The Windsor Owls varsity soccer team is coming off back-to back district championships. 

Considering the Owls return their top two leading scorers from last season–senior captain Grant Siegel and senior captain Tanner Berry–the expectations from the outside is awfully high. 

Despite the high expectations, the team graduated eight seniors from last year’s district championship team, so they will have to find others to step in. Hayden Holmes also moved out of state, so head coach Chris Krueger has to replace his entire starting midfield and defense. 

“I think we have a lot to work on,” Berry said. “But if we work as a team, we can overcome these challenges together.”

Berry led the Owls with 16 goals and 35 points last season. 

“I think Eli Dunmire, along with Berry, can really make a difference at center midfield,” Krueger said. “Isaac Bello came off the bench last year but now is assuming a starting role.” 

“I like what I’ve seen from Noah Lifka,” Krueger said. “Tyson Brown has done a good job competing in the center midfield and has probably one of the better shots on the team.  He’s in a log jam in the middle, but he’ll get his minutes this year.  I like what I’ve seen from Luke Longtin too on the defensive side of the ball.  He’s quick and tough back there and every day his vision of the field is becoming better.  I think those three guys have really found a groove in the preseason and I’m looking forward to what their contributions can be throughout the season.”

Krueger also expects large contributions from players such as Gabe Dohack, Hunter Meteer and Andrew Portlock

In the net, the Owls have Jared Tanner returning as the team’s goalie. Last season, Tanner recorded four shutouts. Tanner will need the newcomers on defense to help him out. 

Senior Eddie Lorentz really expects this defense to play well. 

Lorentz said, “We really think that we have the depth that if somebody struggles in the backfield, somebody else can step up.” 

“The goal is the same every year…to be a better team in November, than we are in August,” Krueger said.  “We want to continue to progress to be better every day, week, and month throughout the season.  With that said, we know that we play a very tough schedule throughout the season to prepare us for the end of the year, so we are always looking at how people attack us, so we can be mentally better as well.”

The Owls begin their season today at 6 pm at home against Fox. 

“I think it will be a very competitive game today,” Berry said. “Both sides are evenly matched, but I guarantee a win.”