Speedy U-Hi Veterans Roam Gsl Soccer Fields
When talking about Greater Spokane League soccer playoff potential, opposing coaches mention two Valley schools.
University returns most of its lineup from last year’s third-place team.
“I think we’ll be up there,” said first-year Titan head coach Brandon Deyarmin.
Central Valley won only three matches to place eighth, but lost six matches by a mere goal and four others by two.
Half its lineup is back, but with only one senior on the roster, coach Howard Woollett said realistically the Bears are a middle-of-the-pack team.
“Personally, my goal is to make the fifth playoff spot,” he said.
The GSL has changed its league schedule this year. Teams will play each other once instead of twice. Deyarmin said he had mixed feelings about the change.
“I think it will be pretty interesting,” said Deyarmin, “because lower teams can knock (someone) off and create an impact.”
Veterans lead way for Titans
Much of this year’s U-Hi starting lineup was on the field during last season’s 10-6 season.
“We probably have seven or eight starters back,” said Deyarmin. “And we’ve got good talent on the bench, especially at midfield and forward.”
Included is last year’s leading scorer, with eight goals, junior Josh Melcher and senior forward Jason Daniel. Third-leading scorer Ryan Massey is back at midfield.
Other veterans are junior forward Kelly Tifft, midfielder Bryan Giddens, defenders Josh Frey and Jesse Warwick and junior Nick Earling, who can play either on defense or at forward.
Freshmen forward Grant Falco scored a goal in U-Hi’s 3-0 win at Wenatchee last weekend. Fellow freshman, midfielder Paul Hatcher, had an assist.
Forwards on the team are senior Kurt Moore and junior Brandon Ryan. Midfielders are junior Dusty Enevold and sophomore Ryan Long. Defenders are senior Chris Ward, juniors Lance Peterson and Craig Bishop. Goalkeeper is senior Steve Schmidt.
“This year especially we have a really quick team,” said Deyarmin. “If we keep focused we can definitely go a long ways.”
CV seeking offensive breakthrough
The Bears were strong defensively last year and must replace their graduated stopper and sweeper, plus play improved offense.
“For the first season I’ve been here we’ve got guys who want to play forward,” said Woollett.
“They are young, juniors Kevin Vannienwenhoven and Pat Flanigan, sophomore Chad Cone and freshman Travis Eiffert.
But then the team is young. Starting midfielder James Barlos is the lone senior.
Other starters back are junior defenders Peter Martin, currently sidelined with a chipped bone in his ankle, and Matt Meyer, midfielders Joe Clarizio and Marc Caldwell and sophomore goal keeper Derrick Adams.
Letter winning junior John Graves on defense and sophomore Travis Morgan at midfield are joined by five other newcomers.
They are junior Mark Papich and freshmen Ben Zimmerman and Brandon Martin at midfield, juniors Travis Stephens and Eric Phinney on defense.
“We’ve got some solid people back and 50 kids out,” said Woollett. “In the past we’ve played on pure guts, this year we’ve got some talent.”
, DataTimes