By David Paulsen
SPORTS CORRESPONDENT
In his second year as boys soccer head coach, Sean Jung believes the Union Grove High School Bronco boys can get into the win column this fall in Southern Lakes Conference action.
In 2012, the Broncos finished 0-9 in the SLC for the second year in a row. Union Grove had never finished better than a tie for seventh.
“This year, we have the ability to eclipse that,” Jung said. “This year, we expect to be in every game, cut our goals against by 50 percent from 2012, win six-plus games, and win more than one conference game.”
Jung added the team would also like to double its goal scoring. In 2012, the team scored just 17 goals.
There are 48 boys out for the various squads (the second-most ever). That includes nine seniors, 12 juniors, 10 sophomores and 17 freshmen.
“Virtually our entire squad returns from last season, including standout attackers Daniel Rivera, Nick Jaworski, Alfredo Martin and Blair Furner,” Jung said.
Furner is a senior, while the other three are juniors.
In addition, the Broncos return their two best defensive players in junior Andy Hatch and sophomore Ian Kramer.
Senior goalkeeper Eddie Neubauer also returns, but Jung indicated that sophomore Hayden Howard will push Neubauer for that starting position and could end up being the starter.
What does Jung see as the team’s strengths?
“We will be big, physical and fast with four players at six feet two or taller and speed at every level of the pitch,” Jung said.
The team will struggle to possess the ball, Jung noted, and also needs to improve on its speed of thought.
“We will get caught ball-watching from time to time and that will hurt us, but we can match anyone’s heart and work ethic,” Jung added.
Elkhorn won the SLC title the past two years, but Jung believes Lake Geneva Badger and Delavan-Darien are the teams to beat this fall.
Practices have been rough, so far, with Rivera, Kramer, Furner and Martin all nursing injuries.
One continuing emphasis for Jung is the boys to buy into the team concept and to pick a teammate up when they mess up.
Jung said the first two weeks of games will probably tell the story for the season.
“If we can get some results, then the boys will start to believe, which will give them the confidence to beat anyone no matter how good,” Jung said.
Jung is assisted by Andy Del Ponte, who coaches the junior varsity squad. Jeff Green, who has been with the program for many years, is the goalkeepers coach.
The Bronco boys began the season Tuesday at home against West Allis Central in a non-conference matchup.
On Thursday, Union Grove traveled to Sun Prairie for a non-conference game.
The boys will compete in the East Troy Invitational on Saturday, Aug. 24.
Next week, the Broncos will host Martin Luther on Monday, Aug. 26, at 4:30 p.m., before traveling to Racine Lutheran on Tuesday, Aug. 27.
On Thursday, Aug. 29, Union Grove will host Kenosha Christian Life in a 6:30 p.m. game.
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