New coach, new focus for Craig soccer
Craig's schedule
(7 p.m. unless indicated)
AUGUST: 19—At Lake Geneva (5 p.m.); 25—Beloit Memorial (nonconference).
SEPTEMBER: 3—At Sun Prairie; 5—At Sauk Prairie Invitational (9 a.m.); 8—At Beloit Memorial; 10—Madison La Follette; 12—Craig Invitational (Delavan-Darien, Stoughton, Racine Park), 9 a.m.; 15—At Madison Memorial; 18—At Oregon Quadrangular (Oregon); 19—At Oregon Quadrangular (Monona Grove), 10 a.m.; 22—Middleton; 24—At Janesville Parker; 26—Dual City Tournament (Parker, Beloit).
OCTOBER: 1—Madison East; 3—Milton (4 p.m.); 6—At Madison West; 8—Verona.
JANESVILLE — The start of the high school boys soccer season couldn't get here fast enough for Charles Friedrich.
The first-year Janesville Craig coach hopes to put the Cougar program back on the map. But with a conference schedule that includes state powerhouses Madison Memorial, Middleton and Madison West, that's a tall task.
"In order to shore up the soccer program, you have to get these kids to believe in themselves," said Friedrich, who was born and played professionally in Munich, Germany, and has been active in the Janesville Youth Soccer Program the last five years.
"It's not going to happen overnight, but if we play simple soccer, good things will happen."
Friedrich takes over a program that went 7-30 the past two seasons. The Cougars opened the 2009 season with a 3-2 nonconference win over Janesville Parker.
The Cougars' top two returning players are seniors Max Niedermeier and Jesse Davila.
Niedermeier started in goal a year ago but will switch to a forward spot this season.
"Not only is Max great with his hands, but he's also shown the ability to make plays with his feet," Friedrich said. "He had a chance to be one of the best keepers around, but I think he can help us even more as a forward.
"And along with Jesse, Max has to be a leader on this team. Both on and off the field."
Davila returns as a striker and will be counted on to be a playmaker. Friedrich said Davila's ability to move without the ball should help create plenty of scoring opportunties.
"Jesse has the tools to play this game and has been in the trenches before," Friedrich said. "As a senior, I have high expectations for him."
Friedrich said the Cougars will look to attack from the back. That will put pressure on the the defenders and the keeper. Junior Mike White will step in for Niedermeier in goal. Junior Odain White, a transfer from Jamaica, will be the stopper.
"I've always felt that 90 percent of soccer is doing the little things," Friedrich said. "And it starts with attacking from the back in a methodical manner. Not kicking the ball as far as you can. That doesn't serve any purpose."
Juniors Mo McCrone and Tom Kitching, whom Friedrich call "workhorses," will start as midfielders. Freshman Connor Sheedy is also expected to see plenty of playing time.
"In a very positive way, I'm glad the start of the season is here," Friedrich said. "Progressive, solid rebuilding steps is what we need, and it needs to start right away.
"I have a feeling this team is going to do some special things. But for now, I'm asking the team to take things slow and methodical."
Sep 2, 2009 at 12:40 p.m.
Suggest removal
His background better be squeakey clean or he will be let go. look at what is happening to the girls jr. pom squad at parker just because she works at hooters. been with the girls all summer and now it is a problem?
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