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The Colony boys soccer: Cougars take first in Denton
By Justin Thomas, jthomas@starlocalnews.com
It's been three years since The Colony's boys soccer team last qualified for the playoffs.
But with many all-district performers back in tow, coupled with a strong group of sophomores, head coach Lee Weddall believes this could be the season the Cougars get the "monkey off their back."
Thus far, The Colony has gotten out to a 3-4 start, including a first-place performance last weekend at the Denton Iron Bridge Classic. The Cougars defeated Frisco (5-1) but lost to Denton Guyer (3-2) in the second round. However, the team still had the points to advance to the semifinals where they knocked off Wichita Falls Rider (2-1) and then Wylie East (1-0) in the finals. Rider was a Class 4A state finalist last season.
Prior to the Iron Bridge Classic, the Cougars competed in the C-FB ISD Tournament where they went up against quality 5A teams like Mesquite and Plano West (both 1-0 losses). The Colony also dropped a match against Molina (8-3).
"Those were tough matches and even in our loss against Guyer, I thought we outplayed them," Weddall said. "We had the lead but they tied it late and then they scored the game-winning on a chip shot from 40 yards away that just got over our goalie's head. It was kind of a fluke goal."
Fluke goals are not something typically allowed by the Cougars, who return sophomore goalie Stephen Romo in net. In Denton, Romo made a pair of saves on penalty kicks to help the Cougars advance.
"He has been brilliant," Weddall said. "He's even more assertive this year to go with his great physical traits."
Romo is one of multiple sophomores back with varsity experience.
"We have a good core there," Weddall said. "Even though we lost four or five seniors that contributed greatly, we have some key guys back and I think we're in better shape this season.
"The guys have great discipline, are very coachable and have great sportsmanship and work ethic. They've been great to coach so far and we're just getting going."
Experience is evident on the back line where senior Erik Yanez, junior captain Andres Cuartas and sophomore captain Luis Quevedo lead a strong unit.
"Our defense has been fantastic so far," Weddall added. "They have great chemistry."
Other defenders are sophomores Randy Cura, Usiel Valadez, Gerson Umanzor and senior Esteban Barron.
Midfielders include sophomores Alejandro Flores and Alan Salazar
"Alejandro is one of the most talented players in the Metroplex," Weddall said. "He's very creative and has incredible feet. And Alan is a strong and forceful player. Our wide players have been doing a fantastic job."
Rounding out the midfielders are seniors Walter Lopez, Thomas Castro, Oscar Torres, juniors Enosh Griffin, Connor Smith and sophomore Vicente Mendoza.
Forwards include junior Noe Villarreal and senior Saul Huerta.
"Those are our primary scorers and they have already displayed their ability," Weddall said. "Every now and then, Salazar and some others will pop up in score, but it's typically done by our forwards."
Juniors Sterling Bueno, Cesar Torres and sophomore Ricardo Ceballos will also see time at forward.
Weddall noted the Cougars have done a solid job of controlling the pressure thus far.
"We've done well but every once in a while we're guilty of rushing things," he said. "Sometimes we push up just a little too much. We have the speed and aggression to do different things. We can keep our guys back some because we have the technical ability to make things happen, but if teams want to try and push forward against us we can play in behind them."
One area that has troubled the Cougars so far is consistency.
"We have to bring it each match no matter the opponent," Weddall said. "A lot of these guys play club too and it can be a challenge to get up for every match. If we can stay focused and competitive every day, I think we can be quite formidable."
For the Cougars to return to the postseason, they will have to place in the top four of a five-team District 20-4A that includes Highland Park, Little Elm, Creekview and Newman Smith.
"We had the one freak result against Molina so far," Weddall said. "But if we play like we did last weekend, we absolutely have a chance to be up there with the best. We have the tactical acumen to do that if we stay competitive and healthy."
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