Faith soccer looking for a championship

By Christopher Drexel

Friday, Sept. 12, 2008 | midnight

After being eliminated in the state semifinals each of the last two seasons, Faith Lutheran's boys soccer team is eager to play for a championship in 2008.

The Crusaders return seven starters from a team that went 18-2 last season.

"We're tired of playing on the last Friday of the season and not making it to Saturday for the last game," Faith Lutheran coach Nate Hagge said. "We have the experience to get there this year even though we don't have the depth we've had in the past. "

Faith Lutheran retains the services of its leading goal scorer from a year ago, Ryan Sniezyk. The now-senior captain will make the switch to midfield after finding the net 30 times from the forward position last season.

Hagge is also counting on senior Chris Longi to make plays in the midfield. Defensively, Faith Lutheran returns two of its four starters, senior left back Terry Unruh and sophomore sweeper Ryan Kay.

The three other returning starters include junior forward Wade Norman, junior midfielder Chris Ortwein and junior goalkeeper Marc Davies.

Hagge said the key to his team's success is its scoring ability.

"Our offense is going to possess the ball a lot this year — they'll be able to score goals," Hagge said. "As long as our offense keeps the ball until our defense gets into a rhythm, we should be all right."

The Crusaders offense was on display in its initial two games of the season, beating Lake Mead Christian Academy 15-0 on Sept. 2 and beat Boulder City High 4-1 on Sept. 4.

"It was good to finally get out there and play against different people than just scrimmaging ourselves," he said. "It was very positive to see and those games give us hope for what we know we can accomplish later in the season."

Seniors guide Gorman soccer

Even after two consecutive state championships, Bishop Gorman's boys soccer team isn't facing a rebuilding year.

Coach Nick Arbeleaz believes the 2008 version of the Gaels may feature the school's strongest lineup yet.

"I have about nine guys standing out here that will win all conference honors," Arbelaez said. "I believe this is the deepest team by far I've ever seen playing or coaching in 22 years."

Gorman will be led by a group of four seniors that Arbelaez said should play in college. They include four-year starter Joe Vitale in goal, midfielder Cody Barnett, midfielder John Vaccaro and forward Nick Erie, who scored the game-winning goal in each of the last two state title games.

"I haven't had a senior class like this in a long time," Arbelaez said. "It's very rare when you have four guys who are all potentially D-I athletes in your lineup."

Talented underclassmen dot the rest of the lineup as well, particularly freshman back Max Anderson and junior forward Austin Cain.

To make sure the group maximizes its potential, Arbelaez would like to see the Gaels treat every game like a state final.

"Just because we've won the last two years, we know that means nothing in our quest for a third," Arbelaez said. "All that does is put another target on our back. My goal with this team is to make a statement right away. I think that's the only way to let these teams in town know that we're for real."

Cimarron replaces AD

Jesse Gonzalez left his post as athletic director and head swimming coach at Cimarron-Memorial on Aug. 19. He is now serving as a dean at Shadow Ridge.

"It is bittersweet," Gonzalez said. "I'm excited to be at Shadow Ridge, and I'm proud to be a Mustang. But I will miss sports tremendously, and I will miss my miss my athletes and colleagues at Cimarron. I know I'll stay in touch with ones that are close to me."

Cimarron promoted Calvin Valvo to athletic director on Aug. 22. Valvo served as an assistant football coach and assistant girls golf last season. This year, Valvo takes over as the boys golf coach as well.

Christopher Drexel can be reached at 990-8929 or [email protected].