harrison on Aug. 24.
Ryan King recorded the shutouts in both contests and freshman Reed Losee had a total of five goals to lead the offensive attack.
On a team that lost a bunch of valuable players to graduation, King will be a calming influence in front of the Dragon net.
‘I’ve had really good goalkeepers here,? Pfeiffer said.
‘Ryan will do a solid job,? Pfeiffer added. ‘He won’t let in any easy goals.?
The coach added that King hasn’t had to do that much in the early going, with the team’s defense allowing only two or three shots on goal in the first two official contests and some unofficial scrimmages.
Meanwhile with Losee, and a few other talented young players up front, the team has a good blend of experience and youthful exuberance.
‘The future is looking very, very bright,? Pfeiffer said, comparing Losee to a freshman version of Billy Weaver (Michigan’s Mr. Soccer while at LO).
Pfeiffer said he will rotate his forwards and outside midfielders to keep them fresh and ensure constant effort when they are on the field.
Pfeiffer added that 94 players came to tryouts for the program’s three teams (with each team keeping 20 or more players).
As for competition in the always fierce OAA I, Pfeiffer said the coaches are keeping quiet, making it tough for him to decipher which teams will be the strongest.
But the team will find out for itself quickly, with two big league games this week and a schedule full of them in September.
The Dragons will host Clarkston at 7 p.m. on Thursday night.