The Acorns’ boys soccer team hopes to extend last season’s
success just a few steps further this year to capture a Central
Coast Section title. Live Oak finished last season with a record of
17-2-5 and advanced to the CCS semifinals before losing to
Alisal.
Morgan Hill – The Acorns’ boys soccer team hopes to extend last season’s success just a few steps further this year to capture a Central Coast Section title. Live Oak finished last season with a record of 17-2-5 and advanced to the CCS semifinals before losing to Alisal.
“Our number one goal is to get into the CCS and to do that you generally have to be first or second in league,” said six-year coach Tony Goble. “We have a lot of good, young players. We would like to win the TCAL title and go on a take the CCS.”
Live Oak will have to make the CCS without brothers Ryan and Michael Place and Hassan and Hussein Abdullahi, who graduated in the offseason. The Place brothers brought a simple, solid game to the team at the defender position, while the Abdullahi brothers provided great speed and leadership.
Three returning seniors will solidify the Acorns’ lineup and fill vacancies left by the Place and Abdullahi brothers. Defender Nick Mott, midfielder Anthony Avalos and forward Garrett Frechette all play on one of the best 18-and-under club teams in the area and are high caliber players.
“As juniors they were very good players for us,” said Goble. “They have experience and are our leaders.”
Junior goalkeeper Sheldon Steenhuis also returns for the Acorns and according to Goble is probably the best goalie in the league.
Sophomores Jose Luna and Rene Hernandez are newcomers to the Live Oak team. Luna will hopefully fill a spot at the forward position and Hernandez adds depth to the defense.
“These are kids we didn’t know a lot about, but they are in the starting lineup for tomorrow,” said Goble.
Two out of the last three years the Acorns have won the TCAL title and have their eyes set on it once again. The biggest challenge facing Live Oak’s title run will be their ability to stay healthy with a thin lineup.
The Acorns were dealt a blow before the season as one of their top five players blew out his ACL and will be out for the season. Two other players have also gone down with injuries.
“We don’t have a lot of depth, but if we can stay healthy, we’ll be competitive,” said Goble.
Live Oak faces its first test at home tomorrow as they kick off the Homestead Cup against Homestead at 3:30pm.
“Homestead is always a competitive team,” explained Goble. “They will be a good test for our first game.”
Acorns Boys team
2004-2005 Result
17-2-5
Key losses
Ryan Place, Defender
Michael Place, Defender
Hassan Abdullahi, Midfielder
Hussein Abdullahi, Defender
Key returners
Nick Mott, Sr, Defender
Anthony Avalos, Sr, Midfielder
Garrett Frechette, Sr, Forward
Sheldon Steenhuis, Jr, Goalkeeper
Top newcomers
Jose Luna, So, Forward
Rene Hernandez, So, Defender
Outlook:
Live Oak has set their goals high for this season, having come so close to a CCS title last year. The Acorns made it to the CCS semifinal last year and aim to put themselves even further this season. Three returning seniors will help lead Live Oak at the forward, midfield and defender positions. Key injuries in the offseason have the Acorns thin on the depth chart, but they hope their newcomers can step in and contribute.
2005-2006 Live Oak Boys Soccer Schedule
Date Time Opponent Where
11/29 3:30 Homestead Live Oak
11/30 3:30 Yerba Buena Live Oak
12/1 3:30 Wilcox Live Oak
12/3 TBA Homestead Cup TBD
12/6 3:30 Santa Clara Away
12/8 3:30 Seaside Live Oak
12/9 3:30 Alvarez Live Oak
12/10 TBA Homestead Cup TBD
12/13 5:30 Palma Salinas
12/15 3:30 Gilroy Live Oak
01/10 3:30 Hollister Hollister
01/12 3:30 North Salinas Live Oak
01/19 3:30 Sobrato Sobrato
01/24 3:30 Salinas Live Oak
01/26 3:30 Palma Live Oak
01/28 10:00 Gilroy Gilroy
01/31 3:30 Hollister Live Oak
02/2 3:30 North Salinas N. Salinas
02/7 3:30 Sobrato Live Oak
02/9 5:00 Salinas Salinas
