By TIM TAYLORTioga County Sports Report
OWEGO — Following four consecutive appearances in the state tournament, the Owego boys soccer team will have its work cut out if it hopes to make it five in a row.
Coach Alessio De Michele is optimistic, however, despite losing 15 seniors and a pair of juniors from a 2024 squad which boasted a half-dozen all-stars.
“I think we're just continuing on what's been successful for Owego,” De Michele said. “We've been super fortunate. There's been great talent through the pipeline, but we know that this group can continue it on. It may be a little bit different and we may have to be a little bit patient. We have to change the way we play ever so slightly, but the ideas are there.
“From the first three sessions these first two days, the desire to do well is higher than it's ever been really, so that's really encouraging. And I say the same thing every year. Our goal is to win the next game and see where that takes us”
The strength of the River Hawks’ lineup last year was a large contingent of seniors. That is not the case this season.
“We don't have a huge senior class, but they've been part of a successful team,” De Michele said. "They've been part of the Owego soccer program since they were 7th-graders. Our 11th grade class has quite a few that are state cup champions from club soccer, so I'm very confident that they can really bring that into this level too. And then, as always, the Hiawatha group is so important. We have a really great JV group that is playing year round, and bringing that love and expertise into the school season.”
Owego has some good depth in its other fall male sports and there’s no shortage on the pitch either.
“Numbers always have been as strong as ever,” De Michele said. “When we first started, my first varsity season, I think there were 13 players, and JV was around 12. Since then, a lot of kids have caught the soccer bug, and both are looking at around 18, 19 players. From that point of view, it's a wonderful thing.”
Owego opens the season Aug. 27 at Susquehanna Valley.
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IN PHOTO 1: Alessio De Michele is upbeat despite heavy losses. IN TOP PHOTO: The River Hawks are seeking a fifth consecutive trip to the state tournament. ... PHOTOS BY TIM TAYLOR.
