Things may be a bit topsy-turvy for the Oxford Wildcat Varsity Soccer Team – but don’t let a lopsided schedule of away and home games fool you, these guys are ready and roaring to go.
With 11 returning players on a team of 16 (five seniors, five juniors and six sophomores), the Wildcat soccer team’s biggest strength is definitely going to be their experience.
‘We have quite a few that have been with us when we won districts the past two years,? said Coach John Thaler. ‘Plus most of them play during the off season.?
Team captains for this year are senior midfielder Paul Ebenhoeh and junior defense Josh DuVal. Completing the starting line-up are senior midfielder Brandon McKay; juniors Alex Austin (defense), David Kourtijan (forward) and Shane Rondy (Goalie); and sophomores Zac Wasylyna (midfield), Bryan Ward (forward), Francesco Paese (midfield), Erik Anderson (defense) and Mark Jones (defense).
The team is coming from a 13-5-3 record in 2003 and has replaced all eight of their graduated seniors. Their goals for the year are simple: go as far as possible in districts and work more as a team instead of relying on a few guys to carry the load.
Thaler added that his team is fast, but they are going to have to focus on their fundamentals and finesse, especially since so much of their talent lies in that area.
‘I am pleased with the bunch of kids I have,? said Thaler. ‘They’re more well rounded, they balance well, they work well together.?
The Wildcat kickers played their first match on Aug. 21 at the Oxford Invitational against Lake Orion. The team lost their first home match 3-0 despite holding the Dragons 0-0 at the half.
In the opening of the second half, Lake Orion slammed the Wildcats with two quick back-to-back goals. The third goal was a 50-50 call late in the game: according to Coach Thaler, Oxford Goalie Rondy had possession when a Dragon kicked the ball from his hand for the score.
‘We’ll just say I wasn’t happy with that call,? explained Thaler.
The Oxford Varsity Soccer team played on Aug. 25 against Davison and hits the field again on Aug. 30 against Linden. Due to construction of their Pontiac St. field, the team will not be home again until September 22, once again facing off against Linden.
Also, the Wildcats have been moved up into a harder division for district competition. This year Oxford varsity will be facing off against Fowlerville, Brandon, Linden, Notre Dame Prep and Swartz Creek. The team will see only Brandon and Linden during regular season play.