As the new soccer season kicks off at Northwood, both the U17 and U19 sides are setting the stage for an exciting year. With a mix of fresh talent and seasoned coaching, there is a ton of anticipation around the program’s prospects.
Transition and Strategy
Coach Kelvin Martinez, who has moved over from working with the older U19 squad to lead the younger U17 team, shared some insight on this transition. “The U17s have been adapting well to the standards we set,” he explained. “The program serves as a strong feeder system, preparing these players for the U19 level and beyond. It is about building a solid foundation for their future in college or professional soccer.”
On the other side of the program, Coach Jose Coss has moved from the U17s to the U19s, a move which was influenced by his recent experience with the USL2 team. USL2 is the top pre-professional league in the UNited States. “Coaching the L2 team last summer gave me valuable insight into working with older players. Many of them are now part of the U19 squad, so it makes sense to continue working with players I already know,” Coss explained.
Season Outlook
Both coaches are optimistic about the upcoming season. Martinez highlighted the U17s’ progress, saying, “We have seen a great start. Our core is very experienced, and this year’s freshman class is the biggest in our program’s history. They are technically strong and hardworking. For example, our recent game against Taft was tied 0-0 for an hour, showing promising signs for the season ahead.”
Coss shared this great feeling for the U19s, stating the importance of team culture. “Early in the season, our focus is on developing healthy and professional habits. We are working on teamwork and balancing academics with behavior. There is a lot of talent, and we are aiming to build chemistry among new and returning players. Finding the right positions and dynamics for each player is key.”
Upcoming Highlights
Northwood students have a couple of exciting dates to mark on their calendars. For the U17s, major local games and tournaments are upcoming, with a special focus on facing high-level prep schools. These matches are designed to challenge the players and prepare them for the U19 level.
The U19s will be spotlighted on October 5th during Family Weekend. They will face off against Woodstock, a finalist in the prep league, in what will be a thrilling league game. “This match is a significant event for us,” said Coss. “We’re looking forward to strong support from the Northwood community.”
With a season full of potential and key games ahead, both the U17 and U19 teams at Northwood are geared up for an exciting and productive year. Keep an eye on these teams as they make their mark on the field.
