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New keeper, defense are bright spots in LHS boys opener
The Liberty boys soccer team needs some time to get into midseason form. Luckily, keeper Blake Weiss appears to already be there.
Weiss made 17 saves in his LHS goalie debut last Wednesday, helping the banged-up Eagles tie Brentsville, 0-0.
“I was real pleased with Blake's play, he was probably the only player that the other coach really commented on,” LHS coach Tom Ritchie said. “Blake was outstanding in goal.”
Liberty — with several players battered, either from practice injuries or the game itself — did not generate nearly as many threats on Brentsville's net in the season opener.
The Eagles fired just five shots on goal, playing much of the contest in their defensive zone. “I think part of it is having a new team, the guys haven't worked together much,” Ritchie said. “We have to look at how we create opportunities.”
Ritchie entered the game with a bevy of lineup questions. Several of those still linger, but Liberty's backline may have begun taking shape. Senior Matt Ifert centers the Eagles' defensive formations, but his supporting cast is filling in.
“I thought Damien Dodson showed that he could play defense well,” Ritchie said. “I was pleased with what I saw coming out of the back with Taylor Petropolis.”
LHS has an extended break before launching back into its schedule: The Eagles do not play again until a three-game-in-four-days stretch with Loudoun Valley, Fauquier and Osbourn Park beginning April 1.
“I'd like to have at least another game (before then),” Ritchie said. “Coming back and playing Monday, Tuesday and Thursday is not something I'm looking forward to.”
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