After a disappointing 2013 campaign, the boys’ varsity soccer team is preparing for a comeback under new head coach Chris Stott.
This year, the team will be competing in the Santa Clara Valley Athletic League’s El Camino Division after dropping down from the upper De Anza division. The Falcons had a losing season last year in part because of their shaky defense and injuries. League opponents will include Cupertino, Lynbrook, Milpitas, Wilcox, Gunn and Fremont.
Despite last season’s shortcomings, returning players like senior Samuel Breck and senior Kushol Bhatacharjee are excited to showcase their ability. Seniors are looking forward to helping the newer players adapt to the varsity team environment.
“As a player, I’m looking to improve, but also to [be] a role model for the underclassmen,” senior forward Samuel Breck said. “I want them to be properly integrated into the varsity team.”
Among other things, the team wants to rebuild after losing key players, including alumni defender Nikhil Goel and midfielder Will Guy.
“We pulled a lot of underclassmen last year up to varsity so I think this year will be similar,” Bhattacharjee said. “[Goel and Guy] were essential parts of the team, but I think we have a solid pool of players to fill in those gaps.”
As for the new coach, Stott brings extensive experience in the game with his previous semi-professional career in England, Australia and the United States. In 2003, Stott was selected to represent English soccer giants Manchester United in a friendly tournament before coming to the United States to undertake a new job as head coach of several teams in De Anza Force Soccer Club.
This year, Stott is planning to undertake a new fitness program that includes having the team train in the weight room, something that has never been done before. He is hoping that an extra strength regimen will ensure that the players staying healthy and fit through the season.
How will the Falcons do?
Breck said, “With the incoming freshmen and players from last year, I think we have a likely chance of making CCS and getting back into the De Anza league.”
