Coldwater soccer focused on success entering 2023
COLDWATER – The core of last year’s Coldwater boys' soccer program returns in 2023 looking to propel the Cardinals to the next level as they take to the pitch for the first time in the new season.
The program continues to rest in the more than capable hands of long-time head coach Ken Delaney who sports a career record of 191-87-13 in 15 seasons at the helm of Cardinal soccer.
Last season, the Cardinals started out strong but hit a few snags near the midway point of the season, before finishing the year at 8-8-3 overall and with a loss to Vicksburg in the Division Two District quarterfinals.
“After a hot start to the season last year, we ran into some injury and personnel problems, which stopped us from reaching our full potential,” said Delaney. “This year’s group is much more connected and focused on correcting those problems.”
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The main core of the Cardinal offense returns this season, led by senior co-captain Arif Ahmed, who will play midfield and at the forward spot. Ahmed led the team in scoring last season with 14 goals and seven assists and earned Interstate 8 All Conference and All District honors.
Also returning to help lead the offense is senior co-captain Nabil Saied, who will also play midfield and forward. Saied finished last season third on the team in scoring with five goals and five assists and also earned All-Conference and All District honors.
Rounding out the key returners on offense for the Cardinals is senior midfielder Ezaldeen Ahmed, who finished second on the team in scoring with six goals and six assists and finished with All District and All Conference Honorable Mention honors last year.
Holding down the defense this season will be senior defender Tammum Ahmed, who will be counted on as a leader on the back line, a line tasked with defending returning goalkeeper Franky Ramos-Gonzalez. Ramos-Gonzalez, a sophomore, took over the starting job in net midway through the season last year and recorded 46 total saves, three shutouts, and a 1.50 goals against per game average.
“The core of our offense returns from last year, but we still have a good balance with 10 seniors, eight juniors, and five sophomores,” said Delaney. “That includes our returning goalkeeper, who did an outstanding job moving into the starting role midway through the season.”
The Coldwater Cardinal boys' soccer program will kick off their 2023 campaign at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 16 when they travel to Kalamazoo Central for their season opener.
“I think we have the talent and drive to challenge for both Interstate 8 Conference and District titles,” added Delaney.
This article originally appeared on Coldwater Daily Reporter: Coldwater soccer focused on success entering 2023
