Huskies face many challenges

Cardinal’s soccer team has grown and developed into a competitive program within the Chagrin Valley Conference Valley Division.

Third-year head coach Mike Topalian is optimistic about the 2017 but even he knows the Huskies will face several challenges, including a rugged conference schedule and a shortage of bodies now that the school also offers a girls team.

“At Cardinal, we are excited that we have finally been able to field our first ever girls varsity team,” Topalian said. “This will eliminate the JV squad, making it harder to have depth for both the boys and girls teams. In the long run, this is a much needed and positive step for the entire program. We are looking forward to a challenging and enjoyable season.”

Losing the girls, who in the past filled important roles on the boys’ team, leaves the Huskies short on numbers.

“We only have 16 players on the squad this year,” Topalian said. “Everyone will need to play and contribute. Hopefully, we can avoid injuries and illnesses, which would cause big challenges with our lack of numbers. Underclassmen will need to develop quickly. They will be put in some big spots with all of the high quality teams on our schedule. The juniors and seniors will need to lead, play a ton of minutes and make plays in every match for us to compete.”

The Huskies finished 8-9-1 overall and 1-4-1 in league play last fall. They return six starters and 10 lettermen.

“We expect to play hard and continue to improve as we did in 2016,” Topalian said. “It is hard to measure our growth in just wins and losses because of the strength of the very tough CVC and non-league opponents we play.”

For Topalian and the Huskies, success will come if the players stick to the game plan.

“Our expectations are that we play hard and with enthusiasm, stick together through the ups and downs of a season and try to win some of the close games that we have come up short in over the last few years,” Topalian said.

Cardinal opens the season at Berkshire on Friday.