Soccer Senioritus

Over the past three years, coach Nathan Almond's Van Buren Pointers soccer team has enjoyed a tremendous amount of success, highlighted by a coveted state championship trophy in 2006. But … after failing to repeat as state titlists last spring, a senior-dominated squad (21 of 26 players on the roster are 12th graders) fully expects nothing less than to reclaim its first-place hardware in 2008. Of course, Almond isn't about to go out on a limb and boldly predict that his Pointers will be champions once again. At the same time, though, he confidently said, "I feel like we ought to be able to contend for a 7A West title and make it to the state tournament, then hopefully compete (for a championship)." Without a doubt, one obvious reason Almond likes his squad's chances of possibly putting together a dream season is simply because of how seasoned this bunch happens to be. "I feel really good about that (the experience level)," Almond said. "They understand the philosophy so well and what we are trying to do." Another plus, in Almond's estimation, is that his Van Buren players are in better shape than most. "One of the things I love is our conditioning," the coach said. "We do a lot of drills and agility work like running the bleachers and uphill sprints … we bring that to the games. We're also very fast and that speed can last (throughout an entire soccer match). We play a very fast game." Keeping the matches going at a frenetic pace and constantly moving the ball around are key components of Van Buren's strategy from start to finish. "We feel like we can really run … we want to try and get them (opposing teams) back on their heels and then we can keep bringing fresh legs in all during the game," Almond said. "Our passing skills are also really outstanding and my philosophy is we want to possess the ball. I don't want us to dance on the ball or do a lot of dribbling around with it." As far as any specific individuals who will be counted on most heavily this year, Almond was actually hesitant to single out anybody because he is insistent onthe fact that these Pointers simply are not a one-man team. Nonetheless, Almond did site the offensive-minded trio of Alex Rodriguez, T.J. Rodriguez and Ben Cross, who combined for 49 goals last year. "That's a lot of balance across the front line," Almond said. "And all three of them are very unselfish." Almond also had good things to say about midfielder Sayed Bushnaq."Our offense really flows through him," Almond said. "You would think of him like the quarterback on a football team or the point guard on a basketball team. Everything goes through him. He's kind of the glue that holds us together." Although he sited a few key players, Almond was still quick to remind that "It's the Van Buren Pointers and there's not just one guy that's going to have to do it all forus." Ultimately, what all of these Pointers are pointing toward is the prize that they want to bring back home and Almond said, "They are focused. They realize nothing is going to be easy. But they have their goals and they are looking to win a championship."