Mercer Island boys soccer | Spring sports previews

The Mercer Island High School boys soccer captains this season are Josh Lee, Nate Umlauf and Sam Miller. - Contributed photo
Contributed photo
The Mercer Island High School boys soccer captains this season are Josh Lee, Nate Umlauf and Sam Miller.

By MEGAN MANAGAN
Mercer Island Reporter Reporter
March 12, 2013 · Updated 3:06 PM 

Coach: Colin Rigby

Number of athletes: 75

Last season: The Islanders advanced to the 3A state championship game against Bainbridge, taking second in state overall.

Strengths: “Midfield,” said new head coach Colin Rigby. “We have a very strong defensive midfield presence that will help give us a solid foundation through the midfield. We also have some very creative players that will provide some dangerous opportunities against our opponents.”

Focus: “Chemistry,” said Rigby. “After losing 11 seniors, we have brought in a relatively new cast of players that need to perform. Team building is something very important with such a short season, and it’s always important to get the guys on the same path from the beginning.”

Captains: Josh Lee, Nate Umlauf and Sam Miller.

Game to watch: Sammamish, Mount Si, Liberty and Bellevue.

“I think this is one of the strongest leagues in the state,” said the coach. “Sammamish, Mount Si, Liberty will all have very talented teams. We will play two of those three during spring break, which will be a challenge.”

Special note: The team plans to honor former head coach Steve Newman, who passed away last year, during one of the team’s home games in April. More information will be available later in the spring.

Contact Mercer Island Reporter Reporter Megan Managan at mmanagan@mi-reporter.com or (206) 232-1215 ext. 5054.

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