By Trey Messiah
As the clocks spring forward and the snow melts we look forward to another fantastic year in spring high school soccer. Last year was very exciting and this season does not look to disappoint. Below are the teams to watch in 2015.
Teams to Watch in 2015 – Battlefield, T.C. Williams, Lake Braddock, West Springfield, Oakton
Defending State Champ – T.C. Williams
Preseason Region Champ pick – West Springfield
Preseason Coach of the year pick – Nathan Nemerow (Battlefield)
Preseason Player of the year pick – Kyle Petitt (West Springfield)
West Springfield looks to be a favorite this year. Returning Kyle Petitt (Lafeyette commit) and Conor Macmurdy lead the way; if Petitt can stay healthy look out for West Springfield to take the region.
Oakton has seven players affected by the academy system but has maintained program excellence over the past three years. With Armand Jeffries (William & Mary commit) leading the way, Oakton looks to three-peat for the Conference 5 championship.
Battlefield is the favorite coming out of Conference 8 and has full confidence to find themselves in the Region title conversation this year. Battlefield made a great surge in the postseason last year only to lose to eventual state champion T.C. Williams. Bobcats coach Nathan Nemerow said, “ We were very young [last season] and it was good experience for our team.”
T.C. Williams hopes to repeat as state champions in 2015 but will have an uphill battle without Maryland commit Eryk Williamson. After his success in the spring he made the switch to the DC United Academy team making him ineligible for the 2015 season.
Games to watch-
West Springfield at Lake Braddock – April 7th
Battlefield at Broad Run – April 8th
South Lakes at Herndon- April 23rd
West Springfield at TC Williams – April 29th
Oakton at Centreville – April 30th
The Spring 2015 season looks to get underway early next week!