It was a season that started with high expectations, only to end with a very bitter taste.
That one sentence sums up the entire 2006 season for the OPRF boys soccer team. Experience and talent on paper had many believing last season was going to be a breakout year for the Huskies’ program.
But chemistry issues tore the gifted squad apart, and rival Fenwick landed the final knockout punch in the Class AA regional final.
So the No. 1 question heading into the 2007 campaign is whether OPRF will turn last year’s negatives into a positive learning experience?
“It was great having extra days to practice before school started this year,” OPRF coach Paul Wright said. “It allowed all the new varsity talent to get on the same page and that’s important.”
Drew Golz highlights the list of returnees. The senior forward paced the Huskies with 18 goals in 2006, while senior Mark Schroeder added 12.
Senior midfielder Pat Koller, who finished last season with a team-high 21 assists, will be the key in the midfield. The backline features seniors Mike Michon and Mark Bernthal.
“We lost seven starters who had two-to-four years of varsity experience,” said Wright, whose squad concluded last season with a 13-6-4 record and was co-conference champions. “We are loaded with new seniors who do not have varsity experience.
“We have a lot of heart and the majority of the kids are from my regime as head coach. They understand the program and the philosophy, so there is more consistency than years past. We have the potential to do great things.”
One player to keep an eye on is Jordan Golz. The sophomore is expected to be a major force in the central midfield. The Huskies will need big things from him and others if they expect to compete for the West Suburban Silver crown.
“Hinsdale Central was very young last year and took some lumps, so I think they are the conference favorites,” Wright said. “I know (Hinsdale Central coach Mike) Wiggins will be ready to punish teams. Jordan and Pat need to have good seasons, because everything will be running through them in the midfield.”
Wright also believes goalie Mark Bernthal will play a major role in deciding whether the Huskies are pretenders or contenders this fall.
“We have been unstable in this position since Jimmy Gullo went to play for Air Force two years ago,” Wright said. “Mark needs to be the commanding force with only one returning starter in the back.”
After not playing last season, senior Joe Kelty returns to the field. If the talent and focus are on the same page, Kelty will be a big addition to a young backline.
“He is refocused on soccer again,” Wright said. “Joe gained the respect of his teammates during tryouts. We need him to be a rock and win the ball in the back.”
The Huskies will be tested early in the Fourth Annual Pepsi Showdown, which kicks off Sept. 4. OPRF is one of 32 teams in the largest tournament in the Midwest and was awarded the No. 15 seed.
“We’re looking forward to the Pepsi Showdown,” Wright said. “We would like a shot at No. 2 seed Warren in the second round to see where we stand.”