Spring has begun and the Eastside Catholic boys’ soccer team is getting back on the pitch. The Crusaders are entering the 2024 season with high hopes and determination to make it one to remember. With their substantial dynamic and technical abilities, many have faith the boys can outclass their opponents and generate astounding results.
The Crusaders came out of last season 7-6, ending their season after a defeat by the West Seattle Wildcats that, had they won, would have qualified them for Metros. The ’23 season was adequate, but the boys are intent on improving and giving this year all they’ve got.
The boys have many amazing new and returning players this year. With seven freshman and a few new first-time varsity athletes, the team is filled with strategic and grit-filled players. Because of this, they expect to experience gripping, power-packed games this year. The boys are vastly unified and team-oriented, and there is hope this is displayed through quality chemistry on the field.
Returning star players juniors Eddie Davis and Santi Miguel are determined to lead their team through a thrilling and successful season. Key player Deo Antoun, a sophomore, expresses his firm belief in the boys this year. “We have high expectations this year. Hopefully less than 3 losses. We think that we can go undefeated this season.” When asked about his thoughts on the new players he says, “We have a lot of freshman that are talented and experienced. It is a really young team and they are definitely going to help the team out.”
Freshman Esteban Flores conveys his experience coming into the team this year. “We’ve been training and getting to know each other and they really make me feel at home. We’re all really connected and this is a strong group of guys coming in.” Flores is a passionate player that will be a big contributor to this group. He too, shares his optimism about this season. “I feel like we have a good young team for the next generation. We’ve got a couple games coming up. We’re just gonna take it game by game and we’ll see what happens at the end of the season.”
EC is coming into this season with a new coach, former Seattle Sounder Philip Lund. During his soccer career, Lund was a remarkable player who won the Rookie Player of the Year award in the 2017-18 season. His experience in coaching began in 2018 when he became assistant coach for the Seattle Sounders U-23 team. He later went on to coach at various different levels. Lund communicates his excitement to get started with this talented group of boys. “I can’t wait to get started to shape and work with the soccer talent we have at EC and I am grateful for this opportunity”. Previous head coach Mike Blackburn and assistant coach Nataliya Danesh return to work with Lund and help coach the boys this season.
The boys’ first game is on Tuesday March 12th against West Seattle. This will be a gamethrasher as the Wildcats were the team to bring a heartbreaking end to EC’s last season. The Crusaders expect to have tough matchups against the Bishop Blanchet Bears as well as the Franklin Quakers due to their competitive edge and talent.
With the new coaching style and additions to the team, curiosity builds up to see how the boys excel and evolve throughout each game they play. So, will the Crusaders be able to start off on a strong foot and secure significant wins throughout the 2024 season? EC will assuredly be a force on the field this year and are looking for their hard work to pay off as they come out on top.
