CBC Cadets 2016 starters with jerseys 1-11 (R to L) in Coach Michler’s tradition
The CBC Cadets soccer season ended in the District Finals in 2015, a 1-2 loss to the eventual Class 4 Finalists. After giving up a pair of goals in the first half, they scored one to narrow the gap but ran out of time.
The team has been taking advantage of time since that point to prepare for the upcoming season. I’ve been on hand for half a dozen of the tryout and training sessions this month as I approach the upcoming season with a different focus. My goal is to document a season with Coach Terry Michler and get a greater understanding of his approach and the High School game. Already I’m excited about the things I am learning about the game and as importantly, getting a chance to see how players respond to Michler’s approach. I am not abandoning coverage of other teams but it will give me a different look at the game that will inform my overall coverage. Now back to the Cadets.
The team has three players opening their college careers. AJ Palazzolo, the National High School player of the year, is with the Indiana Hoosiers. Jon Huber and Pat Alsmeyer are with Rockhurst. Palazzolo had 9 goals and 4 assists as well as a pair of GWG last year and is the most significant loss, on both ends of the pitch. There however are seven returning starters, ensuring continuity and providing a foundation for advancing further than 2015.
Coach Michler has a tradition I learned about a few years ago. That is the assignment of jerseys 1-11 during preseason to his predicted starting lineup. That group is pictured above. Let’s take a quick look from right to left (1 to 11):
#1 – Sr. Cameron Meyer – GK* – Meyer played behind John Huber last year but earned significant minutes up through and including the CYC Tournament while earning one win. It’s his third season on the varsity squad and Michler is very confident in his ability to take the reigns full-time this year. That includes being named one of the three captains this season!
#2 – Sr. Ryan Gerteisen – B – a returning starter, “Gerts” was called up to varsity late in his sophomore year, while progressing to a starting position last year. Coming into his third varsity season, he’s part of a seasoned back four. Michler likes his speed and size, noting his ability to put the ball into play and his good sense of the game. Most important – he’s hard to beat, important on the left side where he’ll likely see most of his time, facing the opponents best striker usually. (1 goal, 1 assist)
#3 – So. Sam Costa – B/MF – Sam is a returning varsity player from a season where he earned meaningful minutes in the midfield as well as playing in meaningful games. This season he’s targeted to outside back because, as Michler noted, he want’s him on the field. He plays calmly, even under pressure, and like his outside partner “Gerts” has a desire to get forward.
#4 – Jr. Jack Edwards – DM – a returning starter, like Costa this year Edwards got his minutes as an outside back last year as a sophomore. He’ll play in the defensive midfield this year, a spot he excels at for the Sporting STL Howe team that reached Region II semifinals this year. Michler lauds his technical skills and ability to start the play. It always looks simple with Jack, and effective. (0 goals, 2 assists)
#5 – Sr. Connor Lonero – CB – Connor joins the Cadets from the SLSG Missouri Academy program. He’ll step into AJ Palazzolo’s role in the back, responsible for organizing the back line. Michler identifies his qualities as seeing the game well with the technical skills that allow him to attack and distribute in a similar fashion to AJ’s role last year. He’s a Missouri State commit.
#6 – Sr. Brendan Hennessy – CM* – Brendan returns to the varsity for his fourth season and he’ll use that experience to set the tempo of play for the team from his central midfield role. His junior year was slowed by injuries and he’s hungry to match his Dad’s record of winning a State title with the Cadets. The only four year varsity player, his commitment and example continue to grow as the preseason progresses. He is one of three captains this year. (0 goals, 2 assists)
#7 – Sr. Bryce Starzyk – MF – Bryce returns for his second varsity season. Despite getting cut last year, his effort and approach to the game got him brought up to the varsity early enough to earn the #7 jersey last year as well. He took the starting position and kept it with his technical skills and as Michler noted, his understanding of ‘when to do what’. He limits mistakes and will contribute to the offense with his pace on the wing. (1 goal, 5 assists)
#8 – So. Nathan Temme – F/MF – Nathan’s first varsity season has begun well as his consistent approach during the pre-season earned regular recognition from Michler. His best position is most likely attacking midfield but that spot belongs to Leach so to get him on the field he’ll spend time at outside midfield and as a forward. He wants the ball and loves to go forward and has one of the best shots on the team.
#9 – Sr. EJ Verhulst – F – a second year varsity player, EJ will pair with Dempster up top. Skillful and smart, he excels at receiving and holding the ball. Michler notes he can pass, dribble or shoot in that situation making him especially dangerous. (4 goals, 3 assists, 3 GWG)
#10 – Sr. Sam Leach – AM – Sam is a three year varsity player and can be described with one word per Michler – gifted. He plays with speed with the ball and his 1v1 skills can break down defenses and open up the Cadet offense. He was the second leading scorer last year. He is one of three captains this year. (13 goals, 7 assists, 5 GWG)
#11 – Jr. Nick Dempster – F – Nick enters his second varsity season following an outstanding sophomore year, leading the the Cadets in scoring. He returns this year playing with confidence and joy. He learned last year that the key to scoring is identifying your spot and then hitting it. He could have an even better year (18 goals, 10 assists, 6 GWG)
Bold – returning starter
* – Captain
Tryouts were extended this year into the second week of training as Coach Michler and his assistants – Glenn Zipfel, Kevin Whalen (GK), Mike Fuller and Craig Westbrook – had seven returning starters and a short list of experienced players likely to again earn a varsity spot. With over 100 student athletes on hand for tryouts, the Varsity and JV squads from 2015 trained with the Varsity staff and the freshman and sophomores worked out with their respective coaches.
At the end of the first week of tryouts, Freshman Coach Jake Pittroff (Quincy Hawks) was asked by Michler about varsity prospects. He named two – Sam Benoist (Sporting JB Marine Mann) and Damian Clucas (SLSG West) – and both were invited to practice with the Varsity. The two, who have skill and the athletic attributes necessary to play against older players, have both stuck. The primary reason was that they were not intimidated and have played aggressively. Both should see minutes this year.
There are twenty-two on this years roster and I’ll provide more detail in advance of Saturday’s opener against Jefferson City. 3:00 pm at CBC. See you there!
PHOTO GALLERY – CBC Cadets Soccer Preseason
CBC Cadets Soccer Preview for 2016 cc @CBC_Soccer @CBChighschool The CBC Cadets soccer season ended in the District Finals in 2015, a 1-2 loss to the eventual Class 4 Finalists.