The Monarch boys varsity soccer team has several key lettermen back from a 2018 squad that posted a 9-5-2 record.
Those veterans include defenders Logan Clutt and Luke Hoile, forwards Ryan Walters, JJ Rigsby, Nick McIntosh, Zack McIntosh and Dakota Evans, midfielder Joey Duke and keeper Jeriah Hanf.
Newcomers to the roster include defenders Shane Hothem and Tyler Hamlett and midfielder Gabe Tangerman.
Clutt, Walters, Evans, Duke, Zach McIntosh and Hoile are all fourth-year men.
“We lost a lot of seniors from last season, so it is going to be crucial for us to have solid senior leadership this year,” said head coach Terry Smith. “However, we’ve been here before and I am very excited about our nucleus.
“Our mind-set is all about the team and not about individuals.”
Smith did say one thing concerns him early in the season.
“We do not have a lot of experienced depth on the roster,” he said. “However, there are other teams that have the same scenario.”
The Monarchs tied for third place in the Ohio Capital Conference Central Division during the 2018 campaign.
Smith said the challenges will remain the same this season.
“The OCC is going to be tough as usual,” he said. “Hilliard Davidson, Dublin Coffman and Upper Arlington are all strong teams.
“Westland will also be good this year.”
There is a unique aspect to this season’s schedule in that of the Monarchs’ first 12 games, only two are against OCC opponents.
“Most of our conference games are in the back part of our season,” said Smith. “Hopefully, we will have gained a lot more confidence by the time we get to the bulk of our conference schedule.”
Smith said the Monarchs’ goals include competing for and winning a conference title, plus contending for a Division I district crown.
The coach said MHS has the defense to accomplish those goals.
Where the Monarchs need work is on the opposite end of the field.
“We lost a lot of scoring from last year’s team,” he said. “We’ve got the defense… we’ve got to be able to score.”
Smith said he will count on Walters, Rigsby, Duke and Nick McIntosh for offensive opportunities.
“We do have guys who can put the ball in the net,” he said.