Boys’ soccer top 10: Last year’s playoff success stories lead the way

Last spring, programs such as Forest Park, Hayfield and Meridian put together deep playoff runs. The Mustangs even captured a Class 3 title, the 12th in program history. As those teams return to the field this month, they look to build on that momentum.

No local team at the Class 6 level went further than Lewis last season. The Lancers made it to the state championship game for the second time in three seasons. But for the second time in three seasons, they fell short.

“That creates that hunger,” Lancers Coach John Millward said. “Picking up where we left off is the goal this year. But, ultimately, we have to build chemistry in the early season just like everyone else.”

Millward brings back several starters from last year’s squad, and his roster features 14 seniors. Returning playmakers include forward Elias Rodriguez, who totaled 18 goals last spring, and key midfielders Moad Ezzahir and Ermias Yoseph. Millward is not worried about any senior’s aspiration to get back to the state playoffs. The early season is all about cultivating that kind of desire in the rest of the roster.

“The coach and the senior captains cannot want this more than anyone else on the pitch,” Millward said. “Everybody has to step up if they want to continue the culture we have tried to set up here. We need to find that insatiable hunger to purse excellence on a daily basis.”