After a season where the 11-8-2 Rebels took a deep run in the playoffs that ended in the South Sectional Quarter Finals (the farthest they have made it in the last 3 years), Coach Lee Delaney’s Boys Soccer Program look to continue the recent postseason success in 2013.
The Rebels return six starters — including senior Captains Bob Ivatts and Colin Murray — and key bench players including seniors Bobby Rabaioli, Jack Stedman, juniors Chris Gallivan and Joe Delaney, and sophmore Ian Fair. For the starters however, this will be their third year at the varsity level. “We still just want to go out there and get wins” said senior Captain Matt Brownsword, “It takes hard work in the off-season to acheive great things”.
The strength of this years team will be it’s offense lead by third year varsity player senior Aj Chauvin. The Rebels only averaged a dismal 1.6 goals per game last year, and should see a significant improvement. “We have many returning forwards, including senior AJ Chauvin, so it should be fun and maybe we can break some records this year” said senior Goalkeeper Pete Hoegler.
The weakness for this years team will be the defense who graduated two players experienced captains, Alex Sarkis and Nolan Murray. Also, Colin Murray will start the season in the midfield, leaving the Rebels shorthanded. The only returning starter will be Matt Brownsword, who will have to make the adjustment from going from the left back position to sweeper.
Experienced goalie senior Pete Hoegler at times looked amazing last year, leading the Rebels with clutch saves in two playoff wins. But on a occasion, he can lose his mark and not take control like an experienced keeper. “We always say he is a deer in the headlights when a ball is way up in the air, but he has definitely improved is game in that respect since last year” said senior CJ Weinacht. If Pete Hoelger comes up big for the Rebels, then this season could be a memorable one.
The outlook for this season is bright, but many factors need to play out for the Rebels. If their goalkeeping and scoring come to play, then the Rebels could make some noise when they get to the post-season.”It’s win and nothing else” said senior Bobby Ivatts. “Everyone will expect us to be mediocre after a rough season, but they’ll be in for hell of a surprise”
