By John Leggett

Staff Writer

Peter Voiles, the 10-year coach of the Sumner High boys soccer team, thinks about what could have been last season and just shakes his head.

“We graduated both of our great forwards last year,” lamented Voiles, noting that his team made it to the playoffs (in fourth place) and then lost in the first round.

“We had Mike Orphan, who was a good one, and an exchange student, Martin Schmuch, who was one of the best scoring forwards in the league,” Voiles said.

“I think we will do better this year, we just sort of had a rebuilding season last year as things didn’t exactly fall into place for us,” explained Voiles.

While the Spartans boasted seven seniors last season, they have just three to start this campaign – midfielder Spencer Ewing and defenders Mario Gonzalez and Dominique Carter.

Voiles said his underclassmen on the offensive side are showing promise.

“This year we have Lloyd Merritt and Sam Hoyt, who are both junior centerfield guys, but I feel they might have some potential as scorers as well,” Voiles said.

The Sumner soccer squad doesn’t get it’s league season under way until nearly April, but will feature a pair of nonleague tilts. The Spartans head to North Thurston at 7 p.m. Tuesday and will host Wenatchee at 5:30 p.m. March 18 at Sunset Chev Stadium.