There are an assortment of changes this year for the Morton boys soccer team.
Not only were several key players lost to graduation, but the schedule was overhauled with changes to the Mid-Illini Conference line-up.
The Potters also have dealt with warmer-than-normal temperatures in the preseason and a large rash of injuries.
Head coach Brian Deters, in his 15th year guiding the boys, said he was hopeful by Tuesday’s season opener all but one player would be available to contribute.
Morton is aiming for an October return for talented junior midfielder/forward Mark Curtis.
The injuries seniors Adam Bazzetta, Zach Owdom, Gerson Rodriguez and Taylor Hartseil, junior Mack Hasinger and sophomore Jordan Repholz were dealing with were less severe.
The 2010 group is made up of solid individuals who are willing to listen and take advice.
“They want to work hard and want to do the right thing on and off the field,” Deters said.
The Potters are seeking their third straight conference title.
Last year, they were co-champions with Dunlap with a 9-1-2 mark.
Canton now fields a varsity program after a couple years at the junior-varsity level only, creating M-I boys soccer for all eight members.
With that addition, the league went to a seven-game conference schedule — one against each team — instead of the 12-game slate that was first implemented when former member Illinois Valley Central added the sport in 2002-03.
“That absolutely intensifies each match you play,” said Deters of the reduction in M-I contests.
Repholz is the goalkeeper for the second year. He brings in more confidence and the ability to relax an inexperienced back line.
Backing him up is junior David Baker, who is ready to step in if needed.
The only returning starter in front of the keeper is senior outside back Tyler Sniff, who has improved his play. He is an individual Morton wants to involve in the attack.
Another outside back is junior Mark Anderson, a tenacious competitor who wants to do well in his role.
Also at the position is another junior, Zach Erickson, who the Potters want to help transition the team into their offense. He can deliver services to the taller attacking players.
Center backs are Ben Streeter and Brandon McCormick, both juniors.
Streeter is capable of developing a high soccer IQ, is technical and a good passer. He likely will display more leadership as the season progresses.
Deters said McCormick, a player with tenacity, understands angles, when to go win a ball and when to keep his defensive shape.
A reserve at center back, who also can play on the outside, is junior Josh Newell.
Two Morton defensive midfielders who will be catalysts for the attack are seniors Matt Rossi and Nathaniel Hatton.
Rossi was a first-team all-conference and all-sectional pick as a junior. A co-captain, he is physically fit and focused on what he needs to do.
Rossi, who will play a lot of minutes, offers great leadership, makes good decisions and covers a lot of space. He will get more touches now that he has moved up from center back.
Hatton brings a senior attitude, is strong and ranges across a lot of ground.
Also contributing as a center midfielder is Owdom, a good passer who is strong physically and eager to get on the field.
In an attacking midfielder slot, Bazzetta is an athlete the Potters are counting on to regularly score goals. A three-year starter, he also was a first-team all-league and all-sectional selection a year ago.
The other captain, Bazzetta can take defenders on the dribble, win balls and take shots from a variety of spots. He is physically hard to stop.
Tom Homa, a junior, is a versatile player who can chip in as a defensive or attacking midfielder and is just as good on the outside.
He is spunky on the ball and helps keep the level of player high when he is on the field.
A handful of players are in the mix to aid the offense as midfielders or forwards.
Sophomore Carson Gray is one of the fastest players on the squad. He has shined in the preseason and, along with his good play in the summer, is wanting to transform his confidence into a starting assignment.
Hasinger is quick, technical and can take people on the dribble.
Rodriguez is good on the ball, coachable and adds a senior edge.
Mark Murphy, a junior, has a solid attitude, is physically stronger and hungry to get on the field.
Junior Joe Scherer always wins distance runs. He is energetic and a possible target out wide who also can play outside back as a reserve.
Senior forwards Dylan Henricks and Hartseil are target players.
Positioning them closer to the goal, Deters said he hopes Henricks and Hartseil get some scores through the air.
They also can generate more chances by passing the ball back to players like Bazzetta.
Also on the roster is sophomore Wade Rossi, a sneaky-quick kicker who is starting to develop. He will vie for minutes as a midfielder.
Morton’s regular-season schedule arguably is the strongest it has faced.
Five fewer M-I games created openings that were filled with top-notch opposition. Plus, the tournament fields at the Morton Invitational and Gateway City Classic remain elite.
“Certainly playing those teams only makes us better,” Deters said. “We have little margin for error in every game.”
New non-conference foes are: Peoria Christian, Springfield Sacred Heart-Griffin, IVC and Normal Community.
The first matchup with Dunlap will not be reflected in the league standings.
The Potters had some notable players depart, including Eddie Miller, Brad Simmons, Jake Kirk and Nick Racich, all of whom were first- or second-team all-conference choices in ’09.
If Morton can overcome its injuries and navigate a tough slate, a rewarding season is in the works.
