A good soccer team starts at the back line and the Dexter varsity soccer team has a back line that should put the Dreadnaughts on the front page often this upcoming season.
Dexter kicks off the season with a bang – Tuesday, yes THIS Tuesday (Aug. 20) at home against Chelsea – yes, THAT Chelsea. It’s quite a way to start the season and the Dreads should be ready to take a bite out of the Bulldogs.
“We need to continue to build on last year’s ground work and sharpen up the technical aspect of the game while improving our decision making on and off the ball,” says Dexter assistant coach Jamie Lewis.
Drew Ducker took over as head coach last season and helped lead the Dreads to an impressive 19-3-3 record and a District championship. In other words, a typical year for the Dexter soccer dynasty started by longtime coach Scott Forrester.
The Dreads lost in the Regional final but look to get back there – and even beyond – in 2019.
“We return seven starters and another four players who made significant contributions last year,” Lewis said. “The team is very technical and with Wiley Smith in goal and defenders Daryl Bell, Harrison Kim, Jack Kolka, and Will Palazzolo we should be tough to break down. Going forward we return Hayden Newton, Nick Williamson, and Noah Lewis who are captains that led our attack last year.”
And like most Dexter teams, the Dreads will only get better as the season kicks along toward the postseason.
“We need to find the formation and style of play that works best for the 2019 team,” Lewis says.
Dexter has an excellent mix of youth, experience and fresh and talented players on the 2019 roster.
Top returning players include: Hayden Newton (Junior Captain, 2nd year Varsity, All-Conference and All-State 2018, Forward)
Noah Lewis (Senior Captain, 3rd year Varsity, All-Conference and All-District 2018, Center Midfield)
Nick Williamson (Junior Captain, 2nd year Varsity, All-District 2018, Attacking Midfielder)
Wiley Smith (Sophomore, 2nd year Varsity, All-District, Goalkeeper)
Top newcomers include:
Connor Simpson (Sophomore center back and midfielder who has been playing Academy with Michigan Wolves)
Artjoms Clifford (Sophomore forward)
Ben Pritchard (Sophomore center mid)
