By DAVID COOK
With a new coach and a new roster, the Owosso boys soccer team is turning a new page this season.
Phil Gobel is the new coach for the Trojans, and with a roster peppered with juniors, sophomores, and freshmen, the team has high hopes for both this year and the future.
While the team has been suffering some growing pains early on, it has still posted some victories.
“It’s been going pretty good,” Gobel said. “We’ve had our ups and downs this season. We’re a young squad. A lot of guys moved up from jv this year. We lost quite a few seniors, but everyone is stepping up into their roles. We‘ve had a lot of positives this year. A lot of positives.”
As they step into their roles the young squad has been making headway. Not only have they won games, but they are also improving their overall level of play and have been more competitive each time out.
“Our main focus this year is concentrating on our possession game,” Gobel said. “Keeping control of the ball. Staying in position and working to space. I’d say we are getting there, we‘re getting there. These guys are learning something new everyday and they are working hard everyday, and I can‘t ask for more than that as a coach.”
Defensively, the Trojans are paced by senior Cody Greger in goal. “He gets us out of a lot of situations in every game we play,” Gobel said.
Junior Evan Ardelan anchors the midfield and also plays some defense. Pacing the offense for the Trojans has been senior Collin Brady along with junior Jon Baker. Junior Wyatt Alman has been a defensive key, while senior Luke Collard has been a jack of all trades.
“Luke has stepped up and played just about every position for us,” Gobel said.
With the team making strides each time out, Gobel is looking for a strong end to the season.
“We’re just taking it one game at a time,” Gobel said. “You know, we’re taking it one pass at a time and one shot at a time. If I get the team thinking about what they are doing, moving in a positive direction, I tell the guys win or lose, that’s not what really matters; it’s how we play the game.”
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