Cardinal lost nine seniors from last season leaving the Huskies with a young and inexperienced roster heading into the 2018 season.
On top of that, numbers are down.
“With the loss of nine seniors from last season, the Huskies will be very young and inexperienced,” said fourth-year head coach Mike Topalian. “In addition, we might have one sub if everyone stays healthy. This is truly a rebuilding season in every possible way.”
Cardinal finished 10-7-1 last fall.
It will take a lot of effort and heart for the Huskies to match that success this season.
“The Huskies need to take a long-term approach to this rebuild,” Topalian said. “Our seven freshmen must be patient, work extremely hard and not get frustrated by facing so many experienced, quality opponents.”
Cardinal does return three starters and two other letter winners including senior goalkeeper Austin Miller, a first team All-Chagrin Valley Conference honoree.
“Austin had a terrific junior season in 2017 backed by a very solid defense,” Topalian said. “He will be challenged this. Austin will be under pressure all year.”
Miller’s help will come from defenders Zane Drebus and Eric Scott.
Drebus earned first team All-CVC honors last fall and Scott switched to defense last season.
“Zane is a top CVC defender and will have to lead our extremely inexperienced team in 2018,” Topalian said. “Eric switched to defense in the 2017 season and played admirably down the stretch. He will have to take on a lot of added responsibility this year given our youth and lack of a bench.”
