With a solid core of seniors returning to the starting lineup, the Oakville boys soccer team is looking to have a breakout season.
“We have a great group of guys and I’m looking forward to getting the season going,” Oakville head coach Brad Oestrich said. “We have a great core coming back.”
Despite a record of 13-8-1 in 2021, the Tigers were shut out five times in their eight losses.
“Last year, our Achilles at times was scoring goals,” Oestrich said. “We have a solid defense this year, but we’ve got to finish and score more goals.”
Senior Isaac Lillard returns for the 2022 campaign as the Tiger’s top scoring threat after racking up eight goals and nine assists last season.
“Isaac is going to be the guy that most teams are going to know about,” Oestrich said. “He’s going to have to step up and be that leader again for us this year. I know that he’s looking forward to stepping up and taking on that role.”
Another scoring threat up top for the Tigers is senior forward Mohammed Al-Kenani. Last season Al-Kenani amassed a total of five goals and six assists.
“He’s really dynamic and fast,” Oestrich said. “I believe that his decision making has improved and he’s more willing to take more shots on goal and finish them. We’re going to be looking for him and Isaac to step up and score more goals this year.”
Rounding out the trio of returning seniors up top is Zach Pommer, who scored three goals for Oakville in 2021.
“We’re looking forward to seeing how he does this year,” Oestrich said. “He makes good runs and smart decisions and has the ability to hammer down and drill the ball.”
Oakville will also look for senior forward Seth Gallagher to contribute to the Tiger’s offense this year.
“Seth brings that grit and can go hard up against anybody,” Oestrich said. “We’re looking for him to win the ball, score or get the ball to someone else to score.”
Senior Parker Flens returns to midfield this season and will look to improve on his three goals scored in 2021.
Senior Parker Flens returns to the midfield this season and will look to improve on his three goals scored in 2021.
“Parker is a calm and collective player that doesn’t get flustered,” Oestrich said. “He’s the kind of guy that we can put him into multiple roles on the field and he’ll be successful.”
On defense, senior Emir Mustajbegovic will provide a leadership role to a defense that gave up just 0.72 goals a game last season. Mustajbegovic is also an offensive threat for the Tigers with three goals and one assist last season.
“We are really going to look to him for that leadership role this season,” Oestrich said. “It’s a long season and we’ll need for him to help keep the team and the back line motivated.”
In goal for the Tigers will be senior Will Beach. In 2021 Beach was 8-4-1 overall with a 0.86 goals against average.
“He’s going to have Adin Sijacic and Zach Smith pushing him for that top spot,” Oestrich said. “His confidence has improved and Will is someone that has the ability to make some incredible saves. I believe that confidence is the key for him this season.”
The Tigers open up the 2022 season at home against Francis Howell Aug. 30 with a 6 p.m. start.
