Campbell Armed With Nine Seniors For Boys Soccer Play
If any team deserved a better fate in the win-loss column last season, it was the Campbell boys soccer team.
While the Sabers posted another winning season at 6-5, it was a collection of missed opportunities on the offensive end, in head coach Randy White’s view.
“We had great possession time and a great defense, but we couldn’t finish (scoring plays),” said White. “We hope to improve on that this year.”
The Sabers’ OIA first round playoff loss to Kahuku last season was telling, according to the coach, who recalled Campbell outshooting the Red Raiders 20 to 4, only to lose (2-1 in overtime).
Hopes are high for Campbell this time, in large part because of the return of nine seniors.
Interest in the program among the underclassmen also is at an all-time high.
“We had 20 freshmen come for tryouts and were able to keep seven (on varsity),” said White. “We’re balanced and can have a competitive team for the next few years.”
Four-year seniors Bryson Maximo and Kamekona Reiny-Aloy highlight the list of returnees.
Maximo was the leading scorer a year ago as an attacker with five tallies, while Reiny-Aloy has played multiple positions during his career.
“Our offense and defense will go through Bryson, who will be our centermid(fielder),” White said of Maximo, who was a First Team All-Conference pick in the OIA West last year.
“He’ll dictate much of what we do. He’ll be our point guard, if you will.
“Reiny-Aloy is going to be a solid player for us this year,” White added.
“He’s a leader who the kids voted on to be their captain.
“He’s played everywhere for us, but this year we are going to have him spearhead our back line with his toughness, leadership and maturity.”
In another position switch, highly regarded defender Chay Mattos likely will move to midfield, according to White.
“He has such great ball skills, we hope to improve our goal scoring this year with him there (at mid-field),” he said of Mattos, who was a Second Team All-Conference selection in 2013-14.
White also is high on sophomore midfielder David Tupper, who had a great preseason camp.
“Even though he’s only a sophomore, he’s one of our captains,” White said. “He’s been a positive influence and a hard-working player who constantly motivates his teammates.”
Campbell is hoping for a return to the state soccer tournament, after missing out last winter.
An upset of eventual Division I Champion Kalani in the OIA playoffs had lifted the Sabers into the state tournament two years ago.
The Sabers opened their 2014-15 OIA West slate at Nanakuli last weekend and will be on the road for every game this season while their field is being restored.
“This adversity should help us at playoff time, when we play every game on the road,” White said.
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