Decision is near for Kickers - Carman Valley Leader

Decision is near for Kickers


By Gene Still
Friday May 05, 2006

Carman Valley Leader — It's fast approaching decision time for Carman Kickers head coach William Hoogerdijk.
"We're getting to the point where we have to make decisions about our roster," Hoogerdijk said. "We need to figure out who will be our main 16 players to start the season."
With about 20 players trying out for this year's squad during pre-season practices, the coach will be busy evaluating players over the next week to ten days.
Some decisions will be easier than others. One player who should be secure is veteran striker Lyle Vanveen. Along with Kendall Ferris, Dale DeWit and Ian Bergsma, the foursome will be among the core veterans back for another year in the Manitoba Soccer League's Fourth Division.
Hoogerdijk noted that these veterans also make it a lot easier when it comes to getting ready for the upcoming season.
"Chemistry seems to be pretty good and the guys get along pretty well. They are accustomed to each other and have a good idea what to expect on the field," he explained.
The familiarity has allowed the club to focus more extensively on certain aspects of their game such working on offensive strategy and having "more finish" around the opposition's net turning scoring opportunities into goals.
Meanwhile the head coach also has high hopes for Rich Vanderveen who will be back between the pipes in net for the Kickers after having picked up some valuable experience last season.
"He's really improving and has another year of experience," Hoogerdijk said. "We should be all right back there."