For the week of August 27 - September 2, 2003

Wolverines aim for state championship form

Strong midfield leads the way

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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.

 

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