Glendale finds inspiration in team’s successful history
As Glendale opens the season with just two starters back, emphasizing that history could be as important as ever. With would-be starters Jake Rogers and Kyle Hawkins sidelined by injuries, Martinez and junior midfielder Austin Hart will lead an otherwise inexperienced group. But Jeff Rogers is hopeful that Glendale can compensate with effort and intensity for what it may lack in skill and experience.
“Technically, you know, we might not be one of the strongest teams we’ve ever put out,” Rogers said. “But as far as work ethic and attitude, they’re right up there with the top two or three teams. So that’s going to win us some games right there — just our work rate and attitude.”
Sophomores Evan Garrad and Matt Call will anchor Glendale’s defense, in front of senior goalkeeper Reece Conner, who has bided his time the past three years behind graduated starter Jordan Pitts. Seniors like Roman Aldiaz, Spencer Gahagan and Kurt Waterman will complement Martinez and Hart in the attack.
Joe Aubuchon, a transfer from Columbia Hickman, and Lukas Rickenbocker, a foreign exchange student from Switzerland, should contribute, too. But precisely how all the puzzle pieces will fit together remains something of a mystery.
Ole’s Notes – From what I’ve seen at two practices, Aubuchon and Rickenbocker have the wherewithal to handle the central midfield which will give Coach Roger’s the ability to move Martinez into the attack. I hadn’t heard about Hawkin’s injury and that will be significant given his anticipated role as the central defender. There are some talented underclassman so I anticipate that even with some early hiccups the Falcon’s will be a team to watch at the end. As usual.
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