Cougar Soccer Begins

Piedmont Academy’s varsity soccer teams will begin the 2017 season today, March 2 against Young Americans Christian on the road. Matches begin at 4 p.m.

For new coach Michael Wilson, the main emphasis with the program will be receiving effort from each team member.

“That’s what we can control,” the coach said. “I am excited about coaching soccer and building a successful program. This all starts with practice where the same effort needs to be present every day.”

Wilson is stressing to his players that it should be viewed as an honor to represent their school.

“It’s a privilege to represent Piedmont and wear the school’s uniform in competition and it needs to be treated as such,” the coach said. “The soccer program will not reach the levels of success of the other programs at the school if this is not the approach. So, in essence, you are either with us or you are not.”

The varsity boys have an opportunity to be more successful than in recent seasons.

Freshman Ezra King is as good as any player the Cougars will see this season, Wilson said, and Brice Dodson and Ian Boyd should benefit from King’s ability to push the ball forward to them creating scoring opportunities.

Brett Bush is joining the program this year and will help provide strong goal keeping.

“Defensively, we must improve daily and to do that everyone must be on board with working hard,” Wilson said.

Chase Tweedell, Rustin Starker and Corbin Burrell will help anchor the defense.

“This season will be challenging but has a real possibility to set in motion greater success down the road,” Wilson said.

The Lady Cougars have a good bit of youth on their team with six freshman and one eighth grader, but their coach also will have some experienced leadership.

Caitlyn Young and Maddie Mooneyham will be key players for the Lady Cougars this spring.

“They are excellent leaders and are setting a great example by showing up daily and working hard at what we are hoping to do,” Wilson said.

Sydney Davis, Taylor Patterson, Alexis Dodson and Emily Mills will round out the midfield and have the chance to be very productive with their scoring ability.

Eighth grader Cally Cook is going to be a great asset at sweeper, her coach said.

“She can make a big difference in the amount of ball possession we can have this season with her ability to control the soccer ball and make good passes,” Wilson said.

The team’s back line will feature Mooneyham, Mattie Johnston, Gracie Black, Morgan Whitley and Anne Marie Hilderbrandt will be back in goal.

“The girls have a good starting group and the second group is working hard and wanting to improve and that will only help throughout the season,” Wilson said.

Following the opener, the Piedmont teams will compete in a tournament hosted by Trinity Christian School in Dublin on Friday and Saturday before opening their home schedule Tuesday