Manson soccer pumped for start of regular season

MANSON - Although the weather has been less than ideal, the Manson Trojan soccer team feels as if they are already in good form. 

“Under the circumstances with all of the snow, we have had some really focused and intense practices leading up to the jamboree and our first game,” head coach Jared Mumley said. “We started in the gym for the first two weeks and we’re lucky enough to get a couple days down at Bebee Bridge Park, but we still have only been grass a handful of days.” 

In the Jamboree on Tuesday, March 14, Manson beat Bridgeport 2-0 and tied Chelan 0-0. The Trojans followed up their good showing with a 2-1 win in their first game of the season against Okanogan on Wednesday. 

Coach Mumley expects his team to improve throughout the year, but is looking for senior forward Aurelio Gutierrez to make strides in his attacking play this season. 

“Particularly with his width,” coach Mumley said about Gutierrez. “He has already shown a spark this year. But Freddy Leyva and David Alejo are two senior leaders in the center midfield and center defense respectively who are looking to have big years also.” 

Alejo will have some challenges though as he looks to command a center line that has never played with each other before. 

“We lost two defenders from last year and another defender has been moved up to midfield this year, so it is a whole new group this year. They have already shown they are up for the challenge though,” coach Mumley stated with confidence. 

If there is a specific game you should attend all season, Mumley says it is against Brewster. 

“They will be the preseason favorites. It is great to play them because they are physical and make you earn anything,” coach Mumley stated. “We play them early and then again late in the year.” 

The first match up between Manson and Brewster is there next game and will be played at Manson on Thursday, March 23. The final pairing between the two teams will come on Tuesday, April 18. 

Zach Johnson can be reached at lcmeditor@gmail.com or(509) 682-2213