Princeton junior midfielder Danny Rivera (1) will provide the Panthers with a scoring threat from the flanks. File photo
By David Wolman
During its first season in Class 6A last year, the Princeton boys soccer team showed throughout District 6-6A play that it could match the talent and physicality of some of the top teams in the state’s largest classification.
A big reason Princeton was successful was its stingy defense. The Panthers held opponents to two goals or fewer in 16 of their 20 matches. Princeton lost 2-1 both times to Plano West, which finished second in 6-6A and reached the state semifinals. The Panthers also played to two ties against McKinney, which placed fourth and advanced to the postseason.
With a three-year starting goalkeeper, five returning defenders and three returning midfielders back this season, Princeton is expected to again boast one of the top defensive units in District 6-6A while looking to compete for a playoff berth in its second season in Class 6A.
The backbone of Princeton’s defense is senior goalkeeper Jonathan Sanchez.
“As good of a goalkeeper he is, he’s an even better young man with tremendous levels of integrity and character,” head coach Kent Ackmann said.
Helping Sanchez anchor the back line will be senior defensive midfielder Damian Cerda, senior defenders Eric Bautista and Jacob Betancourt, and junior defenders Derek Mireles and Sal Gutierrez — all varsity returners.
A trio of varsity newcomers — freshman midfielder Brayan Ordonez, junior defender Hamad Faisal and junior midfielder Anthony Armijo — will add depth to Princeton’s defense.
“That’s our foundation, and it will always be that way,” Ackmann said of Princeton’s defense. “Everything we do starts with our defensive principles. We begin each year breaking down our defensive philosophy to its simplest forms and then gradually adding to it as the year progresses.
“It’s a mindset, a belief system, and it ties into our culture of ‘The Brotherhood.’ Everything we do centers around doing it for your brothers, which means a relentless pursuit and effort of winning your 1v1 duels, getting back behind the ball, and having great coverage and support angles.”
While Princeton’s defense was strong last season, offense proved to be a challenge. The Panthers scored just 24 goals, but Ackmann is hopeful that number will increase as Princeton looks to improve on a 3-11-6 overall record.
Sophomore Al Lopez will take over at forward, and junior Iva Olvera will move from center back to attacking midfielder. Mireles will also push forward from the back line at times to contribute to the attack. Senior midfielder Ryan Garcia and junior midfielder Danny Rivera provide dynamic scoring threats on the flanks.
“Creating more scoring chances has been a huge focus in these first few scrimmages,” Ackmann said. “Through the first two scrimmages, we’ve been pleased with the progress, generating a combined 51 shots and 43 crosses.”
Princeton is scheduled to open the regular season with a tournament at Toyota Soccer Center in Frisco starting Friday. The Panthers will play Frisco Lone Star at noon and Mount Pleasant at 4 p.m. Princeton’s final game of the tournament is set for 1 p.m. Saturday against Frisco Independence.
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