The Fort Lewis College soccer programs made moves during the early signing period that will help shape the future of the men’s and women’s programs.
Damian Clarke, who is in his second stint as head coach of FLC’s women’s soccer team and entering his second season, got commitments from 10 players, including four from Legacy High School in Parker.
“Broomfield’s club team over the last two or three years have been really impressive, and they’ve won the state cup two out of the last three seasons,” Clarke said. “I had some players from the past that were from Westminster, and the same coaches from Westminster are at that club, so when I got back to FLC, one of the first things I did was get a hold of those coaches and work the connections. I figured if I could get a bunch of state champs, that would be a good start.”
Clarke said this class will immediately push the returning players.
“I think we’ve got a bunch of kids that are capable and know how to win,” Clarke said. “I’m going to try to lean toward adding athleticism. That’s been a mark on most of my teams in the past, and we’ve always been athletic enough to defend and usually deal with better players in that regard. This group brings some size, and we physically need that to compete at a higher level.”
One of Clarke’s biggest signings was Meredith Satre of Frisco, Texas. Satre is 5-foot-11 and brings a physical presence.
“She reminds me a lot of Katie Smith, in that she’s quick, strong and can play in a lot of different areas on the pitch,” Clarke said. “She’s one that will impact right away, but there’s more than a few others who will challenge the group.”
Clarke pointed to Analisa “Boots” Carmosino as a perfect example. The forward from Broomfield is only 5-2, but Clarke said she plays much taller than she’s listed.
“Boots is a small kid but just so powerful, and she’s got a pretty unique skill set and is extremely confident in her abilities, both on and off the ball,” Clarke said. “She plays way bigger than she is, so don’t let that listing fool you, because she’s athletic and scrappy as they come.”
Outfield players were not the only emphasis, as Clarke also brought in a goalkeeper in Kate Dunbabin. Clarke said it will give the rest of the group and senior-to-be Brit Blomso energy to have a goalkeeper competition.
“I think it was the right time to bring in a keeper because Brit was and is fantastic, but sometimes a little competition will go a long way, and it can really do a lot of good for a team like this,” Clarke said. “Kate is long, athletic and can really organize a back line, which is a very underrated part of being a goalkeeper.”
While Clarke said it was a good signing period, he’s not done yet.
“I think we’ll add a couple of transfers at the end of the semester,” Clarke said. “We’re just really excited to try and create some wonderful competition for these kids to get better and we’ve got a good group for 2019.”
Clarke was not the only one who was busy at Legacy High School. FLC men’s soccer coach David Oberholtzer also got a commitment from the same school, along with four other players during the early signing period.
Sean Marek, a midfielder from Legacy, was a first-team all-league player during his senior season, and he signed with the Skyhawks.
The biggest commitment for FLC came from the state of Montana. Matt Baldridge is a 5-foot-11 midfielder and was named Gatorade Player of the Year twice in addition to earning a All-American honor. Baldridge is from Hellgate, the same town where three Skyhawks have come from, including junior-to-be goalkeeper Peter Byrne.
“I really like our start to the class,” Oberholtzer said. “My assistant Keane Hamilton is originally from Montana, and he’s really worked that state. Over the past few seasons, we’ve been lucky enough to have a few kids from Montana, Peter (Bryne), Steen (Shober) Lucas (Matelich) and now Matt. Keane’s done a great job of getting the top talent to Durango. We’ve had our eye on Matt for quite a while and the same goes really for all five of the guys, we’ve been talking for quite some time.”
Oberholtzer also added Daniel Wilmore, a goalkeeper from Frisco, Texas, Kyle Porter, a midfielder from Cherry Creek High School, and Cole Wilson, a defender from Kansas City. He said the Skyhawks aren’t done yet, however.
“It’s a diverse group. We’ve got a couple of guys from the Front Range, a goalkeeper from Texas, Matt from Montana and a defender out of Kansas City,” Oberholtzer said.
“To be honest, we’re probably about halfway done and I think we’ll continue to add, I’m imagining four or five more players over the next few months. We’re excited about the next few months and we’re looking forward to solidifying the last couple to round out the class.”
He added that the group will be looking to fill spots for more than this upcoming season.
“It’s tough, I think a lot of the time you’re not only analyzing this upcoming season, with Marshall Metzger and Ty Lang being incoming seniors, but you have to look at the future, as well. Those are big shoes to fill, and at the same time, we’re looking for guys to make us more competitive at every position and in the squad on a daily basis.
“That’s something we try to really harp on, that nothing’s given to you, so you have to show up and compete every day and have competition at every single spot. These four or five guys will do that, and the next four or five will continue to do that as well.”
bploen@durangoherald.com
