Wyoming Area won two more Wyoming Valley Conference boys soccer games in 2018 than they had in the three previous seasons combined.
With eight returning starters, Warriors coach Rick Branco does not expect progress to stop there.
“We will be aiming to improve on our results from last season,” Branco said. “Between our returning experienced players and our talented new additions, we have a good balance of talent, skill and determination that will be present within this year’s team.”
The Warriors have experience across all position groups.
Luke Coolbaugh, a senior, returns as a striker.
Senior Gavin Lahart and junior Riley Gerhardt have starting experience both up front and at midfield.
Sophomore Sean Burke returns at one midfield position.
Nick Belles, a senior, plays center midfield and defense depending on the situation.
Junior Matt Lewis and sophomore Zack Kostik are back on defense. Junior Adam Wisniewski returns in goal.
“The boys are eager to compete and confident in their ability to be contenders this year,” Branco said.
Other players, including senior midfielder/striker Josh Cumbo, gained experience when the Warriors were going 10-5-4, including 8-4-2 for fourth out of eight teams in Division 2 of the WVC.
The others with experience are all juniors. Striker Thad Erzar, midfielder/striker Mickey Flynn and defenders Christian Manganiello, Anthony Nelson and Jacob Nelson all return.
Branco said several newcomers have a shot at playing time. They are sophomore midfielder Shawn Pawloski, freshman defenders Hayden Foland, Braidon Kostick and Casey Noone, freshman striker Kendall Heck and freshman midfielder Dylan Kostik.
Wyoming Area opens conference play Tuesday at Lake-Lehman.
“Regardless of the results, it’s going to be a fun and exciting season, that’s for sure,” Branco said.
