“We knew we had a lot of talented players,” Mansfield Christian’s boys varsity soccer coach Jess Rider said of his 2013 squad, but the surprise was how fast the success came.
And the success has kept coming, with a win over Norwalk, the teams’ record now stands at 13-1.
The make-up of the team is players benefitting from the Flames deep soccer system and therefore, with only a handful of previous letter winners.
The Flames have yet to be shutout this season and boast a steady scoring attack up front. Central midfielder Josh Cochran and striker Brendan Ernsberger have frequented opponents’ goal box all season long. As a rule, the coach attributes his team’s offensive success to players simply being in the right place at the right time and being picky shot selectors.
“We hold possession and continue to move the ball until we find and open shot. Our guys have been a patient. Cochran and Ernsberger are no exception to that principle. “They know how to finish the opportunities presented to them,” stated Rider.
The coach also lauded keeper Caleb Young and his defense calling them the unsung heroes of the Flames season. Rider added that the unit’s strong work ethic, communication, and ability to keep the ball in front of them has been a key all season long. In short, “They do a good job of starting the attack from back,” noted Rider.
When asked about upcoming postseason play, the coach was not yet looking that far ahead. “As cliche as it sounds, the key for us is focus on the game in front of us.” Rider explained that as good as his team is, the season can end suddenly with a single loss in tournaments.
Rider recognized that everyone sees results but specifically cited his teams character, sportsmanship, and leadership. “This is a great group of guys,” he summarized.
MCS GOALS:
Josh Cochran-1,
Brendan Ernsberger-1,
Sam Paul-1
MCS ASSISTS:
Josh Cochran-1,
Brendan Ernsberger-1,
Chandran Higgins-1,
MCS SAVES:
Caleb Young-2
NORWALK SAVES:
W. Tanzillo-11