Elmira District Boys Soccer

Andrew Legare, alegare@stargazette.com

@SGAndrewLegare

 

Good new for Elmira High School soccer coach Derek Hamilton:  He finally has an experienced roster.

 

Elmira's team includes nine seniors who will try to help the Express make a bid for the Souther Tier Athletic Conference West Division crown.  Last season, the Express finished with a 3-8-3 record.

 

Here are some keys as Elmira gets its season going:

 

Back in the Fold

 

Among those returning is senior defender Nate Forrest, who last year earned STAC Metro/West all-conference honors.  Two STAC West all-division picks also return: senior midfielder Gavin Wise and junior GK/defender Luke Baldwin.

 

Others with varsity experience include sophomore forward Noah Sperduto, senior defender Alex Hill, senior forward Jan Ziembicki, junior midfielder Evan Moore, and senior midfielder Zane Benjamin-Herchanik.

 

Welcome Additions 

 

Elmira's newcomber are led by sophomore defender Jakub Ziembicki, senior goalkeeper Corey Templar and junior midfielder Landon Erickson.

 

Working Overtime

 

Over the last three seasons, Elmira has played in 18 overtime contests.  Hamilton is optimistic some tough losses form years past will turn into victories in 2017.  

 

"We've played in 18 overtime games over the past three years but just couldn't seem to get over the hump and win those one-goal matches," he said.  "With both quality and experience on this year's team, we are looking to turn those close matches into wins."

 

Tradition

 

Despite some down years recently in terms of record, boys soccer has a strong tradition in the Elmira City School district.  Hamilton, a head varsity coach in the district since 2005, coached Elmira Free Academy to Section 4 Championships in 2006 and 2010.  The 2010 team was the last one at EFA, with the school merging with Southside in all sports starting in 2011-2012.

 

For Starters

 

Elmira's first regular-season game is scheduled for 6:30 pm.  August 28 at Owego Free Academy.  Following another road game August 30 at Corning, the Express' home opener is set for 5 pm Sept 1 against Chenango Valley on the turf field at Ernie Davis Academy.