Photo Courtesy of Rex Teter.
3-3-2 (0-0-1)
The Dragon boys soccer team has yet again found themselvesbrlooking to make moves in postseason action. After reaching the 5A regionalbrsemifinals a year ago, National Boys Soccer Coach of the Year Greg Oglesby’sbrsquad is looking to turn an up-and-down regular season into another specialbrpostseason run. Finishing the regular season with a 9-6-5 record (4-1-3), thebrDragons are on a roll entering their opening round playoff matchup with their 5Abropponent Arlington Colts.
While the Dragons have been verybrgood in district play, earning each one of their four wins against 4-5Abropponents, they struggled mightily early in non-conference matches, droppingbrtheir first three games of the season in the Richland Winter Blast Tournament. Abrthree-game winning streak midseason brought the Dragons back to life. Followingbrtwo losses and two ties, the Dragons finished the regular season on a strongbrnote. Heading into the playoffs, they defeated Keller 3-2 before the team's 12brseniors put on a show on Senior Night, shutting out district opponent Haltom onbr1-0.
About the team
Head coach Greg Oglesby has stuck to the code this season,brgetting seasoned play from a veteran squad. With much of the team made up of seniors,brthe hunger to make it past where it left off last year looms for a soccer clubbrwho finished third in its district with 23 points.
The Dragons are led by theirbrupperclassmen core of Jack Parrish, Cole Manning and Walker Beasley, who hadbreach been key members on last year's regional semifinals team. A seniorbrmidfielder, Parrish leads the Dragons in goals so far in 2013-2014 with 11. Abrstrong returning leader from a season ago, Parrish also uses his offensivebrskills to set teammates up for goals, using his field vision to place second onbrthe team in assists (8). Accompanying Parrish is defender Cole Manning who,brdespite being a valuable asset on the defensive end, places second on the teambrin goals scored (9) while leading the team in assists (9). Junior midfielder WalkerbrBeasley has also had a very solid year, finishing tied for third on the teambrwith senior Shane Carpenter in goals (4). He used his unselfish style of playbrto place third on the team in assists (7).
Giving up only 19 goals on thebrseason, the Dragons' key ingredient has been defense, placing in the top 20 inbrthe area and only giving up one goal a game. Although a first-year starter, juniorbrPatrick Leal has been a beast in the net, adding a sense of relief for thebrDragon defense as it's been able to survive several of its close matches due tobrhis presence in goal. Heading into the postseason, the team will have the jobbrof reloading talent in the next season as it will lose 11 seniors from thisbryear's teams.
Quote:
On being a champion: “Have a complete and total commitmentbrto a cause, an unwavering belief in yourself, your team and your coaches. Carrybrout your beliefs and dedication with class and pride no matter the outcomes.”
Head coach: Greg Oglesby
Assistant coach: Salvador Richie
Roster: