The Red Devil soccer team coasted to an 8-0 victory over North Sevier on Tuesday, March 11 and improved to 2-0 under new coach Mick Dunlavey.
Junior Koby Sobremesana scored five goals against the Wolves, while senior Jacob Francis scored the other three to go along with four assists. Senior goalkeeper Layton Call earned the shut-out.
“The players have been working really well together,” Dunlavey said. “We’ve got some nice leadership with Koby Sobremesana, who is leading scorer with six goals so far in the season, as well as Jacob Francis, our team captain, passing the ball well. Layton Call, along with Duncan Reidhead, a junior, have been anchoring the defense. Duncan’s done a good job making sure we’re in good position.”
The Red Devils face tougher tests as the season progresses, including a match in Gunnison on Wednesday, March 19. Dunlavey said he is excited for the challenge.
“It’s a chance for us to test what we’ve put together this year and what we’ve been learning,” he said.
Dunlavey said the faculty and administration have been supportive and the players have bought into his philosophies, making for a smooth transition for the new coaching staff. The biggest obstacle the team has faced is a smaller-than-expected turnout, he said.
The Red Devil soccer team has already achieved one of its goals, winning its first home game. Its other two primary goals as named by the players, Dunlavey said, are to win all of its home games and to “never give up.”
Dunlavey said he believes the Red Devils are ready for the challenge of playing region powerhouses such as Gunnison, Manti and Wasatch Academy.
“We’re pretty meticulous with our preparation,” he said. “We focus a lot on fundamentals. We play an aggressive, attacking style and the players have been playing with a lot of confidence. Confidence and trust is key when we go up against strong opponents.”
The Red Devils will get a chance to gauge where they’re at as a program within the 2A East Region as they’re scheduled to play at Gunnison on Wednesday, March 19, at Emery on Thursday, March 20 and at home versus Wasatch Academy on Tuesday, March 25. Each game is scheduled to begin at 4 p.m.
Grand boys soccer 2-0 after 8-0 rout
“We’re pretty meticulous with our preparation. We focus a lot on fundamentals. We play an aggressive, attacking style and the players have been playing with a lot of confidence. Confidence and trust is key when we go up against strong opponents.”
When: Tuesday, March 25, 4 p.m.
Where: Grand County High School soccer pitch, 608 S. 400 E.
