Friday, Jul. 04, 2008

'At Marcus, Soccer is a Big Thing’

Select Sports

By John English

Contributing Writer

With the graduation of such players as Sam Garza, Eric Frazier, Eric Przybysz and Christian Dahlskog from this year’s Marcus soccer team, the Marauders will rely heavily on striker Chad Caldwell in 2009.

Coach John Gall said that if the two-time defending state champions have a shot at making it three in a row, Caldwell is going to need to step up.

"He was a starter as a junior this year," Gall said. "He’s big, strong, powerful and sensible, with great presence. He works tremendously hard at his game, fits well into our system and is very, very hungry to score goals. He is going to be a very good asset for us to defend our back-to-back titles."

Caldwell is playing for the Andromeda select team this summer, in which his team will be competing in nationals, and said he has two goals for the high school offseason.

"I want for our team to win the Golden boot in nationals," Caldwell said. "I also want to become stronger and faster for the school season."

Caldwell came up big in the playoffs last season, scoring goals against Carroll and Katy Cinco Ranch, and said being a part of a state championship team in his first year on varsity was really special.

"It was an honor," Caldwell said. "I had just moved from Lake Dallas, and it was just amazing how Coach Gall can make us all into a good team ... it was great to be able to come to Marcus to play soccer, because at Marcus, soccer is a big thing."

Caldwell will have some big shoes to fill with so many great players moving on, but said he believes he and his teammates are up for the challenge.

"I feel a lot of pressure, because I have a lot of friends graduating, and I want to keep up their standards," Caldwell said. "But we do have a lot of good players, and I think we will be OK."

Caldwell said he thinks his role will change from this last year’s team to next season as well, and is looking forward to the coming year.

"On this year’s team, I am going to have to be more of a leader," Caldwell said. "I am going to have a lot of good guys that are looking up to me, and I will have to produce more for the team ... and I think I can do that."