Kendall booters return veteran laden squad

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 19 August 2018 at 8:53 am

Photo by Mike Wertman – Veteran members of the Kendall varsity soccer squad include, in front, Jake Esposito, John Rath, Ryan Barrett and Nick Richardson. In back are Hunter Menze, Nate Warters, Mickey Gardner, Alec Reed and Noah Walzer.

Last fall there were some growing pains as an underclassmen dominated Kendall boys soccer squad went 4-6 in the Genesee Region League and 6-11 overall. Now the majority of that team is back with a year’s experience under their belts giving the Eagles plenty of optimism for an improved season.

Seniors Ryan Barrett (midfield), Mickey Gardner (midfield), Hunter Menze (goalie), John Rath (defender), Alec Reed (midfield) and Nate Warters (forward) head that league veteran contingent which also includes juniors Brahayan Gonzalez (forward), Mason Kuhn (defender), Tristyn Moyer (midfield), Nick Richardson (midfield), Brian Shaw (midfield), Noah Walzer (defender) and sophomore Jake Esposito (midfield).

Warters led the Eagles in scoring last fall with 18 goals and 5 assists while Gonzalez netted 6 goals.

Also looking to contribute is sophomore midfielder Hayden VanDusen who is up from the JV ranks.

“We’re really excited about this season. We’ve got a bunch of returning boys and the season looks promising,” said Coach Rich Esposito. “We hope to get off to a good start and hopefully make some noise in the G-R and then advance deep into the sectionals.”

The Eagles open the season at home on September 1 with a non league game against Mt. Morris and then host Byron-Bergen on September 5 to begin G-R competition.

Schedule
September: 1 – Mt. Morris, 12 p.m.; 5 – Byron-Bergen, 6:30 p.m.; 10 – Wheatland-Chili, 6:30 p.m.; 12 – Holley, 6:30 p.m.; 15 – at Albion, 10 a.m.; 18 – Pembroke, 6:30 p.m.; 20 – Roy-Hart, 6:30 p.m.; 22 – at Keshequa, 6:30 p.m.; 24 – at Byron-Bergen, 6:30 p.m.; 26 – at Wheatland-Chili, 6:30 p.m; 29 – Pavilion/York, 11 a.m.
October: 1 – Marion, 6:30 p.m.; 2 – at Holley, 6:30 p.m.; 4 – at Pembroke, 6:30 p.m.; 8 – at Northstar, 4:15 p.m.; 11 – at Avon, 4:30 p.m.