Martian Soccer

Grand Blanc and Goodrich boys' soccer previews

Posted by Eric DeMink of the Grand Blanc News August 03, 2007 14:48PM

GOODRICH
• COACH: Evan Huizenga, second season
• LAST SEASON'S RECORDS: 10-0, first in the GAC; 15-3 overall. Lost in first round of Division 3 districts to Macomb Lutheran North (2-1).
• KEY LOSSES: Forwards Stephen Harlow (honorable mention All-State, 18 goals, 15 assists) and Daniel Eisinger (All-GAC First Team, 10 goals, six assists); defenders Chad Marler (All-GAC Second Team, one goal, one assist) and Adam Lepek (one goal, one assist); and keeper Andy Krause (All-GAC First Team, seven shutouts). Matt Rowan, Adam Foley, Alex Slivka, and Robert Novak were also contributors. 
• KEY RETURNEES: In the midfield are juniors David Garr (All-GAC Second Team, eight goals, 12 assists), Brandon DeGrouchy (All-GAC Second Team, eight goals, six assists) and Robert Short (All-GAC First Team, nine goals, 11 assists) and sophomore Alex Arnold; on defense are senior Joel Martin and junior Chris Baker. All were starters in 2006.

• SEASON OUTLOOK: Last year, the Martians racked up 76 goals (4.22 per contest) and yielded only 14 goals (fewer than 1 per contest). They won their last six games of the season and nine of its last 10. "To say the very least about this season, I am excited," said Huizenga. "As a coach, it is a great feeling to have 28-30 legitimate players that are trying out for the varsity team."  A total of 53 players signed up, just to try out for both the varsity and JV squads this fall.  "With only three returning players trying out that are seniors this fall, it proves that our program is going to continue to be strong," Huizenga said. "Our four players that ran the midfield are all returning with none of them as seniors this season. Just by the numbers it shows that the interest in soccer at Goodrich has grown. The Goodrich Soccer Club has done an outstanding job creating the opportunity and retaining the interest of many young players in the Goodrich community. I would like to say "Thank You" to all of the volunteers that run that organization and to the coaches, parents and players who have built that program. Our schedule this season has some new names on it as we have scheduled Orchard Lake St. Mary's, Elkton Pigeon Bay Port-Lakers, Holly and the defending state champs, Richmond. I expect to get at least 16 or 17 wins this season and depending on how the district and regional draw go, that might be achieved and exceeded. This program is on the rise and I am excited to be here for the ride." Goodrich hosts the Goodrich Round Robin Tournament to open its season Aug. 15 and Lapeer West is its first single opponent Aug. 23.