Boys' prep teams ready for soccer season

With snow still on the ground leaving many area fields not quite ready, the soccer season gets under way this weekend with the majority of Valley teams forced to play their games in Anchorage on the artificial turf of the Anchorage Football Stadium.

After practicing indoors for most of the preseason, most area boys' teams were able to get outside last week for the first time and hone skills on the field.

The reigning Region III champion Colony Knights come into the season with many holes to fill after graduating 10 seniors from last year's team.

Colony coach Jeremy Johnson doesn't know for sure how deep the Knights will be at each position, but believes the team looks strong with a combination of returning players and a crop of new players coming to the team from last year's junior varsity squad.

"We don't have stars here, but we do have a solid team," Johnson said. "Defense will be our strength this year - that is our emphasis."

Colony returns senior goalkeeper Andrew Kowalczk to keep the net for his third year on the varsity squad.

The Knights worked on conditioning during indoor practices the past few weeks and welcomed the chance to get outdoors and work on technique in the field.

"Nobody likes conditioning," Johnson said. "It's good to get outside and get the team used to playing together on the field."

Wasilla lost some seniors to graduation, but coach Blake Livingston reports that the team has a good nucleus of players coming back.

"We've made a lot of progress," Livingston said. "The guys have been working hard - we're excited about this year."

Livingston believes defense will be the strength of the team, anchored by three-year starter Travis Dutcher.

He also said the team is comprised of several skilled players, with no superstars.

"This is basically a blue-collar team," Livingston said. "Teamwork and a good work ethic will be crucial to our success."

The Warriors will have two goalkeepers, Cody Schierman and Clint Morehouse, sharing time in net this year.

Palmer graduated five seniors last year, but is returning many seniors to this year's squad.

Coach Don Berberich emphasizes that all players learn every position, but believes the Moose have several fast strikers capable of scoring.

"If we can get the ball going forward, we will score a lot of points," Berberich said.

Palmer returns senior goalkeeper Preston Carpenter to keep the net this year. Despite just getting outside this week for practices, Berberich believes the team has come together.

"The guys are working hard and have a good attitude in practice," Berberich said. "The senior leadership on this team is the best I've had -- they keep everyone pushing."

Houston comes into the season replacing four seniors from last year's team.

The Hawks have added six freshmen to the squad this year, some of which will play defense.

Coach Ivan Mercado's confidence in the freshmen has allowed him to stack experienced players on the front line.

"I've been really pleased with the freshmen we have this year," Mercado said. "We have a fairly inexperienced team but I'm more confident this year than in years past."

Houston also returns senior goalkeeper Matthew Varney to the net this year.

The Hawks were not able to get outside for practice until Tuesday because of cold weather and poor field conditions, practicing on only part of the field.

"The first time we see a full field may be in our first game," Mercado said.