Mustang booters eye rebound season

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 16 August 2018 at 7:24 am

Photo by Mike Wertman – Veteran members of the Medina/Lyndonville boys varsity soccer team include, in front, Kody Leno, Jonathan Pietrafesa, Nate Sherman, Brandon Heschke and Noah Heinsler. In back are Caelan Holland, Ray Paull, Evan Silversmith, Evan Horn, Andrew Houseman, Chase Stinson, Chase Woodward and Kane Flynn.

Looking to improve upon last fall’s 2-8 Niagara-Orleans League record (3-13-1 overall), the Medina/Lyndonville boys varsity soccer team is led this season by a large contingent of 13 returnees.

That veteran group includes seniors Kane Flynn (forward), Noah Heinsler (goalie), Brandon Heschke (midfield), Caelan Holland (midfield), Andrew Houseman (midfield), Kody Leno (midfield), Ray Paull (goalie) Jonathan Pietrafesa (defender), Evan Silversmith (defender), Chase Stinson (midfield and Chase Woodward (defender) along with juniors Evan Horn (defender) and Nate Sherman (midfield).

The Mustangs are also looking for contributions from a trio of newcomers including sophomores Nate Dillenbeck (forward) and Casey Winiecki (midfield) and freshman Jack Whipple (sweeper).

“Last year was a rebuilding one for us but now we’ve got a lot of guys back with some varsity experience so we expect to do better. I expect us to be in every game,” said Coach Steve Luksch. “We’re really stressing versatility. We’re looking to be more creative on offense, play solid defense and do the little things well. Our defense should be ok. The big thing will be getting some scoring. How quickly we can come together will be big but I think we’re on the right track.”

The Mustangs graduation losses included forwards Alex Allis and Trenton Jones and midfielder Ethan Leonard. Leonard was a first team N-O All-League selection. In addition, senior Matt Hess, who earned second team All-League honors, has switched to football.

The Mustangs will begin N-O competition at Wilson on August 29.

Schedule
August: 29 – at Wilson, 4:30 p.m.
September: 1 – at Newfane, 10 a.m.; 8 – at Roy-Hart, 12 p.m.; 10 – CCA, 4:30 p.m. (at Lyndonville), 12 – Akron, 4:45 p.m.; 14 – at Pavilion, 7 p.m.; 15 – at Global Concepts, 10 a.m.; 18 – Albion, 4:30 p.m.; 21 – Wilson, 4:30 p.m.; 27 – Newfane, 4:30 p.m.; 29 – Rochester Academy, 12:30 p.m. (at Lyndonville).
October: 1 – Global Concepts, 5 p.m. (at Lyndonville), 3 – Roy-Hart, 7 p.m.; 4 – at LeRoy, 6:30 p.m.; 9 – at Akron, 4:30 p.m.; 11 – at Albion, 6:30 p.m.