by Matt Smith

The Atlantic boys soccer season will open up on April 2 against Underwood. The JV will play at 5 pm and the varsity will follow around 6:30 pm. Some expectations from head coach Justin Williams are to “continue to improve fundamentals with players.”

Williams wants to see an increased commitment to conditioning levels also.  “We want to see an increased commitment to becoming better student athletes and leading in the school.”

Williams said the team needs to work on its passing game to improve.  “Teamwork is going to be essential to our success. It’s hard to break a clinched fist versus an open hand,” said Williams.

The team has 32 players out for soccer. On who is going to lead the team, Williams said, “This is to be determined. We need several players to step into leadership roles.”

Returning letter winners are sophomores Kolten Carey and Eric Wieser, juniors Nolan Farver, David Thomsen and Ryan Hawkins, and seniors Marshal Mcdermott, Kerran McFadden, Zach Brooks, and Matt Smith.

Williams talked about the senior class and said, “They are a good class and I expect them to be successful both on and off the field this season.” The coaching staff expects to see this team compete at a high level, and continue to work to get to this level.