North Central takes step forward in boys soccer

There’s a new attitude these days around the North Central boys soccer program.

The Indians are playing to win. They’ve taken three Greater Spokane League matches this season – as many as the previous four years combined – and are guaranteed to host a 3A regional match next week.

“It’s a great thing for the program,” said second-year coach Matt Leonard, whose team will play Mt. Spokane for the District 8 3A title Friday night at Spokane Falls Community College.

“We’re trying to build a little excitement,” Leonard said.

They’re succeeding. For the first time in recent memory, NC has enough players to field a junior varsity team.

As the torch is being passed, the handoff is coming from a stalwart group of seniors led by captain Drew Williams.

A creative forward who also plays for the Spokane Shadow, Williams has provided the biggest highlights for NC this year: two goals in a 3-2 win over University – the only win in 24 matches this year by a 3A GSL team over a 4A squad – plus a goal and assist in a crucial 2-0 win over Shadle Park.

“He can shoot from all over and can play with his back to the goal,” Leonard said. “He’s a tough matchup for anybody in our league.”

Williams also draws a lot of attenion, never more than two weeks ago against Lewis and Clark. As he was pursuing a through ball in LC territory, Williams collided with Shadow teammate Ben Blakely.

After an ugly collision with Blakely’s head, Williams’ right ear took a 1 1/2-inch tear that required 120 stitches. He also suffered a concussion on the play, but missed just two matches.

In his absence, the Indians managed a 1-0 win over Rogers that all but clinched the top spot at district, but now they’re back at full strength.

“It’s really exciting to be back,” Williams said. “I like having the pressure on me to score and lead the team.”

It hasn’t always been easy: The Indians, who have seven freshmen on the roster, dropped three straight going into district.

But it’s partly about the journey. For Williams, a four-year varsity performer, it will end with the season. He had several college offers but will forego the college game in favor of studing international business at the University of Washington.

“I want to get an education, something that my family hasn’t had an opportunity to get,” said Williams, an honor roll student.