Coupeville Sports

Senior Nick Guay leads all active CHS boys’ soccer players in career scoring, having tallied eight goals. (Photo by JohnsPhotos.net)

“It’s time to play to win!”

Clashing with teams in the Northwest 2B/1B League, home of the last two state champs, the Coupeville High School boys’ soccer squad has its work cut out for it.

Even more this year, with District 1 seeing its tickets to the big dance cut from four to three.

But Coupeville coach Robert Wood is making no excuses.

While he lost four seniors to graduation, including leading scorer Aidan Wilson, the Wolves have one of their most-solid rosters in years.

Better yet, it’s full of players with experience from playing under fire against state champs Friday Harbor and Orcas Island, as well as other top NWL programs.

“We have a solid number of players — finally — a foundation of skill and drive and focus, and an injection of energy and talent,” Wood said.

Coupeville returns 11 of a possible 12 players, while also picking up a strong group of newcomers.

“Four freshmen already making an impact at practice, showing the seniors they want their spot!” Wood said. “Plus, two transfers from the football program showing the same intent.”

With the first week of practice unfolding, the Wolves are trying different looks and lineups to see what clicks.

“Formation and positions are still being determined,” Wood said. “Strengths and weaknesses are still being determined, but our talent and camaraderie are both sure to help the team grow together and succeed.”

Cole White, here dancing with the soccer ball, returns for his senior season. (Morgan White photo)

Coupeville went 5-9 last year, falling to Summit Atlas in the district playoffs.

Early in the season, they shocked Friday Harbor 3-1 at Mickey Clark Field, handing the eventual state champs one of only two losses the Wolverines suffered during their golden season.

Key to that victory was following Wood’s teachings about playing as one unit.

“Teamwork and patience is always the focus of our work,” he said. “Soccer is a game of chess on a very large field.

“The game itself is the ultimate teacher,” Wood added. “And if you’re not willing to learn then it is not only blatantly obvious, but the team suffers.”

Coupeville has a 12-game slate this season, with all games against NWL foes, though the first four will be counted as non-league clashes.

The Wolves play five of their first seven at home, before wrapping things up with four of five on the road.

Of those home games, four will be played on Friday night in prime time, with Coupeville’s football team making trips off of Whidbey Island those same evenings.

CHS doesn’t charge admission for soccer, with Sept. 15 (Providence Classical Christian), Sept. 29 (Cedar Park Christian), Oct. 6 (Grace Academy) and Oct. 20 (La Conner) an ideal chance for Wolf fans to support their pitch program.