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Fall 2017 Preview: Laquey Soccer

By Matt Turer – mturer@ky3.com
@MattTurer

For the first time since 2013, Laquey isn’t entering a season fighting to defend a district championship.

The run of three straight district titles won by the Hornets ended last fall in a 4-1 loss to College Heights Christian in the Class 1, District 6 semifinals, and Tyler Sevon’s program remembers.

“That [loss] really humbled our boys because it was their first loss in district play in four years,” Sevon said. “That has given them extra motivation to work hard this year to get back on top.”

This is a program that takes a lot of pride in its recent success. After winning 24 games from 2010-2012, the Hornets have won 67 games and three district titles over the past four years.

“The boys always bring their best because they’ve been good in years past, so teams are looking to beat them every time they get on the field,” Sevon said. “I think that brings out a high level of competition for our boys because they absolutely hate to lose.”

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And there’s proof of that feeling going beyond just words. After finishing second in last year’s Frisco League Tournament, the team told Sevon to throw the trophy out of the bus window on the ride home.

“It wasn’t good enough for them,” he said. They want to win every single time they get on the field.

“Our main goal [this year] is to reclaim the district title,” Sevon said. “We bring back nine starters, so we have high expectations from this group of boys to push toward the Final Four in Class 1.”

With what’s coming back to Laquey, a run to state is a realistic goal. This was a team that found itself ranked as high as fifth in the Class 1 state rankings last year, despite its youth. And this is a program that’s become something of a soccer dynasty in Pulaski County. Plus, all-state selection Tristan Gan and his 46 goals (and eight assists) are back for more.

“Tristan has great speed to blow by defenders when he needs to,” Sevon said of the senior. “He’s got a great shot that has a lot of power and accuracy behind it. He can score in so many ways: in the air, free kicks, combination play from Brandon (MacDonald), and on his own by creating from dribbling in a one-on-one scenario.”

MacDonald (CM) is just a junior and a big threat in the middle. He’s the second returning point scorer from 2016 after 10 goals and seven assists as a sophomore.

“Brandon is a workhorse in the middle, has great skill with the ball at his feet and great speed” Sevon said. “He makes the offense go. Without him in the middle we have a big gap and lack the connecting piece to Tristan up top.”

Another key piece back is Cayden Powers (CDM). Another junior, Powers had three goals and two assists in 2016 and was Laquey’s defensive anchor. However, look for his role to change this fall.

“We’re moving him further up the field because he covers so much ground and can be a box-to-box player,” Sevon said. “He has a good shot, nice skill and is solid in the air.”