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Preseason Soccer Predictions:

CallMeCoach19

VaPreps Varsity
Mar 27, 2010
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So here we go. I would imagine, by this point all teams have had some sort of interest meeting. Most should already be in the full swing of preseason workouts. I am just curious as to what our thoughts are for the season ahead. I like to see as many schools as possible in the area, so your input will be greatly appreciated.
WEST:
I'm gonna do a final four prediction: (Though there will be six teams on it)
1. Giles: They quite literally lost nothing through graduation. They were narrowly beaten out in region semi's by an excellent Graham last year, and the main concern was the lack of experience and shape defensively. If those are fixed, I think the boys from Pearisburg could sneak the 1 spot. If they drop a game to Galax in regular season though, that may kink that hose.
2. Virginia High: I was very impressed with the discipline that team showed at Region play. They keep shape and support better than any team I saw. Sure they were out-gunned by the East schools (Something that I think will happen again this season) but they were impressive.
3. Martinsville: They are just a tough and athletic squad. I think they certainly lack discipline, but they do find ways to make up for it. I wouldn't be too shocked if they find a way to win the conference after being dethroned last season.
4. James River/Graham/Chatham: I cant pick one for this slot. The first two will be losing a great deal from last year. The regular season matchups with Giles will be the proof. I think they will still have a good amount of soccer knowledge and skill, but the pieces won't all be there. Chatham (without knowing the roster too in depth) should make a solid effort to bust the region. I would love to see a rematch with Martinsville in the first round.

EAST:
1. George Mason: Who else? I know I won't get a chance to drive that far until post season anyway, but this is where I would appreciate some guidance. I think I will be Nelson County way on business in April, so who should I check out over that way?
 
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JR graduated 4 starters from last years squad and some of the younger guys will have to step up but I don't look for it to be a problem, they been patiently waiting their turn. If you recall they lost 2 players last year for disciplinary reasons, both of which were the 1st and 2nd goalies. Had a sophomore 3rd team goalie step up and play big the rest of the season. Several key players will have to finish round ball and wrestling before they get going and up to speed.
 
JR graduated 4 starters from last years squad and some of the younger guys will have to step up but I don't look for it to be a problem, they been patiently waiting their turn. If you recall they lost 2 players last year for disciplinary reasons, both of which were the 1st and 2nd goalies. Had a sophomore 3rd team goalie step up and play big the rest of the season. Several key players will have to finish round ball and wrestling before they get going and up to speed.

Yeah, I knew they had lost some. James River always puts out a well disciplined and tactical team. Size and strength is all I've seen beat them. How will the size be this season?
 
It will be about the same, lost one really strong defender that may have been all conference i think? The others were midfield and forwards. I think they lost more speed and experience than they did size. They open at home against alleghany, then go to Nelson, LB and Ghany again before back home w Radford, March is gonna be a challenging month!
 
I think they took both games last year as well as LB both times, but that was last year. They were all close wins if i remember correctly. Yea I heard something about them dropping down a division, they will b e on the high end of the 2a classification.
 
I figured they would have to be pretty decent. They will actually still be 3A for a bit. I think this was preemptive of the enrollment dropping more. You'll also have 4A Carroll County in district. Enjoy that road trip!
What is interesting is that even if Ghany or Carroll win the district, it won't impact playoffs. That will go to the highest 2A seed I believe.
 
Dan River has a new coach in John Robinson after Craig Saunders retired at the end of the season. Robinson coached 3A Tunstall for the last several season and so far conditioning has been going great. Junior John Emory Keller could be a contender for Player of the Year in Conference 37! He broke the school record for goals in a season as a sophomore.
 
Just heard that Graham lost their best defender and best JV player from last season who was moving up to Varsity. I think it was from relocating. That will be hard to replace, but I seem to remember they had more pieces that just that returning. Solid keeper and midfield play for sure.
 
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