Cottonwood boys soccer ready to improve on a difficult 2018 season

By Brian Shaw | [email protected]

The Cottonwood boys soccer team is itching to take the next step in their development, according to head coach Dominic Militello. 

As soon as the team was able this past winter, he said the team captains were busy organizing offseason workouts, ensuring that they got a nice head start on their competition. 

"The seniors set up an [off-season] training program and committed to be fit for tryouts... and they did and are ready to roll," added Militello. 

One year after the Colts endured a three-win 2018 season, they enter the 2019 season ready for bear, as the old saying goes. 

In their case, however, the proverbial bears consist of Alta, Corner Canyon, Jordan, Timpview and Brighton—all members of their region. 

Considering the Colts stomped all over three of the aforementioned six bears—Timpview, Corner Canyon and Jordan—in region play last year though, you'd be a fool to count out Cottonwood this year. 

The Colts bring back 10 returning players, eight of which are seniors, added Militello, who said his team is small in stature but from a skill standpoint, very talented. 

"[They are] not very big, but they seem to be technically pretty sound, quick and they seem to like each other," he said. 

Above and beyond all the individual and team goals, according to Militello, the end goal is to get back to where they feel they belong—the state tournament. 

Last year, the Colts finished with a 3-7 record in region play—one game out of a playoff spot. But with the care applied to this team by its leadership, Militello feels that attention could take care of itself. 

"Our aim is to continue to get better as a program first, and team second. If we take care of the program as a whole, the program will take care of the whole team. Of course, we aim to win more games this year than we did last year and get into the tournament. We always expect to win it all," he said. 

Of the 10 returning players, Mohammed Abdalla, Hassan Gabo, Dave Dietz and Bryce Harvest are a few kids to keep an eye on, according to Militello. Gabo is a sophomore, he added, while the rest are seniors. 

Due to weather, Cottonwood opened its season on March 12, losing 2-6 to Riverton. The team will play six preseason games beginning with a tilt at Riverton on March 12 and ending with a home contest against Box Elder April 2. 

"We will know more of course once we get into competition," added Militello. "As coaches we are always excited to see who we are now and who we will become by the end of the season."