Polson Pirates soccer ready to make home debut

Soccer High School boys coach Adam Fansher is optimistic about his team’s prospects as he heads into the 2017 season.

Fansher’s Pirates will not lack experience as they head into to the 2017 campaign.

“I think in all of my years this looks to be our most talented team,” Fansher said. Our attack will be stronger this year. We will have a good balance and we will have a lot of experience on our team. We look forward to seeing how they will play and what they will be able to do this year.”

Last year, the Pirates’ soccer team’s season ended against a very experienced Corvallis team.

“Just looking at their playoff roster, they had eleven seniors that started in our playoff game,” Fansher said. “I don’t know what they had coming up from that but they might look to rebuild. Columbia Falls will have a senior-heavy team. They will be really strong but I don’t know a whole lot about them and what they have coming up (this season). I think there will be some teams that will be in transition that lost some key pieces from last year’s team.”

This year, Fansher said he felt his Pirates can play against anyone.

“I don’t see any reason why we couldn’t compete for a conference title,” Fansher said.

One impact player Fansher mentioned was three-year player Russell Smith. Last year, Smith was second team all-conference and will be one of the team leaders, according to Fansher.

“He brings a lot of athleticism and seems to be getting stronger,” Fansher said. He is about as strong of a player as they can be this season. He has a leadership and a commanding presence.”

Fansher mentioned several impact players including Alex Mausshardt and Linde Lambson, an all-state defense player that gained 20 pounds of muscle who will join in the attack up front.

Mack Moderie will be another dangerous player for the Pirates’ offensive attack.

Another player Fansher mentioned that will be an impact player includes Bridger Wenzel, who received all-state honors last year.

“He is just a super competitor, I like having him and he is going to be really fun to watch,” Fansher said. “He looks really sharp and along with his wrestling, has really been improving his soccer.”

Another all-conference second team player Alex Encizo as they prepare to head into the season-opening home game with Loyola Saturday at Polson High School.

“I like our team and I liked how we played the previous year,” Fansher said. “We lost some guys and some really important players. We have the kids to be able to perform at a high level and we will be competitive against whoever is out there on the field against us.”