By Kristi McDevitt
Sports Writer
There is no doubt the Oxford varsity boys soccer program has been successful the past few years, and head coach John Thaler is looking to this years squad to keep up with that custom.
Last year Oxford beat every school in the league at least once in the two-part season, a first under Thaler, and finished 14-6-2 and ended their successful season with a loss in the Regional finals to Linden.
Thaler took over the soccer program as head coach just four years ago. In that short time, Oxford has placed as one of the top three teams in the league each year, made it to the district finals the past three years, brought home two district championships, and had two players receive scholarships to play at Division I colleges after graduation. With the firepower that Thaler has this year, which includes nine returning starters, success for this season’s team just may be on the horizon.
Coach Thaler is looking to his three captains to lead not only the team this season, but his defense as well. Senior captains Alex Austin and Josh DuVal, and junior captain Mark Jones all play a major part in Oxford’s defensive game, which is returning all of it’s starters from last year. Alex Austin, a four-year varsity starter, has only missed one game in his entire career at Oxford, and will have played in over 60 games by season’s end. The veteran defense should prove tough for any opponent to penetrate.
Of course, the tougher their defense, the easier senior goalkeeper Shane Rondy’s job will be. Rondy is a four-year varsity starter and has occupied the Wildcats net and contributed greatly to Oxford’s success the past four years.
Offensively, Oxford returns senior forward David Kourtjian and junior forward Zac Wasylyna who both earned All-State recognition last year. Together, Kourtjian and Wasylyna combined for over 25 goals to lead their team last season. Wasylyna will be busy this fall, as he is also the kicker for the Oxford varsity football team. In the middle of it all is junior midfielder Francesco Paese who’s strong play and great all around skills will dominate the field in the both the offensive and defensive modes of the game.
Thaler and team trainer Justin Bogus both know their team holds every component to be successful this season. This years squad is athletic, determined, and most importantly, experienced. But, Thaler and Bogus aren’t putting the cart before the horse. Their team will have plenty of opportunities to prove themselves in their league match-ups with rivals Linden, Fenton, and Lapeer East.
Oxford will also get their first look at a new Flint Metro League foe ? Clio. ‘Clio definitely adds a new dimension to the FML this year,? Thaler said. Clio’s entry to the league is official this fall, and will be a new opponent for all Flint Metro League sports this year.