With a deep bench of 17 returnees this year who ‘all can play at a good high level,? along with three JV players who stepped up to the varsity level and ‘could play right away,? Girls Varsity Soccer Coach Larry Ferris said this year’s team is ‘stacked? with talent.
‘There is not a weak spot I feel on the team this year,? he said.
This team’s strengths are speed and goal tender Darien Bandel.
‘Incredible keeper,? Ferris said. ‘You couldn’t ask for anybody more (skilled) in your goal that her.?
He also noted that all of his seniors are strong players. ‘You’ve got to keep an eye on Alana Caroll and Marina Ibarra, they score some goals for us,? he said.
‘Emma Richmond has just turned around. She was a mediocre sophomore year, had a great junior year and has continued to build on that. Shelby Hruska has just got that ability to play.?
Another strength to the team, Ferris said is ‘chemistry.?
‘They all get along like they’re family,? he said.
With a current record of 2-8, Ferris hopes for a strong finish and to put Oxford ‘on the map in terms of soccer.?
‘I want Oxford to become a place where they say ‘Hey, they’ve got a good soccer program and they’re getting good players and they’re developing as players,? he said. ‘It’s going to take work, but I think we’ve got the tools and it’s just getting the attitude and that’s something (where) they just have to get confidence and know they can do this.?
The girls take the field at home Thursday, May 9 against Andover, starting at 7 p.m.