Announcement
Elmira was good enough in 2017 to beat Class AA state semifinalist Ithaca during the regular season and make it to the sectional final before falling to that same Little Red team.
The goal now is to make it back-to-back strong seasons. The potential is there for another highlight-filled fall, veteran head coach Derek Hamilton said.
"I think the talent level is still good," he said. "I believe we had eight or nine seniors last year that really helped us out. Replacing those numbers is going to be difficult, but the talent level is still there, the effort’s still there. It’s just getting those younger players acclimated to the varsity physicality and speed of play that’s going to be the biggest obstacle for us."
Offensive firepower
That talent includes junior forward Noah Sperduto, who last season had 17 goals and seven assists. He was a fourth-team all-state pick and a Southern Tier Athletic Conference all-conference choice.
Also back is senior Luke Baldwin, another all-conference player a year ago. Senior midfielder Evan Moore, and junior midfielders Jakub Ziembicki and Cameron Kelly-Hobbs, are also key returners.
"We’re super strong up the middle," Hamilton said. "We’ve got three kids returning for us who are great players. Noah Sperduto made all-state last year and led the conference in goals. Luke Baldwin made all-conference at center back. We’re moving him to midfield. Evan Moore is one of the more technically strong players. Between those three, we’re super strong right up the middle."
Baldwin likes the team's scoring potential.
"Our strength is definitely offense," he said. "We’ve got a lot of guys who have a lot of skill up top and our midfield is pretty solid. We’re just looking forward to getting some shots on frame."
Mix of veterans and newcomers
Among the new talent to watch are brothers Max and Zach Odom, both junior defenders. They're joined by three additions who could make a strong impact: sophomore forward Kytrell Stroman, freshman defender Anthony Manzari and freshman midfielder Talon Wise.
Hamilton said there is strong leadership within the team and the competition has been very good throughout the preseason.
"We only have five seniors and we’ve got a lot of young guys, but we’ve been playing together forever and our chemistry is just through the roof," Baldwin said. "We’re looking forward to great things this season and hope to keep winning."
STAC power
In addition to perennially strong Ithaca, the STAC also boasts defending Class A state champion Vestal, which went unbeaten last season. Elmira has the challenge of opening its season at Vestal, with that meeting set for 1 p.m. Aug. 25.
"It’s definitely crazy because the competition (in the STAC) is unbelievable," Baldwin said. "It’s through the roof. We’ve got guys going all over, committing to different schools. When we play these good teams, it just makes us even better. Because we learn from our mistakes."
Hamilton said the West and Metro divisions in the STAC will see several new faces after a strong senior class in 2017.
"Watching those kids develop should make for a great season of soccer," he said.
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