Big Shoes to Fill Defensively for Knights Soccer
August 20, 2014
Key 2014 graduates prompt search for fullbacks
by Keith Stewart
keith@newsprogress.com
There’s an ongoing search at the soccer field in Lovington.
Last year’s 7-7-1 Arthur-Lovington/Atwood-Hammond soccer program graduated seven including defensive leaders in David Emrick and Natalie Bicknell who had long anchored the team’s fullbacks.
When Emrick wasn’t sweeping or stopping, he was a big presence in the midfield along with fellow graduates Brianna Morgan, Matt Robinson, and Cassandra Lambdin.
But as far as offense goes, this year’s team looks to fare better, at least initially, than its defense.
“We lost a lot of seniors,” said head coach Jeff Trower, who continues to be assisted by JD Graham. “We’re going to have to rebuild our defense this year, that’s for sure. We have big, big holes there.”
Photo by Keith Stewart
Pictured, front row, left to right are: Annika Slabaugh, Cassandra Adams, Megan Hug, Cade Day, Payton Wellbaum, Samantha Landers, and Keegan Morfy. Back row: Head coach Jeff Trower, Javi Briseno, Lucas Lee, Eusebio Briseno, Tanner Brewer, Brayden Coble, Eilis Stewart, Darian Hays, and assistant coach JD Graham. Not pictured are: Brianne Jones, Omar Martinez, Jakob Brewer, Jovany Martinez, Richard Wright, Bradiey Miller, Nick Wilheim.