Indians' boys soccer has eye on another strong year

If ever there was a season that should belong to Indian River’s boys’ varsity soccer team, this is it. With only two starters graduated from last year’s roster, the talent is still high for the Indians. Two of Indian River’s losses on the pitch last fall came from the defending state champion, Caravel – one by way of a second-round elimination in the DIAA state tournament. Missteps at the start of the season against Salesianum and late in the schedule against Seaford may have been discouraging for the Indians, but the rest of the season exhibited skill and talent that head coach Steve Kilby will be looking for again as this season readies for its start.

The bar is set high, as Indian River put up an impressive 13-4 overall record together last year, outscoring opponents 53-15 and registering nine shutouts. This year, they’ll have to do it without defensive captain Jacob Buchler and midfielder Matt Kleinstuber, both of whom graduated this past spring. But with a large number of returning players, Kilby said he’s optimistic.

“We’re looking for stability,” he said, “and, hopefully, a lot of success. We have 15 seniors on the roster and some key juniors, so I’m thinking we’ll be able to bring that experience together. We’ve added a couple new faces to the varsity team, too – even some freshmen who have the potential to move up.”

This year, Jacob Buchler’s younger brother, Caleb, will assume the captain role, accompanied by fellow seniors goalkeeper Kevin Rowe and midfielder Harvey Webb. As for the big shoes to fill at the sweeper position, where Jacob Buchler orchestrated the game during his tenure, Kilby is looking at Holden Wingate, who has helped contribute to the Indians’ shutouts and wins in the past.

“Jake was definitely a physical player,” said Kilby, “and while that’s something we’re trying to get Holden to do, he is still great on the ball and makes great decisions. Mac Gray has also done a great job for us in the back, and we’ll be expecting him to do some big things for us this year, too. Kevin Rowe is one of the best keepers in the state, and he does a great job with the distribution of the ball.”

Plenty of other familiar faces will return to the starting lineup this year, leaving little room for the incoming class.

“We’re looking for a lot out of Smith Purdum and Josh Mercer at midfield,” said Kilby. “Josh and Nick Izzo will trade time around the midfield.” Salomon Hernandez and Victor Cuenca-Aguilar should help keep the offense alive.

A scrimmage play day at Kirkwood Soccer Club last week gave the team their first competition against statewide teams, and a play day this Friday, hosted at the River Soccer Club, will prepare the team even more.

“The effort’s been good,” said Kilby. “Our focus needs to get a little higher. I want these guys to understand how big this opportunity is for them. They’re going to need to push each other.”

The Indians will open their season again against Salesianum, on Saturday, Sept. 11.

“Our team needs to recognize who we start with,” said Kilby. “We face Dover right after that, then Milford and Smyrna. These are conference games and DI opponents. Sally’s is one of the best teams in the region. As a team, we need to recognize that we’re equals. This year, we’re mostly seniors, and we need to make the opportunities against our opponents.”