Fallsnewspress.com - Retooled Bulldogs boys soccer seeks to bounce back

by Michael Leonard

Sports Editor

Peninsula -- Can a team peak to early? Woodridge boys soccer coach Ben Balc believes so.

Woodridge had high hopes heading into the 2009 season after two straight trips to the Division II district title game. However, the Bulldogs managed only five wins and bowed out in the first round of the Division II playoffs.

The reason?

"Last year, we got off to a good start with ties at Walsh Jesuit and Revere and sort of peaked there," Balc said. "After Walsh, we got kind of overconfident."

As Balc opens his fourth season in charge of the program, he has no such fears about the 2010 squad.

"With this group, you've got a lot more guys on the same page," Balc said. "We've got a good mix of experience and young guys."

Balc lost six seniors to graduation, but does have a solid core returning. His goal for the squad remains the same: Win the Portage Trail Conference County Division and make a run at the district final.

A switch in league scheduling means Woodridge will play home-and-home series with its division opponents -- Streetsboro, Waterloo, Rootstown and James A. Garfield. Balc said that increase in division games handcuffed him a bit in terms of non-league schedule, but Woodridge still will play the likes of Walsh, Revere and Western Reserve Academy this season.

Ben's son, Adrian Balc, returns as the team's assistant coach.

Balc will once again employ a 4-4-2 formation with a sweeper/stopper backline, although he said he will allow his players to roam depending on the opposition.

Balc notes there is "not much difference" between junior goalkeepers Dan Moledor and Dan Arguelles in terms of goalie skills. However, Moledor likely will get the majority of starts in net, as Balc prefers to use Arguelles at left midfield.

Senior Cody Lemke appears to have the edge to start at sweeper.

"He's got one of the best workrates on the team," Balc said.

At stopper, strong-legged sophomore Hunter Niswander will bring a physical presence to the Bulldogs' defense.

Balc said he plans to use a pair of seniors as his marking defenders. Steve Fox will get the nod on the right side, with Josh Rounds starting on the left.

In the midfield, the left-footed Arguelles gives the Bulldogs a rare find for left winger, while junior Zac Perko brings on non-stop motor to right wing position.

In central midfield, junior Michael Tannous will get the nod. According to Balc, Michael brings a different mentality than his brother -- former Woodridge star Dan Tannous, who earned the nickname "Diesel" for his tendency to plow through opposing defenses.

"He's more laid back," Balc said of the younger Tannous. "He prefers to be more of a supporting player. He can hold the midfield and distribute the ball well, which is what we need."

With Tannous in support, Balc hopes Badou Drammeh can do damage as an attacking midfielder.

"He's a methodical player," Balc said. "He'll take a few touches and he'll walk right around you."

Seniors Josh Yoho and Eric Spencer also should see time in the midfield.

Sophomore forward Mitchell Hepburn is back after a knee injury short-circuited his freshman season. Balc said Hepburn has a good workrate and can finish in front of goal, which was one of Woodridge's big problems last fall.

Junior John Weininger also will start up front after defending much of last year.

"He'll make the runs and he'll do the work you need," Balc said.

Senior Roby Arguelles will also see time at forward.

Woodridge opens its season with a stern test, as Walsh Jesuit visits Lahosky Field Aug. 24 at 7 p.m.

E-mail: mleonard@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3113