Columbia soccer team has unfinished business
Last year, the Columbia High School soccer team finished 21-3 and boasted three All-State players, one of which also received All-American honors.
By those numbers, it was quite a successful year. But it was the way the season ended that left head coach Jason Mathenia with a bitter taste in his mouth.
The Eagles’ high potent offense — one of the best in the state — was shut out for the first time all season in a 3-0 loss to eventual state champion Gibault in the sectional semifinal, ending their season.
Though Columbia lost several top players to graduation, including standouts Andrew Dossett, Eddie Starr and Quinten Spivey, Mathenia and the Eagles are making it their mission to advance even farther this year.
The 2014 Columbia High School soccer team is, front row, from left, Sam Bostick, Jon Kuebler, Matt Hutchinson and Taylor Parks; second row: Logan Cannon, Sean Rickey, John Harrell, Alec Broske, Connor Jackson, Brett Meyer, Scott Gannon, Adam Becker and Logan Jorns; and third row: Coach Jamey Bridges, Ryan Gudeman, Matthew Roderick, Brett Volmert, Sam Harres, Luke McClanahan, Noah Baumann, Patrick McDermott, Owen Lammert, Cameron Roth and Coach Jason Mathenia. (Corey Saathoff photo) Purchase this and other team photos in the R-T Photo Store!“We have business to finish from last year,” he said. “We felt like we should’ve had more. We’re out to prove that this year.”
If the Eagles are to avoid another late-season disappointment, they will need big time contributions from several upperclassmen. Though Dossett is gone, Columbia does return an All-State forward in senior Matthew Roderick, last year’s leading scorer.
“He can score in bunches,” Mathenia said. “We’ll be counting on him a lot this year.”
The midfield will be controlled by senior Patrick McDermott, along with juniors Adam Becker, Sean Rickey and Cameron Ross. Mathenia thinks that Ross, who earned his way into an important role last year, could be primed for a breakout season.
“He’ll have more on his shoulders this year,” the head coach said. “We expect him to do well with his speed and athleticism.”
Noah Baumann, Sam Harres and Brett Meyer return on defense, but the rest of the Eagles backfield will feature some newer players. Sophomore John Harrell will step up to defend, and Matt Hutchinson will start the season between the pipes.
With the blend of youth and experience, Mathenia isn’t completely sure what to expect from his team.
“It’s still too early to tell at this point,” he said. “Our first couple of games will give us a good idea of where we’re at.”
Like last year, Mathenia has beefed up the regular season schedule in order to prepare for the playoffs. The Eagles’ slate includes important matchups against Granite City, Freeburg, and Gibault. Additionally, Columbia will play in two top tier tournaments: The CYC Tournament — where they finished second last season — and the Gateway Classic, which includes some of the best teams in Illinois and Missouri.
“There aren’t really any easy teams on our schedule,” Mathenia said. “The challenge should be good for us in the long run.”
