After a whirlwind start to the season, the Lindbergh boys soccer team is simply looking for some steadiness as games get under way.

New coach Ryan Johnson started off Feb. 27, the first day of spring practice, as an assistant coach with Hazen. He interviewed for the job at Lindbergh midday, and then within an hour he was the head coach for the Eagles.

“That was kind of a funny day,” Johnson said.

Then the real work started. With no assistant and his only knowledge of the Eagles’ roster coming from his time on the sidelines with Hazen playing against Lindbergh last season, Johnson faced a steep challenge.

“The first few days were a little overwhelming,” he said. Johnson said senior Troy Jaramillo’s leadership has been essential. Jaramillo helped keep the team organized and kept Johnson informed about players until Johnson could get a grasp on the roster.

“It was difficult at first,” Jaramillo said. Though he isn’t worried about how the lack of a coach until the first day of practice will hurt the team. “Me and a few other players have been out here working through, so we’re definitely ready for the season.”

Jaramillo will be a key for the team as a defender. Other returning players are senior defender Levi Fluegel, sophomore midfielder Dominic Radulovich, senior defender Caleb Sarginson, junior midfielder Cameron Sarginson and junior midfielder Maksim Stoyanov.

Some new players to watch early are midfielders Ernest Adcock, Mark Daza and Zane Vakerics; plus forward Efrain Velasco, and goalkeepers Ryan Cardona and Dennis Stadnikov.

“It will be kind of a clean slate for everybody,” Johnson said. “I want to make sure everybody gets a chance to shine, so I can see what they have.”

Lindbergh finished last season 4-10-3 overall and 3-7-2 in the Seamount.

The Eagles beat North Mason 2-1 in a shootout in the district tournament last season, before their season ended with a 1-0 loss to Fife in overtime. Fife went on to place second in the 2A state tournament. Lindbergh played Fife in a non-league game March 14.

 

Contact Renton Reporter Staff Writer Adam McFadden at amcfadden@rentonreporter.com or 425-255-3484.

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