Evan Huizenga may be the new head coach for the Goodrich varsity boys soccer team, but he is no stranger to the Martians? program.
Huizenga, 27, is in his fifth year with the Goodrich boys? team, having spent the past two years as an assistant to former coach Josh Watson, who moved to the west side of Michigan during the summer. Before that, he was the Martians? junior varsity coach for two years.
In addition, he has been the junior varsity girls? soccer coach in Goodrich for the past three seasons. He is also a Goodrich alumnus, and played on the Martians? varsity boys soccer team for four seasons.
Huizenga said the transition to being the head coach has gone ‘as smoothly as possible.?
‘There’s pretty open communication,? he said. ‘In the past, I was used to doing a lot of paperwork and other administrative stuff. Josh has helped as much as he can. All the guys know me, too.?
The Martians have already tested themselves against some quality competition. On Aug. 16, the Martians took part in a scrimmage against three other teams, and lost to Flint Powers 3-1 while tying Frankenmuth and Lapeer East, each time at one goal apiece.
Goodrich’s first regular season game was scheduled for Aug. 23 at Bay City Western. They were also scheduled to participate in the Aug. 26 Oxford Tournament.
Last year, the Martians won the Genesee Area Conference title, and hope to repeat as champions this season. The Martians lost only two seniors to graduation last season ? defenseman Ben O’Morrow and forward/midfielder Duane Engleman.
This season, they will be anchored by four returning seniors ? forwards Steve Harlow and Dan Eisinger, and defensemen Chad Marler and Adam Leppek. In addition, Andy Krause returns for the second straight year as the Martians? starting goaltender.
‘I think we’ll be much more offensive-minded this year,? Huizenga said. ‘We were slow to score goals last year. I don’t think it will be an issue. We’ll push things down the field this year.?
Huizenga said the Martians actually have a chance to be better in the GAC than last year’s league-winning team. ‘We’ve lost two starters, but we’ve gained two more,? he said. ‘Our skill level has jumped.?
He believes LakeVille, Lake Fenton and Montrose will be the Martians? top foes in the GAC this season.