Sports
Work Ethic Has Fenton Soccer Team Primed for Improvement
Fenton loses, but shows promise, in 3-1 season-opening loss to mighty Brother Rice.
Like all high school teams, the soccer team has areas the coaching staff would like to see shored up as the season gets underway. But coach Matt Sullivan is excited about Fenton's ability to improve for one major reason: the team works extremely hard.
"Our work ethic is number one," Sullivan said. "These guys battle for each other, and nothing is more important than that. We've gotta work on playing faster and together to get our timing down offensively. Once we do that, we could be a tough team to play against."
Fenton showed that toughness in a season-opening 3-1 loss to Brother Rice Aug. 22. After falling behind 2-1 early, Fenton played Brother Rice, a perennial state power, even for nearly 60 minutes before Brother Rice tacked on a late goal with just over 12 minutes remaining.
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"We learned a lot," Sullivan said. "That's why we schedule tough teams like this, so we can find our weaknesses. We have to to a better job defensively as a unit, otherwise a team like Brother Rice can pick you apart. It's invaluable to play a team like that."
Brett Austin scored Fenton's goal, assisted by J.D. Kinsman. Although keeper Derek Jenkins allowed three goals, he also made several fantastic saves and was under pressure most of the night against Brother Rice.
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"He had some nice saves," Sullivan said. "He's gonna have to do that for us. He'll be the first to tell you he expects more of himself, he wants to and has to own that entire 18-yard box."
Fenton played two preseason games prior to Monday's game, beating Clio and Lapeer West in the preseason Metro League tournament. Sullivan said this year's Metro League race should be a competitive one.
"Lapeer East and Holly are the teams to beat, and then throw in Brandon, Linden and West," he said. "I think if we get our timing down, we'll fit in somewhere with those middle teams, but I think Holly and East are definitely the top teams. It's gonna be a tough league."
Fenton's next game is at home against Carman-Ainsworth Aug. 25.