Wednesday, May. 27, 2009

Recap: Ridge View boys soccer

Ridge View’s boys soccer team closed the 2009 campaign with an 11-8 record and a fourth-place finish in Regiob 4-4A. The Blazers did not have much luck in region play, losing three conference matches by one-goal margins.

“I am very proud of these young men for their commitment,” said RV coach Jon Donahue. “They never quit, regardless of the score. They played until the final whistle. I felt that we had a great season and wish the seniors well in their future.”

Justen Braddock, Brock Dempsey Kyle Dela Merced, Stephen Olson, Jon Stori, and Jordan Stovall are the departing seniors. Braddock, the starting keeper, did not make the all-region team, but was an all-state pick and will play in the North-South All-Star game on June 13 at Wofford College.

The Blazers will form the 2010 team around the core of returning starters Tony Del Valle, Eddie Moore, Jamal Davis, Joe McCloskey, Ryan Giannelli, Zeke Pope, Casey White, Blair Boler, CJ King, Jonathan Mixon, and Andrew Scott.

Del Valle and McCloskey were the team’s all-region selections this season.

“I am looking forward to next season,” said Donahue. “I will have a bunch of returning players with lots of playing experience. I will have a young team again next year, but that is what you build your program around. I hope to go farther in the playoffs next year.”

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