PORT TOWNSEND — A hat trick by freshman Alan Morales highlighted East Jefferson’s play in a 5-0 season-opening shutout of Nisqually League boys soccer foe Annie Wright on the road Wednesday evening.
Rivals head coach Logan Stegner is hopeful the initial burst of scoring is something his team will be able to approach on a regular basis this season.
“I think we are off to a quicker start (than 2024) as far as organization, player confidence and team morale,” Stegner said. “It should be a big confidence booster for the guys. We haven’t had a lot of victories like this, a five-goal difference.
Morales in the middle
The Rivals will count on playing through Morales in the middle as a central attacking midfielder.
“All three of his goals were really well-driven shots from beyond the 18-yard box,” Stegner said. “He’s got a really good shot, and he’s difficult to knock off the ball. He’s only 5-foot-3, so teams have a hard time knocking him off the ball.”
Junior Rene Martin, the team’s leading returning goal scorer with eight last spring, also scored.
“Rene Martin buried one from about 25 yards out,” Stegner said.
Martin will be prized for his ability to play both ways.
“He’s a left wing and he’s super fast with the ability to change direction quickly and get off really good shots with his left foot,” Stegner said. “Because of quickness and agility, he’s able to apply lots of defensive pressure.”
Right-wing Simon Barlow is one of two seniors for the Rivals.
“His vision on the field and his ability to set others up for success stands out,” Stegner said. “He’s played high-level soccer for most of his life and brings lots of leadership abilities.”
Henery multi-dimensional
Junior Jameson Henery will serve as a utility player for East Jefferson.
“He fits in all over the place and we will probably play him at right back, center mid; sometimes he might play striker,” Stegner said. “He is versatile and will play anywhere.”
Right back George Lewis is another senior and a team captain along with Grady White.
“White is an excellent leader on the field and the hardest-working player on the team without a doubt,” Stegner said. “He gives the team and coaches everything he’s got and more.”
Junior Rylen Kruse is described as a super physical left back who makes it a challenge for the opposition to get past him.
Junior goalkeeper Emilio Lopez earned the shutout in goal.
The Rivals (1-0-0) host Port Angeles at 1 p.m. Saturday at Memorial Field.
East Jefferson Rivals
• Coach: Logan Stegner
• Last Season: (4-7-3 Nisqually, 4-10-3 overall). Lost to Klahowya 3-2 (5-3 on PKs) in a Class 1A district match.
• Players to Watch: Simon Barlow (RW, Sr.); Rene Martin (LW, F); Alan Morales (CAM, Fr.); Jameson Henery (Util, Jr.); Grady White; George Lewis (RB, Sr.); Rylen Kruse.
• Outlook: A youthful East Jefferson came on at the tail end of last season to make the district playoffs. Still a young team, a similar result would be a positive for the Rivals this spring considering the Nisqually League is senior-dominated with 2024 Class 1A state semifinalists Vashon expected to once again lead the league.
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Sports reporter/columnist Michael Carman can be contacted at sports@ peninsuladailynews.com.
