By Jon Gulliver
Special to the Aroostook Republican
WASHBURN — The Washburn boys’ soccer team is hoping to build on its 9-4-1 record and trip to the playoffs last year with 10 players back for the 2011 season.
Aroostook Republican photo/Jon Gulliver
Anthony Viola of Washburn, in white, makes a move around Royce MacDonald of Ashland. Washburn would win this home game by a score of 2-1.
Coach Ben Goodwin is optimistic about the team’s chances, that is “if we communicate and put together a full 80 minutes every time we step on the field,” he said.
Although lineups can change, the fourth-year coach is looking at starting Zach Davis as keeper; Nick Bragg, Mason Turner, Ethan Pendexter and Chase Chandler are on defense; midfielders Anthony Viola, Justin Farley, Michael Ericson and Cameron Bragg and forwards Jordan McLaughlin and Mitchell Worcester. Rounding out the team are midfielders Noah Farley and Alex Pelletier and defensive backs Taylor Skinner, Cameron Preston, Kenny Irving, Andrew McLaughlin and Jacob Reed.
Coach Goodwin is hoping to showcase a more skilled game, with players working the ball around to space to create offensive opportunities and put pressure on opponents with an aggressive defense.
“I have a couple of different alignments that we’ll use depending on the opponent and game situation as it unfolds,” the coach said. “I feel as though our players have the knowledge and skill to really use the switches to our advantage.”
Although the 2011 Beavers have seven returning seniors there will be some growing pains. The team also has seven freshmen, but Goodwin says many of them are quite skilled and will have an impact.
As of Monday, Aug. 29 Washburn’s record was 4-0-1.
