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Highlands Today

Seniors Lead The Way For LP Boys Soccer

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By Mark  Pinson | Highlands Today

Published: November 7, 2007

LAKE PLACID — Nothing beats experience.
With six returning starters and 13 seniors, that's what the Lake Placid boys soccer team is counting on to turn its fortunes around this season.

"It's almost unheard of to have that many seniors," said fourth-year Green Dragon coach Josh Virkler. "This is the most experienced team we've had since I've been here, and hopefully, that will translate into more goals and more wins."

Lake Placid posted a 3-11 record last year, and the Green Dragons made it to the semifinals of the Class 3A-District 8 tournament before ending their season with a double-overtime loss to a talented Frostproof squad.

Goals were hard to come by last year, but Virkler thinks this year's team has the passing skills and ability to put pressure on opposing netminders.

"Most of these guys have played for me for three years and they know my system and what I expect," the Lake Placid coach said. "We have more speed this year, and that will allow us to transition the ball from the middle of the field to the wings.
"That spreads the defense across the field and will allow us to attack from different angles."

Senior co-captain Jose Resendiz plays center back and is being counted on to pace the Green Dragon attack with his ball-handling skills, quick feet and speed.

"Jose has played at a high level for three years, is very comfortable with the ball and very fast," Virkler said. "He is a smart player and sees the field well."
Senior co-captain Hugo Medina will be at midfield and is another key cog in the Lake Placid attack.

Hugo has a great attitude, is a hard worker and very calm on the ball," Virkler said. "He has good leg strength and I would like to see him improve his shooting range.
"We need to score more goals and the more shots you take, the better your chances are."

When it comes to defense, the Green Dragons are counting on senior goalie Omar Villeda and sophomore Vicente Ramos to stop the opposition.

"Omar has been with me for four years, has excellent reflexes and is tenacious in goal, Virkler said. "Vicente will be our backup goalie, and since he has excellent speed, will also play at left wing.
"Since we have more team speed, especially on the wings, we've tweaked our offense to get the ball to the wings and swing some crossing passes.
"That should allow us to get a lot more shots on goal."

Lake Placid is in a tough district with Frostproof, McKeel Academy and Mulberry providing plenty of competition.

"Our district has always been close with a lot of parity," Virkler said. "Frostproof is well coached and always has a good team.
"I haven't seen the other teams, but we know we're going to have to play well to win."

Lake Placid opened the season against Hardee on Tuesday night, with results not available at press time.
The Green Dragons have a home match against Avon Park next Tuesday at Roger Scarborough Memorial Field.

"The kids have worked hard, displayed great attitudes in practice and can't wait for the season to begin," Virkler said. "Last year was an aberration and I think this team has the desire and talent to win matches and surprise some people."

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