Milford Soccer and Cross-Country Finding Form

Photo courtesy of Sandra Schuh on Unsplash.

Soccer

The Milford soccer team had a bit of a rough start to the season. Starting out 1-3 with some big losses along the way, it looked as if the Bucs might be in for a painful season under first-year coach Prince Kemmerlin. Since the slow start however, the Buccaneers have put together a three-game winning streak, stringing together a trifecta of 4-1 victories against Polytech, Lake Forest and Sussex Tech in succession and improving their record to 4-3.

Reaching out to Kemmerlin, he indicated he is very happy with how the team has responded to the early adversity. “After a rocky start to the season, we’re on a three-game win streak where we’ve won each match 4-1 against conference opponents. The team is finally beginning to learn their own identity and are no longer feeling the need to replicate last year’s success. We’re being led by our senior players.” Senior

Brandon Zelaya has really stepped up his game and is developing into a solid playmaker with excellent vision and great passing. On the end of a great many of those passes have been fellow seniors Alex Davis and Ian Fifer, who have been finding the back of the net and getting assists.

On the back line, senior AJ Nash is growing into his new position as was what was once a porous defense is beginning to blossom. Minding the net is senior transfer Jessie Alverez who has also stepped up his game. Milford is working on its set plays and Kemmerlin believes his squad is gaining strides there as well. “You can see it coming, the guys are getting more comfortable with their responsibilities, and it is going to pay dividends down the road.”

The Buccaneers will host Odessa Thursday at 5:30. Come on out and cheer them on!

Cross Country

 Coach Lance Skinner has seen his teams’ times steadily decline as the boys’ and girls’ teams begin to work their way into better shape as the season continues. While the girls’ squad has yet to record a victory, sophomore Faith Mitchell continues to put in stellar times, with senior Alex Herber and junior Brianna Thompson continuing to improve. “They are really starting to get it into gear now and I would expect us to get some very positive results very soon,” he said.

The boys have just one win but are continuing to improve as well. Sophomore Eric Perry has turned in some solid times with sophomore Nathan Waydelis continuing to improve. “We have a bit of a younger squad with regards to the boys’ team, but they are coming along nicely. This isn’t a sprint, so all I am looking for is improvement and I have been seeing that from everyone,” Skinner said. Also keep an eye out for senior Angelo Costantino, who has been coming on of late.

Milford is hoping to showcase its talent Wednesday at the Tidewater Classic in Salisbury. “I think at about halfway through the season, this will be a good measuring stick for us as a team,” Skinner concluded.