GSL soccer: Tigers on a mission
The Lewis and Clark boys soccer team doesn’t need extra motivation this year.
The Tigers got plenty at the end of last season: after winning their first seven Greater Spokane League matches, the Tigers dropped their last two, along with the GSL title.
“That left a bad taste in everyone’s mouths, and we talked about that last week, so we’ve really gotten on track,” said LC coach Mica Lamb, whose team is 3-1 in four preseason matches while scoring 13 goals and giving up just one, on a bad clearance in a 1-0 loss to Moses Lake.
The Tigers did earn one consolation prize, the 4A State Academic Championship thanks to their 3.68 grade-point average – which was awarded while South Hill rival Ferris was playing for the state title.
Now they want more.
“There are two ways you can look at it: put your head down, or motivate yourself for the next season,” said senior defender Ben Blakely, one of three returning starters in the back along with Charlie Rieger and Jack Bryant.
With a veteran group that includes seven returning starters and 11 lettermen – plus a skilled front seven that could be the best in the league – the Tigers are confident.
“We’ve been trying to focus on keeping the ball, and I feel like we’re more connected than we were last year,” said midfielder Alex McNeill, who along with forward Henry Smaldon was an all-GSL selection.
“I expect us to be stronger offensively than ever,” said Lamb, whose team went 11-5 last year.
Blakely is joined on the back line by Charlie Rieger, Jack Bryant and Eric Huber, a group that Lamb said “has been really impressive so far.”
The biggest concern is in goal, where Lamb has had to break in a succession of senior starters for four straight years. Senior Jeremy Ratcliff has looked solid so far, Lamb said.
“Defense and goalkeeping must prove itself,” Lamb said.
The Tigers expect to get big contributions from several newcomers, including a pair of starters: freshman Will Hoefer and J.J. Juviler in midfield.
The Tigers will need to get off to another fast start this year. After opening GSL play today against Shadle Park, they play Friday night at title contender Central Valley.
“Every year we’ve set the goal to win the GSL,” Lamb said.