Albion booters eye rebound season

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 26 August 2014 at 12:00 am

Photo by Mike Wertman – New Albion boys varsity soccer coach Keith Akers meets here with veteran senior members of the Purple Eagles squad. In front are Marcos Sanchez, Jacoby Miller, Ryan Reed and Jacob Squicciarini. In back are Drake Arnold, Kyler McQuillan, Cameron Usselman, Morgan Seielstad and Jacob Leggat.

A year ago inexperience and underclassmen dominated the roster of the Albion boys varsity soccer team. Now with 15 returnees back with a year of experience under their belts the Purple Eagles are looking for a rebound campaign.

With new coach Keith Akers at the helm, the Purple Eagles large veteran contingent includes seniors Drake Arnold (midfield), Jacob Leggat (defense), Kyler McQuillan (defense), Jacoby Miller (midfield), Ryan Reed (defense), Marcos Sanchez (midfield), Morgan Seielstad (goalie), Jacob Squicciarini (defense) and Cameron Usselman (midfield); juniors Dylan Bader (midfield) and Josh Metzler (midfield) along with sophomores Chase Hall (goalie), Dakoda Henhawk (forward), Nich Reed (defense) and Donato Rosario (defense).

Sanchez earned second team Niagara-Orleans All-League honors last fall while McQuillan and Squicciari were both honorable mention picks.

“Having 15 returnees is always a good position. Now we hope to draw from our experience,” said Akers who takes over the coaching reins from Greg Martillotta. “They have a lot of valuable experience so they know what they need to do and what it takes. And it’s a passionate group. They are enthusiastic and they love the game.”

Albion, which went 2-9-1 in N-O competition and 2-14-1 last year, is scheduled to open the season at Wheatland-Chili on September 3 and then host Medina/Lyndonville on September 6 in the league opener.

The Purple Eagles will tune up for the season by visiting Kendall on August 29 and Holley on September 2 for scrimmages.

“Those scrimmages will let us know where we stand,” said Akers.

Albion’s Schedule

Sept. 3 – at Wheatland-Chili, TBA
Sept. 6 – Medina/Lyndonville, 10 a.m.
Sept. 8 – Akron, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 11 – at Roy-Hart, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 16 – CSAT, 4:30 p.m.
Sept. 18 – Newfane, 6:30 p.m.
Sept. 20 – at Wilson, 10 a.m.
Sept. 26 – at Newfane, 4:30 p.m.
Sept. 29 – at Medina/Lyndonville, 4:30 p.m.
Oct. 2 – at Akron, 4:30 p.m.
Oct. 4 – Roy-Hart, 7 p.m.
Oct. 8 – at Byron-Bergen, 6:30 p.m.
Oct. 10 – at CSAT, 4:30 p.m.
Oct. 14 – Wilson, 4:30 p.m.
Oct. 17 – Kendall, 4:30 p.m.