By Stephen Glover
For the Call

There is a long and storied tradition of winning for Oakville Senior High varsity boys’ soccer, and head coach Jordan Klipsch believes that his Tigers have the “grit and grind” to get back to that in 2018.

Oakville is looking to bounce back from an 11-12-1 campaign, as they return 12 players and seven starters.

“They’re hardworking players that are essentially that Oakville grit-and-grind style of play,” Klipsch said. “I think that they’ll help us be a threat in districts as well as state this year.”

With veterans back again, “things are looking up,” Klipsch said. “We have a lot more experience.”

Senior goalkeeper Caden Durr returns this year after seeing a considerable amount of time in the net during 2017.

“This year he’s really improved in his shot-stopping skills as well as his distribution of the ball,” Klipsch said. “His confidence needs to be up, and any goalie who’s high on confidence is unstoppable.”

Also returning are senior centerbacks Brian Riordan and Jacob Morlen, who form the foundation of the Tiger defense, senior Tyler Bush and junior Adam Leeker roaming the midfield, seniors Jacob Bilyeu, Riley Hogan and Stefan Sarcevic and midfielders Brett Foerstel and Tyler Mittendorf.

Klipsch is looking for Morlen to establish ball control for the Tigers and be the match that sparks the team’s offense.

“We want Jacob to win every ball on the field,” Klipsch said.

Overall, the Tigers’ “attitude is in check this season,” Klipsch said. “They know that having the right attitude will help give them the advantage they’re going to need on the field.”