Longtime Gateway Regional High School boys’ soccer coach Tim Gamble talks to his players following the first day of practice Thursday in Huntington. (Photo by Chris Putz)
HUNTINGTON – The Gateway Regional High School boys’ soccer team lost to Lenox in the Western Massachusetts Division 3 semifinals last season. In the previous two years, the Gators fell short to the same opponent in the championship game.
If Lenox is the kryptonite that turns Gateway away, maybe some super, young players have the answers to lift the Gators over that hump.
This fall, Gateway will be without the services of 11 seniors, having graduated in the spring.
“That’s what it takes to start (a team) – 11,” said longtime Gateway coach Tim Gamble, jokingly, during Day One of practice as he reflected on the accomplishments of last year’s senior-laden group. “But we have a good core and senior leadership. …Not as many seniors as a year ago, but a united front.”
Gateway will start just two seniors this season – forward/striker Zach Machechnie and defender Ryan Fisk. But with junior Justin Edinger prowling the midfield area, there are leaders, who are upperclassmen, on each key section of the field. Junior Mike Arel, a 6-foot, 2-inch goalie also returns, having been tested during key league matchups and the postseason.
“Now he knows what he’s up against,” Gamble said.
Despite the lack of veteran depth, the Gateway coach still retains lofty goals for a fairly new team.
“Our goal is to go to tournament,” he said. “If we stay healthy, I think we’ll do that.”
And if the scores do not meet the expectations?
“If it’s not going to show in the results,” Gamble said, “it’s going to show in their attitude, and willingness to improve. It’s all about guts and hustle. We’re going to do our best to win every 50/50 battle – that’s half the battle in this day and age. No matter who comes here – they’re going to have to be prepared because they’re going to get a good game.”
Notes: Junior varsity 6-year head coach Andy McCaul said the varsity results will tell just how much the players have learned under his tutelage. McCaul has been associated with the program for close to 30 years.
