Harvey returns just four starters from last season and the Red Raiders are relatively young as they head into the 2019 season.
But, with several quality players and some teamwork, second-year head coach Natalie Sisler hopes to compete with the best in the Chagrin Valley Conference.
“We are a very young team that lacks varsity experience in many positions,” Sisler said. “We need to learn from any mistakes made and keep working hard to maintain a positive culture.”
Sisler hopes the Red Raiders quickly come together as a team and build off of last season’s 7-10-1 campaign.
“We need to develop a chemistry on the back end and trust each other,” Sisler said. “We also need to take more chances in the attacking third. We have some young players that have great potential who just need to develop and stay healthy.”
Sophomore forward Rod Coffee III returns after scoring four goals and adding a pair of assists last season.
“Rod was injured the majority of the season last year and his stats reflect that,” Sisler said. “I expect great things from him this year. He is a great all-around athlete. With his speed, agility, and his ability to finish, he will be hard to stop this year.”
Sophomores Alex Gama, Brian Fonseca and Roberto Marquez are projected to start in the midfield for the Red Raiders.
Gama scored one goal last season while Marquez punched in four with three assists.
“Alex Gama is a hard worker who has really pushed himself in the offseason to improve. We hope he can give us consistency at right mid,” Sisler said. “Last year, Brian played defender; this year he has stepped in to the midfield role with ease. Roberto had a very good freshman season last year. He has a great left foot and we have high expectations for him to surpass his point total from last season.”
Seniors Luis Saldana and Roberto Porras will play defense.
“Luis suffered a season-ending injury early last season but this year his leadership is about as strong as his defensive tackles,” Sisler said. “Roberto is new to playing defender this season but has caught on quick. He is very comfortable with the ball and intelligent positionally.”
Junior Alex Llamas returns in the net after allowing 2.9 goals per game last season.
“Alex is a captain and a leader of the team,” Sisler said. “He had a tough season last year but has worked hard all summer long and has improved a tremendous amount coming into this year. He has shown definite growth in his maturity and work ethic that could make him a top keeper in the area.”
Sisler expects her young freshmen to step right in to fill some holes in the lineup.
“This freshman class will be asked to make an impact early in key positions,” she said. “For example, Jonathan Orozco on defense and Josue Rodriguez at forward could be special early on. Also, we get back junior Eduardo Moreno, who sat out the entire season last year due to a serious injury. He provides us with pace and a high work rate.”
