Last season, the Issaquah boys soccer team went where no other group in program history ventured before — to the state playoffs.
And it’s no secret. By returning seven starters, 10 seniors overall, and the four leading scorers from last year’s 13-6-2 team that finished one goal shy of the state semifinals — aspirations are high for 2010.
“They’re very high,” head coach Jason Lichtenberger said. “This is the first time the team has come in truly believing in what they can do.”
Leading the group of returners is senior midfielder Quinn Grisham. The University of Washington signee was last year’s KingCo Player of the Year, was named to the All-State team and was also listed by ESPN RISE as an All-American honorable mention.
Grisham has only played in one game so far this season due to a knee injury, but there’s no hiding the difference it makes when he takes the field.
“It’s amazing what he can do as one individual on a soccer team, given that this is probably one of the most team-oriented sports you can play,” Lichtenberger said.
The Eagles also return six others seniors who started last season, including forward Michael Axelson, midfielder Junpei Tsuji, forward Lucas Morias, defender Kelby Lemons, defender Conner Holmes and defender Connor Gerrity.
“I just think the amount of varsity experience these guys have had is really going to pay dividends throughout the season,” Lichtenberger said.
The Eagles graduated their starting goalkeeper from last season, Stephen Jacobson, but a stroke of fortune has reloaded the position this season.
Junior Nathan King transferred from Bellevue Christian, while freshman Evan King (no relation) moved into the program. Senior Michael Stanton, the backup from last season, also returns to the roster.
“They’re all three capable of starting, so it’s made for a great competition,” Lichtenberger said. “It’s also made for some tough choices.”
Other seniors returning to the roster include midfielder Carter Mitchell and forward Brandon Bergfalk. Senior defender Raymond Garcia returns to the program after taking a couple of years off, and senior midfielder Riley Liddle moved up from junior varsity. Junior midfielder Michael Roberts has also stepped up this season, leading the team in goals with four — including a three-goal performance against Newport earlier this week.
So far, the Eagles are 3-3-1 overall and 2-0-1 in league. They have overcome injuries to their top scorers after losing the first two games of the year. While they’re still looking to get back to full strength, Lichtenberger said if his team can prevent overconfidence, it should be able to regain the magic from last season.
“I think we still have some work to do to get that hunger back, but it’s coming,” he said.
The top two teams in KingCo will battle for the league’s one guaranteed state berth. The second place team will host the third-place team from the Greater St. Helens League, and the No. 3 team from KingCo will have to travel to the GSHL No. 2.
