Despite the loss of a franchise player and a solid supporting cast, the Washington boys soccer team is not lowering expectations in 2010.
“I feel we have what it takes to compete again, not only in the conference, but in the area,” WCHS head coach Jeff Brooks said.
The Panthers were 13-6-3 last season, the program’s most wins since ’00, and finished third in the Mid-Illini with a 7-3-2 mark.
They played well twice in three overall meetings against co-champion Dunlap and handed the other title winner, Morton, its lone defeat.
The departures of Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association all-state and three-time first-team all-conference player Toni Ramadani (now at Bradley University) certainly will hurt.
Tyler Clark, a first-team all-conference and all-sectional pick, and second-team all-M-I choice Jacob Burd also are playing collegiate soccer after finishing at WCHS.
But the cupboard is far from bare.
There will be some positives from having more scoring options.
“We have a lot of speed on the outsides,” said senior Scotty Alexander. “There will be a lot more crossing and finishing this year.”
Senior goalkeeper Nick Garrison said, “I see a lot more passing and ball movement.”
The Panthers have seven returning starters, which Brooks said compares favorably with the other league leaders.
More than half the team elevated their games by playing club soccer in the offseason. The increase in skills for some individuals created pleasant surprises for the coaching staff.
In late July, Washington made its annual trek to Moline and won three times in five outings, surpassing its victory total from the previous three years combined.
Seniors Grant Wiseman, Zach Peterson, Alexander and Garrison are the captains.
“They all are returning starters and we expect big things out of them,” Brooks said.
The defense figures to be formidable.
Garrison is back as keeper. He improved his physical fitness, developed softer hands and is athletic.
Peterson, the sweeper, delivered a second-team all-conference campaign last season.
Joining him in a center back role is senior Zach Dinkheller.
The outside backs also are prominent players. Sophomore Joe Quinn was a freshman starter and junior Thomas Alt is starting for the third year.
“It’s so nice being able to rely on the defense,” Garrison said.
Brooks said they will help get the Panthers into their attack.
Nick Moore, a senior, is a player on the outside who has worked on finishing.
