by MARTY ZIER

Sports contributor

Matt Stolmeier returns as the boys soccer coach and is very optimistic for the upcoming season.

“I would have to say in my 10 years coaching at Orcas this is the most evenly talented squad I have had, and once we really figure out how to utilize our players, we will be a tough squad to deal with,” Stolmeier said.

The Orcas boys will get tested quick with the first game of the season against the reigning State Champions, Mount Vernon Christian.

Combating what Stolmeier calls  “the toughest league in the state,” he says this year’s team has “strong players that are goal hungry plus a skilled midfield that can support the attack.”

That, combined with a talented batch of freshman should provide the Vikings the depth and skill to match up evenly with league teams, according to Stolmeier.

“This season is showing to be very exciting and the whole team is meshing as a unit early on where typically it can take half a season to develop team cohesiveness,” he said.