Bucs stronger on offense | Spring Preview

KINGSTON — Coach Craig Smith is known for his defensive coaching. This season, his Kingston soccer team may see a switch.

“We’re going to change our style of play a little this season,” he said. “More offense.”

Though the team will maintain its defense as well as it can, the players this season may adjust well to more offensive play. Justin Overton, Nick Boles and Cody Sweeney, for example, all play at a “high level” of play,” Smith said. This has put the Bucs on the attack. That does not mean defense is completely put to the wayside. Goalkeeper Kyle Van Wyck has stepped into his position without missing a step, Smith said. And Wade Doty, one of the few left-footed players, decided to tryout for the team after a soccer hiatus.

Along with the players mentioned above, Ross Burk, Simon Campo and Ansel Hartman all played on a state-champion select team.

“I feel really good about the team,” Smith said, adding that the Bucs have size and confidence on their side. “Next year is probably their year, but why not give it a shot this year?”

The Bucs will make the playoffs. At least, they’d better, Smith said: five teams do. The goal this season is to score more than be scored against. The ideal position for the team would be to end the regular season in the top three of the Olympic League.

The team was off to a good start March 12, when it played its first game against Klahowya. The Bucs won 6-0, with two goals by Boles, and one from Alex Worland, Campo, Burk and Colin Stone.

Along with the shutout, the win March 12 was the 50th for the boys’ soccer program in its four-year history.

— Sports schedules are subjedt to change. Visit www.highschoolsports.net/Month/Kingston-High-School-Kingston-WA/

2011-12 Buccaneers boys soccer
Cameron Ashley (M), Nick Boles (M/F), Ross Burk (D), Simon Campo (M/D), Daniel Casey (M/F), Michael Davis (D), Wade Doty (D), Ansel Hartman (M), Quinn Jackson (M), Thomas Nitchman (D), Justin Overton (M/F), Colin Stone (M/D), Cody Sweeney (M/F), Tyler Vanderhaden (M), Kyle Van Wyck (GK), Jacob Waterman (D), Alex Worland (M/GK)

 

Contact North Kitsap Herald Education/Sports Reporter Kipp Robertson at krobertson@northkitsapherald.com or (360) 779-4464.

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