Veteran Mustangs squad eyes N-O title run

Photo by Cheryl Wertman – Veteran members of the Medina varsity soccer team include, in front, Aleks Seefeldt, Aidan Papaj, Luke Duffina and Caden Kingsbury. In back are Brady Christiaansen, Ryan Pegelow, Tyler Kroening, Cam Kenward, Cole Callard and Vinny Gray. Missing is Trenton Morley.

Finishing in the runner-up spot last fall, Medina returns its starting lineup almost intact with which to make a strong run for the Niagara-Orleans League boys soccer title this season.

That large veteran contingent is led by seven players who earned spots on the N-O All-League squad.

The senior first team All-League trio of Cole Callard (Midfielder), Tyler Kroening (Forward) and Trenton Morley (Defender) heads that group which also includes junior second team selections forwards Vinny Gray and Luke Duffina along with senior Honorable Mention picks Defender Cam Kenward and Goalie Brady Christiaansen.

Cole had 28 goals and 14 assists, Kroening 18 goals and 10 assists and Gray 9 goals last season.

That group also includes junior forwards Caden Kingsbury and Ryan Pegelow along with sophomore midfielders Aidan Papaj and Aleks Seefeldt.

“We’ve got a lot of guys back. I really like our core group that is coming back,” said Coach Steve Luksch. “We’ve got a good group at every level. Our goal is to take them one game at a time and be playing our best soccer at the end of the season.”

The Mustangs graduation losses include second team All-League honoree Alex Benz (Midfielder) and Honorable Mention pick Jason Beyer (Defender).

Medina, which went 8-2 in the league and 14-3 overall last season, will open with a pair of non league games at Pembroke on September 6 and at home against O’Hara on Sept, 7 before beginning N-O competition at Akron on Sept. 12.