Depth key to Kickers success-Carman Valley Leader

By Gene Still
Friday May 26, 2006

Carman Valley Leader — The Carman Kickers have pretty much decided who will and who won't be a member of this year's upcoming 2006 version of the Manitoba Fourth Division Soccer League club.
However Kickers' Coach William Hoogerdijk said while they fully expect to have their 20 eligible roster spots filled, they also realize that there will be times during the season when they will need to have access to all 20 players to hit the field with at least 16 athletes.
"Some of the guys are restricted somewhat in how often they're able to show up because of conflicts with their jobs and other scheduling," Hoogerdijk said. "But they also know it's up to them to let us know as soon as they can if there is a conflict and they aren't able to make it out for a game. That gives us enough time to try and fill their spot on the roster or game plan to deal with a temporary shortage of players in our lineup."
Hoogerdijk said they prefer to have a lineup featuring at least 16 players for each contest which is just under the limit of 18.
"Our goal is dress 16 a game and that way we can get everybody involved and in the flow of the game itself," he said.

Available talent
The overall numbers for their latest pre-season tryouts were down slightly from last season when they had averaged about 27 players to around 23 for this upcoming 2006 season.
"There weren't a lot of cuts to make, but we had some tough decisions to make about who we're going to start out with having active for games to start the year," Hoogerdijk said.
Carman was set to get their regular season under way on May 24 against Reservoir Dogs but results weren't available as of press time.

Building team chemistry
Hoogerdijk added that they’re hopeful about significantly improving upon their 2005 mark of 5-10-3 which earned them sixth place and a post season berth.
"It's an especially enjoyable atmosphere this year with the guys and from what I've seen so far, they seem to have a lot of chemistry on the field," he said. "Hopefully that will add up to an even better finish for us."