Wolf soccer coach Kyle Nelson has a team deep in returning varsity players. (John Fisken photos)
Nick Dion (left), Ethan Spark (red), Loren Nelson (gloves) and Josh Datin take part in an early practice.
Onward and upward.
Blessed with a strong core of returning battle-hardened varsity players, including the team’s leading scorers from a year ago, the Coupeville High School boys’ soccer squad has high hopes as it moves into the 1A Olympic League.
The Wolves went 5-10-2 overall, 4-9-1 in league play during their final run through the 1A/2A Cascade Conference.
Now they’ll match-up with Port Townsend, Chimacum and Klahowya, having left behind the private school juggernauts.
“I think in general we will be able to compete a little better,” said second-year Wolf coach Kyle Nelson. “The level of play between the teams should be more even, meaning probably more close exciting games this year.”
Nelson took over the reigns from Paul Mendes, moving up from his job as assistant coach. With a year at the helm, his confidence is strong.
“Just having a years worth of experience helps; I am starting the year better prepared and a more complete vision of what I want us to accomplish,” Nelson said. “On the other side, going to a new league this year is a big adjustment, playing teams that we have not played before brings a lot of unknown.”
What is known is that the Wolves return their top two scorers in juniors Abraham Leyva (a Second Team All-Conference pick last year) and Zane Bundy.
Joining them as returnees are Colin Belliveau, Josh Datin, Ryan Freeman, Tanner Kircher, Keegan Korteum, Uriel Liquidano, Oscar Liquidano, Connor McCormick, Loren Nelson, Joel Walstad and Aaron Wright.
Former JV players Garrett Compton and Cody Menges and freshman William Nelson are also in the mix for playing time at the varsity level.
“We have many returning players with varsity experience. We will be building from where we were last year,” Kyle Nelson said. “We are still coming together as a team. Some guys are playing in new positions, so we need some time to learn new roles and responsibilities.”
Coupeville advanced to the playoffs last year, falling 3-0 to Mount Baker. This year, the Wolves will be looking for a return trip to the postseason, but one of a longer duration.
“I fully expect to have some postseason play this year,” Kyle Nelson said. “With the way the District 3 tournament is set I believe we will have a good opportunity for some success.”
