SOCCER PREVIEW: Wilmot bounces back after tough 2015 season

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By Jason Arndt
Staff Writer

Last year, the Panther boys soccer team won just three of 21 contests, and finished seventh in the Southern Lakes Conference.

But, early season success brings new hope for Wilmot Union High School in 2016, winning two games led by captains Jonathan Mendez, Anthony Poco and senior midfielder Duncan Marshall.

Mendez, a senior midfielder, notes a change of mindset has been instrumental to the Panthers’ turnaround this year.

“We became an actual team, and support each other, and we all trust each other,” Mendez said.

Mendez and Poco, a junior forward, started the season with a bang Aug. 23 against Kenosha St. Joseph’s with a 5-2 victory.

Along with Poco’s first of two hat tricks, Mendez added two more in the contest.

The following day against Racine Horlick, the duo collaborated, with Poco netting a goal assisted by Mendez, but came to a 1-1 deadlock against the Rebels.

Last year, Mendez led all Panthers with 10 assists en route to a second-team all-SLC honor.

At the Aug. 27 Monroe Quad, the Panthers bounced back from a 4-2 loss to Jefferson, defeating Richland Center 5-0 courtesy of Poco’s second hat trick, in addition to goals by senior defender Kevin Klitzka and junior defender Kody Schemenhauer.

Overall, sophomore keeper Mason Moravectz had 19 total saves between both games at Monroe.

While the Panthers endured a 5-0 shutout to Lake Country Lutheran, the Panthers held their own at Shoreland Lutheran Thursday, but dropped a 4-1 decision despite Poco’s ninth goal of the season to equal his season total from last year.

Mendez, noting the loss of Ronnie Hibbing, knows Poco is shouldering a heavier load this year.

Hibbing, an honorable mention last year, notched five goals and 10 points in his 2015 senior campaign.

“Last year, we had Ronnie Hibbing, he was our only striker on the team,” said Mendez. “So, he took all of the shots.”

“I think (Poco) has a better mentality this year,” Mendez said. “He is finishing.”

In addition to the return of Mendez, Poco, Moravetcz and Marshall, the team has seven other letter-winners.

Senior letter-winners are defender Darren Rita, midfielder Ryan Buchta and defender Trevor Schwarz and defender Blaize Sayers.

Panther juniors coming back are midfielder Trevor Wilson, midfielder Erik Tucknott along with sophomore midfielder Preston Eide.

Newcomer Josh Moldenhauer, a sophomore defender, could also get playing time, according to team assistant Chris Inciardi.

Other players on the roster are Alec Richter, sophomore defender; Colten Pearson, junior defender; Cameron Kunzman, sophomore midfielder; Tim Freeman, senior forward; Caleb Keen, sophomore midfielder; Joe Davis, sophomore defender; Joey Withrow, senior midfielder; Dustin Warden, senior forward and sophomore keeper Jarod Edmonds.

Currently at 2-3-1, Mendez acknowledged he will continue offering support to the team, and knows he needs to step up when it counts.

“They count on me as the playmaker, if someone is in trouble, they come to me,” Mendez said. “I am able to see the field real well.”


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