Langley’s Varsity Soccer Team has consistently been one of the best performing sports at Langley. However, this year, coming off the loss of many seniors, new players will have to step up in order for the team to defend its district title.
New captains Oliver De Thier and Rhys Howard will have the task of carrying this rather inexperienced group of Saxons. With the loss of 18 seniors, 8 of them starters, the sophomores and juniors from last year will play a much a bigger role in the upcoming season.
“I love the fact that every school in the district and some around the beltway expect us to fall flat on our face due to so many players graduating last year,” head coach, Mr. Bo Amato, said. “All teams lose players and we have a core returning who will step up and fill shoes without any trouble.”
De Thier is an essential component of that core. The midfielder was named Second Team All-District last season and helped lead the Saxons to another successful season. This year, however, De Thier will need to become even more of a leader, and he knows it. “I need to step up, as do all the guys on this team,” he said. “If we can have guys make up for the loss of some seniors, and work hard like we always do, we can win districts.”
While much of the Saxons offensive firepower came from graduated seniors Dylan Price and Farhan Khan, junior Justin Galiani is prepared for an increased role, barring any setbacks from his torn PCL he suffered during basketball season. The striker helped the Saxons garner national attention last year, finishing second on the team in goals, but like De Thier realizes how important he is to the team’s success. “As long as I get my knee back up to 100%, I’m prepared to shoulder a heavy load for this team,” Galiani said. “I think we can win another district title.”
Former senior captain Josh Ellis, now playing at Duquesne University, feels the Saxons will not lose a step despite the loss of many contributors from his class. “It’s always difficult losing more than half of your starters,” Ellis said. “But Langley soccer is a recognized program throughout the country, and it’s time for the younger ones to step up with pride. I’m sure Oliver, Rhys, and Justin will lead the team to another successful season along with Coach Amato.”