Soccer Preview: McCluer North Aiming For Conference Title

Please forgive soccer coach Eric Urban if he doesn't sound too concerned about losing 13 seniors, including nine starters, from last season’s team.

The defense last year was led by goalie Ian McReynolds, who had 10 shutouts and was considered by many as the top goalkeeper in the Suburban North Conference.

Forwards Mike Wells and Toye Okunrinboye made the Stars’ offense dangerous and consistent. Okunrinboye led the club in scoring with nine goals and seven assists for 25 points. Wells finished with eight goals and six assists for 22 points.

"Last year, we had a different kind of challenge," Urban said. "This year is totally different and will be more difficult."

McCluer North has started its 2011 season at 1-1.

While Urban has to fill a few holes in the lineup, the Stars have two players that could make them one of the top clubs in the conference.

Transfer senior forward Culan O'Keefe from McCluer is a potent scorer and reliable finisher. He had 22 goals last year for the Comets. His bloodlines are soccer rich. His father, Dan O'Keefe, was a top player at McCluer 20 years ago and later played at Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville and had a terrific professional indoor career.

"Culan has fit in real well," Urban said. "He's not afraid to go to the goal. He can beat you with a shot from 30 yards, or he can take on a defender."

Senior goalie Dylan Latham spent most of last year getting experience with the junior varsity team. He did manage to play 80 varsity minutes, and Urban said he should be ready this season.

"He started playing soccer kind of late in his sophomore year," Urban said. "But he has really improved over the past two years."

Latham, who also plays rugby, is 6 foot 3 inches tall and weighs 220 pounds. He’s not afraid to come off his line to challenge the opposition.

"He's pretty intimidating in the air," Urban said. "It's going to be hard for people to challenge him. He likes to come out and get the ball."

The Stars return eight players from a year ago, and they will be scattered around the field.

Seniors Tom Jedding (midfield) and Jim Beane (stopper) are two players that Urban is counting on for a good season. Other returning seniors still fighting for a starting spot include back Evan Johnson, who is having problems after suffering a concussion this summer, and forwards Andrew Parks and Kody Tusing.

Junior forward David Brittingham led the JV club last year with 12 goals, and he will fit in well with O'Keefe.

Junior Zach Schulz is a good two-way player who will play at midfield and on the forward line. Sophomores Connor Clasby, Matt Graham and Holden Martinez give the Stars a different look at midfield.

"Connor and Matt are two of our most skilled players," Urban said. "They both move the ball well, and all three are a key part to our offense."

The Stars were 15-9-1 last season, and they finished tied for second in the conference with Hazelwood Central at 3-2. Midway through last season, North won seven consecutive games.

Urban questions his defense, but thinks the offense will be fine.

"The defense is a question mark," Urban said. "We have some exceptional players who all play club ball, and that is going to help us. If we get our timing down on offense, we should do well."