Cheney, CV boys soccer teams in customary spots atop GNL, GSL

The boys soccer season has been full of surprises this year, none bigger than Cheney.

With only four starters returning, the Blackhawks looked ripe for the plucking, but coach Mark Kiver’s team is sitting in its customary first-place spot in the Great Northern League.

Going into the spring, “I had no idea on where to look to,” said Kiver, who led Cheney to a state 2A title in 2013. “It’s an exciting thing, and on top of that, a lot of young kids have been waiting for their chance to step up on this team.”

The entire squad stepped up in a crucial home match last week against Pullman. The Blackhawks were coming off a shootout loss at East Valley and found themselves trailing the Greyhounds 1-0 late in the first half.

But Oliver Smith equalized just before halftime, then fed Spencer Yeager for the eventual game-winner to help Cheney improve to 5-1 in league and 6-3 overall.

“It was big, and several times we’ve given up the first goal and come back,” said Kiver, who watched his team do the same thing in a 2-1 win at Pullman earlier this year.

“We’re slowly putting the puzzle pieces together,” Kiver said.

Actually, they’re meshing nicely, thanks to the seniors. Defender Cruz Galm, a four-year starter in the back, “has really stepped up in the leadership department – a lot of guys look to him,” Kiver said.

Galm’s brother Cam, a senior goalkeeper, “is a great communicator who really makes others better,” Kiver said.

Another senior, midfielder Tad Tinker, is a hard worker and “the other guys feed off of him,” Kiver said.

Cheney isn’t the only surprise this year. Central Valley also figured to drop a notch after losing several key players, but coach Andres Monrroy’s group is 7-0 overall and 3-0 in the GSL going into Wednesday’s match at Mt. Spokane.

Instead, the Bears shocked preseason favorite Lewis and Clark 2-0 in the first week of the GSL season. In seven matches, they’ve conceded just two goals while scoring 23.

The key might be the disappointing end to last year’s season; CV dominated Curtis of Tacoma in their first-round state 4A match, but lost in a shootout.

Last fall, while he was coaching the girls to a state title, Monrroy said he was besieged by boys wanting to know how early they could begin conditioning.

“We are a very hungry team,” Monrroy said.

Senior forward Brian Choate has two goals and three assists in GSL play, while J.D. Hauenstein has two goals and an assist.

It’s been a while since North Central was 2-1 in GSL play, but there the Indians are after spring break. After a 2-0 win over Shadle Park on April 1, NC is already in great shape for a high seed at 3A District. Drew Williams, who had a pair of goals in an earlier 3-2 win over University, tacked on a goal and an assist against the Highlanders. The Indians can improve their playoff chances with a win Wedesday against LC at Albi Stadium.

Mead will be at Gonzaga Prep – both 2-1 in the GSL – that night in another big match. … The Northeast A will see its first major showdown match today, when Lakeside visits Medical Lake. Both are 2-0 in league.