Backline play will lead Eagles again

By Dean Dellamalva Jr.

MVI Sports

A strong defensive backbone is a key to being competitive at any level at any sport. 

That’s the case with the Serra Catholic boys soccer team who have consistently brought strong backline play under fifth-year coach Chad Bruns.

The Eagles (9-7-2, 6-5-1 last season in Section 2-A) pitched eight shutouts during the 2019 campaign and aside from one lopsided loss to section winner Winchester Thurston, Serra only allowed 20 goals on the season.

“We have been very successful as a team defensively over the years,” said Bruns. “The boys have always rallied around the gameplan to slow down some high scoring offenses. We’ve had admirable losses where we held up well into overtime against some of the top teams in Class A.

“But I think we’re at a point where we simply need to beat one of them to get over the mental hurdle of always coming close but not winning those games. I think if we win one, the goals will come.”

Serra was 1-5 against teams that finished above them in the section, including two losses by just a single goal. Getting those wins and producing more offense against the better teams will be key for the Eagles getting over the hump this year.

“Once you get to the playoffs and teams key in on your main scorers, you need a counter punch, and I still believe that,” said Bruns. “But our focus shifted towards ‘first touch’ and it became evident that we were giving away too many 50/50 balls by not trapping/settling the ball securely and consistently enough at our feet.”

Another key for Serra Catholic will be replacing four-year starting goalkeeper Teddy Almeter.

Sophomore Ethan Coddington, who was a starter at left defense all last year as a freshman, will look to fill the net vacated by the graduated Almeter. Freshman Anthony Fisher will backup Coddington.

“You always lose a couple good players but changing keepers after 4 years is certainly the end of an era,” said Bruns. “I  think it’s challenging to start as a freshman in net though. We’re going to work to get him up to speed as quickly as possible in hopes of getting Ethan back on the field next year but he is our guy for now. He has a keeper’s background and is very athletic.”