BADGER SOCCER
LHS boys' team looks to improve before district
By JEREMY HEATH Staff Writer

The Lampasas High School boys' soccer team didn't get off to a blazing start, going 0-4 at the Mustang Classic in Marble Falls last weekend.

But first-year head coach Greg Porter isn't necessarily worried about the Ws and Ls at this point in the season.

"We are playing a competitive pre-district schedule," Porter said. "I want the team to become better at playing as a team, improving the passing game and developing a sound defense. Improved play is the most important thing to me right now. Wins and losses aren't the priority in pre-district; improved collective play is the priority."

When District 8-4A competition starts on Jan. 29, Porter wants his players to be a cohesive unit.

That means finding a way to blend the experience of returning starters with the potential of players getting their first taste of varsity action.

Porter expects standout returners such as striker Sam Barbero, midfielder Ross Weems and defender J.D. Arms to help bridge the gap between the two groups.

Barbero will lead a group of forwards that includes Jasetin McPherson, Gibran Moreno and Walter Oosthuizen.

"They are all good ball-handlers with the ability to shoot with both feet," the coach said.

In the midfield, Weems, who will also see some time at defender, was an all-district honorable mention last year. His speed and outside containment abilities lead a diverse group.

Michael Barfield will play center midfielder. Barfield's strengths are his footwork and decision-making. Josh Akers has good speed and a strong leg, and Angelo Hardy's quickness makes him effective in both offensive and defensive roles.

In the backfield, Arms returns as an all-district honorable-mention selection. He'll help lead a group that consists of Enrique Barrientos, Trevor McGuire, Sam Bloomfield and Vincente Montiel.

"Defensively, we would like to maintain shape whether we are running a flat four or a diamond (formation) in an attempt to take away shooting lanes in the scoring funnel area," said Porter.

After giving up an average of more than four goals per game at the Mustang Classic, the Badgers' goaltending duties are not yet set in stone.

Bryon Edwards, Alex Rininger and Barbero all could see time in net until one player emerges as a consistent option.