GSL Preview soccer

Attackers

A wealth of sharp-shooting forwards and midfielders returns. Mt. Spokane’s Nick Reilly, last year’s league-leading scorer, Jake Krueger of Shadle, Evan Frobe of U-Hi and Sam Busby of CV all scored seven or more goals. Ferris’ Sam Palmer and LC’s Casey Ames were first-team All-GSL. Other talents include Ferris’ James Matern, back after missing most of last year because of injury; Jason Hamer, Adrian Tarkington and Cameron Bushey, Mead; Michael Ramos, U-Hi; and Andrew Mastronardi and Matt Eatock, EV.

Defenders

This is where teams may have to shore up things. Defending champion EV and 4A district champ U-Hi are among the teams which must find replacements for graduated talent. Players to watch include Stephen Craig, second-team All-GSL, and Galen Gorski, of LC; and EV’s Jordan Selland.

Goalkeepers

This could be a league strength, according to coaches. Second-team All-GSL Nick Piger of CV, U-Hi’s Ryan Dixon and Mead’s Zach Knechtges are names that jump out among a quartet of returning starters. Chris Hollman transferred from Ferris to South Hill rival LC.

Outlook

There is no clear-cut favorite. Three-time defending champion EV is starting over and several teams graduated double-digit senior classes. There were only four shootout decisions last year, but there were 11 the season before and it could be like that again. There already were three overtime decisions in league openers. “The top five or six schools in my opinion have a shot at winning the league,” said Mead coach Matt Stueckle. “This could be the year where you see a record number of shootouts and the title may come down to winning or losing those close games.”

GNL

Cheney brings back seven from last year’s team that entered state unbeaten, including Great Northern League scoring leader and MVP Mitch Weller. Lakeside (Nine Mile Falls) and Pullman were the closest challengers.