Generals looking to get back to state soccer playoffs
In the world of soccer, there are a multitude of coaching philosophies on tactics that may seem like a foreign language those with less experience watching and/or playing the game.
But new Heritage High School boys’ head coach Daniel Kubin says his approach is a little more straightforward.
The Generals just have to score more goals than their opponents.
“I know that sounds too simple, but this is high school soccer so I’m not out here trying to complicate things,” said the former Northwest Whitfield High School and Covenant College goalkeeper. “I’m just trying to simplify everything and get the team working.
“I want them to see the bigger picture that it really doesn’t matter what happens out there, as long as you put more goals in the back of the net than the other team by the end of the game. If you do that, then you win.”
The Generals were able to do just that last season, going plus-21 in goal differential (61-40) in the regular season. They finished the regular season on an eight-game winning streak before a firstround playoff loss to St. Pius X gave them a final record of 11-5.
It was the first time the program had made the postseason since 2011, when they were still in Class 3A.
Having had less than a full week of practice as of press time, Kubin said he is still looking to see exactly what he has as far as talent and skills go. But he says having a huge senior class to lean on is most definitely a plus.
“I’m trying to see what pieces I have and how they fit into the puzzle that best gives us success,” he explained “But we have 10 seniors on the team and some experienced juniors along with a couple of young guys, so I’m looking forward to seeing them all
contribute this season. Having that many (seniors) will definitely help with leadership, both in the locker room and getting the team
prepared on game days.”
Josh Graves will serve as the Generals’ keeper, while the back row of defense will be anchored by Caleb Buckler, Jake Shehee, Garrett Aaron and Mayson Yancy.
Up top, Heritage
will use the talents of Ethan Demo and Jacob Emahiser, while in the midfield, Denis Viars, Eli Darger and Jacob Hanshaw will help run the show.
Kubin said other names to know include midfielders Will Killen, a junior, and Josh Cook,
a sophomore, adding that the team’s top goal is getting back to the state playoffs.
“What I want is for this team to go to state,” the new coach added. “Coach (Steve) Sawyer led the team to state last year, so I’m not looking to disappoint.”