What was a ‘winnable? game, according to Oxford High School’s Boys? Varsity Soccer Coach John Thaler, ended in a 1-0 loss to Clarkston at regionals Oct. 22.
‘It was a real defensive battle, both sides. We had our opportunities where we could have scored and they had their opportunities when they could have scored (more),? explained Thaler. ‘I am glad it was a 1-0 game. It proved to most of the state that we earned our way there and we didn’t just float in.?
Before facing Clarkston, the boys defeated Davison 6-0 in the first round of district play before beating Grand Blanc 2-1 in the finals.
‘We went into (districts) knowing we had a great (chance) to win it. We were even underdogs,? Thaler said. ?(We) only had one (goal scored on us) and that was (while playing) Grand Blanc in the final and that goal itself, in my opinion, wasn’t a very well-earned goal, but what we call a ‘fluke goal.? Nonetheless, the boys stepped up.?
This season’s accomplishments include: 2014 OAA Blue Conference Champions, 2014 Division I District Champions, Overall Record: 18 wins, 2 losses, 2 ties, 2014 Conference Record:? 6 wins, 0 losses, 1 tie, as well as setting new school records with the fewest goals allowed in a season with 14, having an 11 game winning streak and the fewest losses in a season with only two.
‘My mantra all year was ‘stay the course? ? meaning we practiced this, let’s do it,? Thaler said.
Individuals accomplishments included: All ? District Team: Francisco Rivera ? Reyes (Sr.), Nick Wright (Soph.), Emmanuel Ibarra (Sr.), Travis Alderman (Sr.), Noah Skrzycki (Sr.) and Greg Knox (Jr.), District Coach of the Year: Coach Thaler and OAA All ? Conference Team: Francisco Rivera ? Reyes (Sr.), Nick Wright (Soph.), Emmanuel Ibarra (Sr.), Devan deJong (Jr.), Travis Alderman (Sr.) and Greg Knox (Jr.).
‘It’s all about the boys. They’re the ones who deserve credit for everything,? Thaler said. ‘They’re the ones who come to practice every day, give me 100 percent, don’t complain and are happy to be a part of (making) history.?
Making it to districts and regionals was no surprise to Thaler.
‘Yeah, I expected to be here, but nobody else thought we did. That was motivation in itself,? he said. ‘All the doubters (said) ‘you’re just Oxford,? but we have a really rich history within the program.?
Thaler said this was their sixth district title and they’ve been to the regional finals twice before. ‘We won league one time prior to that when we were in the old Flint Metro League, but this is our first Division 1 district title since we moved up in 2010,? he said. ‘That’s a big accomplishment. I think it lets everyone know that we’re a team to be reckoned with.?
Even when the team was on an 11-game winning streak, nobody paid attention, Thaler said. ‘We like being under the radar.?
Thaler believes ‘the future looks bright? for Oxford soccer. He noted that there are always surprises throughout the year with transfer students or exchange students. He said they bring ‘something fresh.?