By Chris Parker
Laquey soccer got hot at the right time last season. The Hornets entered postseason with a 9-11 record, but rattled off three straight wins to advance to the final four where they finished fourth overall.
Seven starters and 12 lettermen return from that team.
“We are coming off a final four appearance and return a large number of starters with a large junior class of athletes that have been in the system for two years now,” Laquey head coach Aaron Thier said. “We expect to compete in every game and be prepared for a post season run.”
Defense will be a strength with the entire unit returning including Gavin Shaw, Kole Storie, Taylor Bryant and Kalen Elliott. Shaw is a two-time all-region player.
Jesse Tanner and Jericho Fowers are a pair of seniors slated for time at goalkeeper.
“The strength of our team will be our defense,” Thier said. “We will put defense first, and we will look to possess the ball and be difficult to score on. You only need one goal to win. This is a year where many of the players have been in the system for two years already, so their soccer IQ is higher and they have shown a good understanding of how we want to play.”
Kayden Hendrix and Logan Smith are a pair of players who will seek the goals Laquey needs on offense at forward. Look for Landon Dennis, Rhyder Martin and Trae Benavides in the midfield. Martin is a returning first-team all-state honoree.
Hendrix and Dennis have both shown marked improvement in the off-season according to Thier.
“Both have found a physical edge, and an ability to use their body position,” Thier said. “They are moving off the ball well and finding opportunities to shoot and score often. They have also shown growth as leaders.”
Laquey will travel to Willard for a jamboree on Aug. 26. The Hornets open the regular season on Sept. 3 at Crocker.
“The identity of this team will be disciplined in shape, and demonstrate a good understanding of our style of play,” Thier said. “We will be strong defensively and look to demonstrate quality not quantity in the attack”
