The Smyrna High boys’ soccer team just missed the field of 16 for last year’s state tournament, but the Eagles are gearing up for another run at it this fall.
They’ll have to do it with a younger group, though, after 11 seniors graduated from last year’s 9-6 team.
Head coach Bill Schultz said three of those graduates – Kenny Short, Cody Malec and Bobby Teel – have moved on to play at the college level.
Looking ahead to this year’s team, Schultz said the younger players have been making an impact in the preseason as they work alongside the six seniors on the squad.
The players have also shown a willingness to switch positions to help the team.
“They want to work for each other,” Schultz said. “The team aspect is there.”
Stepping in at goalie this year will be Jalyn Mack, who was the varsity’s backup goalie a year ago.
Assisting Schultz with the coaching duties are Ryan Buchanan and Mike Osborne.
The new-look Eagles will open the season at home on Sept. 14 against Laurel.
2010 SHS varsity boys’ soccer schedule
H Laurel Sept. 14 7 p.m.
A Lake Forest Sept. 16 7 p.m.
H Indian River Sept. 21 7 p.m.
A Delmar Sept. 23 5:30 p.m.
H St. Thomas More Sept. 27 7 p.m.
H Woodbridge Sept. 28 7 p.m.
A Seaford Sept. 30 7 p.m.
A Polytech Oct. 5 5:30 p.m.
A Cape Henlopen Oct. 7 7 p.m.
H Caesar Rodney Oct. 12 7 p.m.
H Sussex Tech Oct. 14 7 p.m.
A Sussex Central Oct. 19 7 p.m.
A Caravel Academy Oct. 23 7:30 p.m.
A Milford Oct. 26 7 p.m.
H Dover Oct. 28 7 p.m.
