Reigning conference champs back at it again

By Nick Palm
STAFF WRITER

Following the incredible 2008 season could appear intimidating to some, coach Adam Lucarelli and company are pumped  for another exciting year of Rams men’s soccer.

The Rams had an unbelievable 17-1-4  record last season, winning the Coast Conference Championship for the second year in a row before losing in the second round of the state playoffs to rival Hartnell College.

The City College vs. Skyline game is sure to be a fan favorite – due to its close proximity Lucarelli even compared it to the famous Cal vs. Stanford rivalry.

The biggest challenge for the team will be finding new leadership as their three star players from last season, Alejandro Uribe, Shea Whelan, and Jose Navarrete have graduated.

“Alejandro was a very special, unique player that comes only a few times in a coach’s career,” Lucarelli said. “He was a magic player. We can only work around not having him, and try getting great results.”

Approximately half the team is comprised of returning sophomores, something that Lucarelli is pleased with. He isn’t looking for one player to stand out as a star, like Uribe did last year. Instead he wants to build a team around a large group of strong leaders.

“The sophomores have a really good work ethic,” Lucarelli said. “They are all really good examples for the freshmen to follow.”

The defending Coast Conference Champions will start their season Friday, Aug. 28 against Merritt College at 4 p.m. The Rams will then travel to Salinas to participate in the annual Hartnell College tournament, which they won last season.