After a breakthrough season last fall, the Solanco boys soccer team is looking forward to proving it wasn't an aberration. The Mules were 8-8-1 overall last season, 7-6-1 in Section Two. It was the school's first winning section record in 22 years and third best record in the program's history. "It was a monumental season," said Miller, who played soccer at Solanco and Syracuse. Despite losing 16 seniors, including 11 who saw significant action on varsity, Miller thinks the Mules can improve on last season's success.
Solanco returns 10 players with a great deal of varsity experience. Three of those 10 – Nick Boulé, Cody Bleacher, and Bryan Olivares – combined for 22 of the team's 41 goals in 2014. "Our offensive firepower is back," Miller said. Boulé, a four-year varsity player and three-year starter, was an All-Section Two selection last year after collecting 11 goals and seven assists. He has shown a flair for the dramatic, having scored all three of Solanco's game-winning overtime goals last fall. Cody Bleacher tallied five goals and five assists in 2014. Three of his goals came on free kicks. "Cody has the potential to be a first team All-Star," Miller said. "He and Nick will be a 1-2 combination that should do a lot of damage." Solanco will also rely on Bryan Olivares, who scored six goals last fall, including the game-winner in both victories over Lebanon. Sophomore Evan Salisbury, a starter last season, is back at center midfielder. He recorded two goals and six assists in his rookie campaign. "Evan has the potential to be an All-Star," Miller says. Junior Britton Yoder will be a key cog in the midfield and could also see action at forward. Speedy midfielder Colin Kilgore has varsity experience and will contribute as will sophomore Benjamin Root, who played defensive midfield on varsity last year. Senior Cody Kauffman has rejoined the program and will have an impact. Kauffman played JV soccer as a freshmen and was a member of the football team for the last two years. Miller says Kauffman will add toughness in part because of his lacrosse background. Junior midfielders Remington Wright, JT Rath, Jacob Snyder, Charlie Canty, and Eric Zaborskiy could also contribute. Wright might backup Salisbury at center midfielder. Miller said Rath has worked hard to improve his agility. Jacob Snyder is a relative newcomer to soccer, but has impressed with his work ethic. Canby is a versatile player who could help out as a left side midfielder or striker. The coach said Zaborskiy "is small in stature but a talented soccer player." The program has several sophomores who have a bright future – Ben Perry, Tyson Kilgore, and Jalen Landis, a home-schooled student, who has played soccer in Morocco. Ethan Smolik, a three-year varsity starter, will anchor the defense. "He reminds me of me when I played," Miller said. "He may not be the most skilled player, but he has the most intensity, heart, and determination." Sam Broomell and Tyler Olszewski are slated to flank Smolik. Olszewski saw significant action last year. Broomell was on varsity but got limited minutes. Gunnar Scott, Dominique Fulk, Alan Lawson, and Edgar Rodriguez are competing for varsity time along with sophomore Thomas Broomell, the MVP of the JV team last year. Dylan Sheaffer, a 6-4, 240-pound sophomore, will start in goal. "Dylan is deceptively quick and has booming punts," said Miller. "I have the utmost confidence in him." The coach said the team began rallying around Sheaffer during the winter when they presented him with the game ball following an indoor tournament title victory over Hempfield. "That speaks volumes about how close this team is," says Miller. Junior Robbie McHugh and sophomore Jacob Zook will serve as backups. Zook could also play in the field on the JV squad. Miller says he more excited about this season than he was about last year. "This group knows how to win. It's a close-knit group, even more than last year. The cohesiveness is incredible. We're more skilled across the board." He said last season was his most rewarding as a coach. But he's not satisfied. "I want to outdo that this year," said Miller. "I firmly believe we're going to be there at the end of the season. I firmly believe in my heart we can win the section title. That's our first goal. It's been done once (1992) in 50-plus years of soccer here. If we play like we're capable of playing, we'll be the talk of the town, not just Solanco, but the entire Lancaster-Lebanon League. I believe the things we're capable of doing this year will be talked about for decades to come." Comments are closed.
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