By Miles Becker

Lobos soccer coach

The 2016 Lopez High Soccer team picks up where last season left off: fun, fast and full of potential. Returning to the front lines are last year’s leading scorer, junior Kevin Dye, sophomore Sterling Carfrae and team captain senior Dylan Moore. New additions to the shooting arsenal are senior Austin Reinmuth, transferring his abilities as football receiver, and freshman Galen Westerveldt, coming off a winning streak with the middle school team under Coach Tommer Roush. Look for an aggressive and dynamic attack from this year’s offense.

Backing up the forwards is an equally adept midfield. Creating plays from the center of the field are juniors Tobin Arden, Rio Cordova, and Nick Zoerb. Behind them the defense is led by the speed and strength of Ryan Schaefer, Jonathan Doherty, and Miguel Velazco. Stopping shots in goal will be freshman Reese Hamilton.

The biggest change to the team is the presence of a cohort of 10 freshmen. Also joining the team are several upperclassmen, including Anne Scholz, from Leipzig, Germany, bringing the roster up to 28 students. One challenge will be to find a cohesive playing style across such a diverse group of players.

As coach for a second season, I’m looking forward to watching everyone channel their potential into a supportive and successful soccer team. What that looks like will be revealed as the season progresses. Come see for yourself at our home games.