By Jacki Wood

Although the Maryville boys soccer team lost nine seniors to graduation last year, Head Coach Stuart Collins expects the Spoofhounds to reload and be back for more postseason play.

“All of (the seniors) were a key component to last year’s success,” Collins said, who has been coaching at MHS since 2001.

The Hounds had a 13-9 overall record last year, went 5-2 in the Midland Empire Conference and were district champs before falling to St. Pius X in the first round of the state tournament.

This year, Maryville will look to several key players to lead the team including junior Lucas Jasinski, keeper; junior Patrick Baker, defender; and seniors Alias Cullin and Caleb Liles, midfield.

Collins said he is excited for the first two weeks of the season when the Hounds play in eight games.

He said areas of focus this year will be consistency and leading from the beginning.

“(Our) team goals are to win the MEC and continue into the postseason,” he said, including repeating as district champions.

Collins will be assisted again by Ky Hill and Colby Stiens.

The Spoofhounds kick off the season versus Savannah on August 19 at Donaldson Westside Park.