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Bayfield boys soccer experiencing a change of culture

Bayfield soccer sees growth of program
Bayfield’s Tilden Berriman will be a leader of the Wolverines’ attack this season. Head coach Dave Foster said he has been attacking the goal and delivering beautiful crossing passes during the preseason.

After finding some tough luck during a 1-13 campaign in 2014, the Bayfield Wolverines boys soccer team is ready to take the next step in head coach Dave Foster’s third season at the high school.

Foster called it another transitional year after losing four seniors, his starting goalkeeper, leading scorer in Grant Pierce, who moved to Salt Lake City, and a talented foreign exchange student Viktor Sandvik who made the all-league team a year ago.

But, as his younger players continue to gain experience, he believes the ball will bounce his team’s way more often this season.

“We’re still a young team, but overall I’m pretty happy with where we are technically,” Foster said. “Now it’s more about tactics and organization.

“Ultimately, we want to get some results. Last year, we were pretty unlucky. We were in a lot of games, but the game of soccer can be cruel. The boys want some results this year, and we have the talent to get it done.”

Leading the team on the field is junior captain Finlay Marshall, a center mid who will be a three-year starter.

Sophomore Tilden Berriman also is stepping up as an outside left mid who Foster said is attacking the goal and delivering strong crosses into the box.

Chris Mooney, another sophomore, will help lead the defensive back line as the team’s sweeper.

“He’s an intelligent player and understands the game well,” Foster said of Mooney.

Mooney is one of several Bayfield players who are playing more soccer outside of the high school season. Mooney played for a Durango Youth Soccer Association team this season, and Foster has been encouraged by how many of his players are developing.

“Our guys are getting smarter and understanding the game better. The most difficult thing is a lot of our players don’t play club. But more players are playing year round, and that’s helping them improve,” Foster said.

Foster has had to lobby to get players on the soccer field instead of the football sidelines in recent years, but he has seen a culture change slowly but surely the last three years.

“I think, I’m almost positive, this is the first year we’ve had a (junior varsity) team for boys soccer in Bayfield history,” Foster said. “The fact we have young players and are growing the program is important. The culture of soccer in Bayfield has really changed, and it’s great to see.”

Foster expects Crested Butte along with Alamosa, Pagosa Springs and Telluride once again to be tough matches in the 3A Region 5 League, but he is excited to see how his team matches up with Pagosa Springs during a scrimmage Wednesday.

“We will get a good idea of how we match up. The biggest thing is becoming more organized and taking that next step,” Foster said.

jlivingston@durangoherald.com

Aug 25, 2015
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