Sports
A look at Upper Moreland High School Boys' Soccer
The Bears are looking to defend their league title despite key losses at the midfield position.
The Upper Moreland boys’ soccer team has the same game plan this season that allowed them to claim the league title a year ago.
Despite losing five starters to graduation, Upper Moreland will look to regroup in the midfield position. Once everything comes together, head coach Jack Knauss knows his team will be just fine.
“We lost our entire midfield from mast year and that is going to hurt us,” said Knauss. “I am very comfortable with our defense. You lose four people in the midfield it takes a while for them to gel.”
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The Bears’ defense was one of the best in the area, as they posted nine shut outs last season. With a core of defenders returning, Upper Moreland has the formula for another successful season.
“I rather win and lose a game with a 1-0 result then win or lose a game 5-4,” said Knauss. “I am totally defensive minded.
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Senior goalie Kyle Walder will be in charge of anchoring the back line.
“I am looking forward to his leadership and the way he controls the ball back there,” said Knauss. “Defense is not my worry.”
Now that everyone knows about the Bears’ smothering defense, every team in the league has been planning a way to expose any gaps the unit has.
“We play teams that are twice the size of us and we are just trying to keep up,” said Knauss. “I think the biggest problems we are going to face is that everyone is out to get us since we were District 1 champs last year. Everyone seems to be out to beat us.”
With another grueling league schedule, Upper Moreland is prepared to get league play rolling.
“Our goal, as always, is to make the playoffs,” said Knauss. “Wins and losses will matter, but it is hard to get through our own league.”
Upper Merion Bears Facts:
Coach: Jack Knauss (12th season)
Last year: 15-3-1
Key Players: Senior striker Tommy Hayes, senior midfielder Carl Wambold, senior sweeper Kyle Lynch, senior goalie Kyle Walder.
Games to watch: Wissahickon, Upper Dublin, Cheltenham, Plymouth Whitemarsh.
Upper Moreland Schedule:
Oct. 5 Norristown 3:30 p.m.
Oct. 6 Pope John Paul II 3:45 p.m.
Oct. 10 at Wissahickon 3:30 p.m.
Oct. 12 at Upper Dublin 7 p.m.
Oct. 13 Cheltenham 7 p.m.
Oct. 18 at Upper Merion 7 p.m.
Oct. 21 Springfield High School 3:30 p.m.
