For at least the last 15 years, the terms "high expectations" and "Solanco boys soccer" have not been used in the same sentence with any regularity. In 2014, coach Ron Miller firmly believes he has a team worthy of lofty goals. Last year, Solanco earned its first section victory in five years and seven of its losses came by one goal. Buoyed by eight returning starters and an infusion of ultra-talented underclassmen, the deep Mules fully expect to turn that around. "These boys have pushed each other to higher levels," said Miller. "I have high expectations and I believe in the kids. I told the boys I expect us to win every game. I've got to set the bar high. If I tell them I expect us to win four games they'll try to win four games. We're trying to make the (league) playoffs…Once they start winning they'll get that feeling and that's when they'll believe."
Miller says it all starts with the 16 seniors who will be part of the program. "It's unfortunate that they all won't be playing varsity minutes," he said. "But we've got to put our best players on the field. I knew this dilemma was coming. I couldn't cut any of them because they've worked so hard the last few years. I want them out there and the other boys on the team want them out there." The squad voted on captains and Miller was happy with their choices – forward Angel Rodriguez, goalie Jonathan Kraynak, midfielder Luke Perry. "It was the boys' decision and I think they made the right decisions," Miller said. Kraynak will start in goal. He took over the starting role early in his sophomore season and fended off a preseason challenge from Robert Beard, who joined the soccer team after playing football last fall. Miller said Beard is a good athlete who could also see time as a field player on defense. Senior Sam Montalto will be the third string keeper and could see time on JV. Miller has confidence in all three of his goalies. "We have three quality kids capable of playing in goal and that's something we haven't had," said the coach. Solanco is switching from a 4-2-2 alignment to a 3-2-3-2 formation. In order for that to work, the three backs and two defensive midfielders must work in concert. Seniors Zach Steinhauer, Matt Gote, Garrett Duvall, and Kyle McComsey and junior Ethan Smolik will anchor Solanco's defense. Miller said several newcomers have been a pleasant surprise. Sam Broomell, Tyler Olszewski, and Colin Kilgore have each been impressive and will be vying for playing time. Junior Cody Bleacher, who was a reserve last season, will be one of the key cogs in the midfield. Bleacher scored two goals on free kicks last year including a spectacular strike against Lampeter-Strasburg. "Cody has a cannon of a shot," said Miller. "I expect big things." Perry is a returning starter. "He's a little kid but pound for pound I'd take him on any team," said Miller. "He has a knack for the ball and he's tireless." Flashy junior Nick Boulé is a three-year varsity player. "He has unlimited potential," said Miller. "He should lead the team in scoring. He's definitely the most gifted player on the field." Miller says a pair of freshmen are expected to make an immediate impact. Ben Root is capable of playing anywhere on the field but will see most of his time in the midfield, the coach said. As an eighth grader last season, Root was the MVP of the 9th grade team. Root's classmate Evan Salisbury is also skilled beyond his years, Miller said. "Evan could've played on the varsity team as an eighth grader," the coach said. "He was playing with juniors and seniors last summer and doing well." Salisbury is expected to rapidly develop into a center midfielder for the Mules. "He's one of the best midfielders I've ever seen," Miller said. "Being a freshman, that excites the crap out of me. The sky's the limit." Senior Cole Boxleitner and junior Bryan Olivares are also part of the midfield mix. "Cole has improved a lot," said Miller. "Bryan is going to surprise some people. He has a knack for being in the right place." Rodriguez tops the list of forwards. He garnered the most votes from his teammates in the captains election. "I like what he does on the field," said Miller. "He talks to his teammates. He doesn't talk down to them. He picks them up. He's everything I expect out of a team captain." Josh Bailey will also contribute up top. "He's tenacious and deceivingly quick," said Miller. "He somehow puts the ball in the net." Bailey was fourth in the voting for captains but even though he is not officially a captain, his leadership will be important to the team, Miller said. Miller said he expects big things from returning starter Jimmy Maeda. Sophomore Britton Yoder was the only Mule to finish in the top three of all four of the tests Miller uses to measure speed, endurance, and agility. "He's a small kid but could have a big impact," said Miller. The four other seniors are midfielder Bernardo Becerra and defender Austin Yaletchko, who could challenge for some minutes, and Bailey Troop and Windsor Dalrymple. "If this team works together we're going to shock some teams," said Miller. "I truly expect to shock some teams… Two years ago, people told me the team was fun to watch. Last year, they were saying, 'My God, these kids are fun to watch'. This year I want them to say, 'Oh my God, these kids are competing like I've never seen'." Solanco boys soccer and high expectations. Miller is convinced the terms belong together. "Truly in my heart I believe we can earn one of the league playoff spots," he said. "I feel they can win the section but they have to go out and prove it." Comments are closed.
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