Wolverines aim for state championship
form
Strong midfield leads the way
By JAMES CORDES
Express correspondent
The Wood River boys’ soccer squad isn’t
accustomed to playing for anything less than the state championship in October.
K.C. Rivera, a senior from Carey who plays for Wood River, will be an
important player on this year’s team. Express photo by David N. Seelig
Engaged on an amazing five-straight
state-championship games appearances, the Wolverines are familiar with beginning
their season as a state powerhouse.
This year hopes to be much of the same.
Following last year’s 14-4-3 record and
earning their third state runner-up trophy, Wood River is armed with a deadly
scoring attack and a rock-solid midfield this year.
"Our midfield and forwards are probably
the strongest I have ever had." coach Brian Daluiso (78-21-10, 14-5-2 state
tourney) said.
Solid and talented senior’s Chase
Cleveland and Tate Mills are the biggest keys in the Wood River middle.
Senior Slater Storey, will be mixed up in
the midfield, as well as seeing some playing time on defense.
Up front, last year’s leading scorer,
Maicol Corrales (20 goals), will be teamed up with Shane Cordeau (6 goals) to
provide a consistent offensive attack.
Defensively, the Wolverines have some
large shoes to fill with the graduations of Kyle Risner and Mike Sinnot.
Matt Hansen, the only returning defensive
player from last year’s team, will take charge with the inexperience around him.
The other defensive spots still remain
open as Daluiso looks to set the roster in the next week.
Although young on defense, Daluiso has
plenty of confidence in his men.
"They are all really good soccer players.
Once they learn to play their new positions, we’ll be fine." Daluiso said.
The coach also has some decision making to
do in goal. Both junior Kristian Timmons and senior Tristan Potters are
competing for the position.
Of course, depth in a program can be very
helpful with young players in key positions. A record turnout of 55 players has
helped Daluiso in filling 18 roster spots.
"It’s great to see that many players come
out." Daluiso said.
K.C. Rivera, last year’s "Most
Inspirational" player, is the other key senior on the team.
Juniors Sagen Howard, Willie Meyers, and
Ted Dankanyin, and sophomore Dixon Mocceau also look to contribute.
The always-intense rivalry match-up
between Wood River and Community School hopes to even out for the Wolverines
this year.
In the midst of a two-year, six game
losing streak to the Cutthroats, Daluiso expects his squad to put up a good
fight.
"The games should be more balanced out
this year." Daluiso said. "We hope to come out on top. And, of course, the state
tourney is always our goal"
Wood River opens up its fall campaign
against Twin Falls, this Tuesday, Sept. 2, at 4 p.m. The Wolverines 18 game
schedule is even with nine home games and nine away games.