UPPER MORELAND BOYS’ SOCCER PREVIEW
Coach: Matthew Duffey (3rd year)
Assistant coaches: Justin Allegra, Tyler Kleinert
2018 Record: 7 Wins, 8 Losses, 3 Draws (District One playoffs - lost to Strath Haven 1st Round)
Notable losses: Justin Mull, Christian O’Donnell, Ryan Cannon, Jake Navarra, Max Hernandez, Samuel Brown
Key returners (include grade/position): Dylan Swedberg (Senior/Forward), Jack Cowden (Senior/Midfield), Greg Wiley (Junior Goalkeeper), Travis Slear (Junior Defense), Joe Kane (Senior/Forward), Josh Henderson (Junior/Defense), Mateo Infante (Junior/Midfield), Tyler Holman (Senior/Midfield)
Others to watch (include grade/position): Aaron Snyder (Freshmen/Goalkeeper), Ivan Salazar (Senior/Forward), Michael Kane (Sophomore/Forward), Logan Taylor (Sophomore/Midfield)
Strengths/Question Marks: Our team has a number of solid midfield players this year which should help us on both sides of the ball. Two experienced defenders with Slear and Henderson. Question marks for this year is who will pick up the slack in goal scoring. Lost O'Donnell (captain, team MVP, leading scorer), Cannon (co-captain), Hernandez and Brown who all scored multiple goals last season.
Outlook: “Our team improved by an additional five wins last year over 2017 and qualified for district playoffs, losing to eventual state runner-up Strath Haven. Several core players have returned which gives our team good overall experience and depth. Addition of new younger players adds more to our depth and gives our team the ability to place players in different positions depending on what other teams are doing against us. We are looking to improve on our win total, but it will be difficult as the overall league looks to be tough again this year. We will be seeing a good competition in the goalkeeper position between Aaron Snyder (Freshman) and Greg Wiley (Junior). Holman, Cowden, Taylor and Infante should do a nice job anchoring the midfield with several new additions that should provide depth and versatility. Experience at forward with Swedberg and Joe Kane and adding newcomers Ivan Salazar and Michael Kane which we look to help us score goals.”
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