Lisbon Boys To Test Outstanding Potential In Fine Field At Potsdam Jeffers Tourney

LISBON - The extreme depth of the Lisbon Central Boys Soccer leadership is illustrated by the presence of five Senior Co-Captains for the 2010 campaign. Leading the Knights in quest of their ninth NAC West title in the past 11 seasons under Coach Bill Reed are returning league all-stars in sweeper Nolan Fletcher, stopper Dan Vallance, striker Mike McDonell and Scott Lawton who will shift from stopper to center halfback and another striker in Eric Mehaffy.

"The guys are really excited about the season and it is only natural when you have so many proven players who play well together," said Coach Reed who will once again be assisted by James Aschmann and Pete Shea.

"But we have a freshman in goal in Jim Robinson who has a lot of potential but still needs to develop. We have to improve our scoring consistency this season and continue the Lisbon tradition of playing with tenacity at all times."

McDonell and Mehaffy were the leading scorers for last year's team which won the NAC West with a 12-1-1 mark and Coach Reed is looking for the duo to emerge as leaders of a diversified offense. Two other seniors in Kaleb Bertrand and Joe Shoemaker round out a athletic, tested defensive unit.

A defensive unit which looks to aid the transition of promising 6' 2" freshman goaltender Jim Robinson from the modified to the varsity ranks. Robinson looks to continue Lisbon's tradition of producing outstanding keepers in following Zach Premo who was honored as the NAC West Defensive MVP last season.

Rounding out the starting lineup are three junior midfielders in Andrew Martin, Nevin LaRock and Kyle Binion.

Looking to make contributions in a reserve role are: Brandon Murray (Sr, Defense), Peyton Montroy (Sr Forward), Dan Buckley (Sr Midfield), Ryan Norman (Jr Defense), Adam Felt (So Midfield), James Darcy (So Goalie), Dylan Crawford (Jr Forward), Matt Snyder (So Defense), Eric Richards (So Forward) and Chris Measheaw (So Midfield).

"The West is always a tough league and there will be parity once again. All of the teams have outstanding players returning and many of the best strikers from last year are back," said Coach Reed.

To prepare for the upcoming league season, the Knights will play in the John Jeffers Memorial Tournament in Potsdam on Friday and Saturday facing the host Stoners in the first round at 6 p.m.

Madrid-Waddington squares off with Colton-Pierrepont in an NAC East game at 4 p.m.