IMA SPORTS

The names may have changed for the Maumee boys soccer team, but the expectations have not: win the Northern Buckeye Conference and win a district title.

While winning back-to-back conference and district crowns, the Panthers relied on one of the program’s all-time greats, Blake Wagener. Even though Wagener’s 119 career points have graduated, the well isn’t dry.

“The difference between this team and last year’s team is new leaders, new goals, and we will need all our role players from last year to step up and make a difference,” Maumee coach Chad Kain said.

Kain has been encouraged by the preseason play of Noah Preciado, saying the senior knows this is his chance to step into the spotlight. Preciado scored 26 goals with 11 assists for 63 points last year.

“Noah is our best offensive player back from last year,” Kain said. “He should have a great year if he puts in the work.”

The Panthers return talent in the midfield with Jaxson Greenlese, Brock Saneholtz and Charlie Skeels. Skeels totaled 25 points last year, Greenlese had 17 and Saneholtz had 11.

Kain said the biggest improvement needs to come on defense. The Panthers will have experience in net, with sophomore Jaxon Blue returning after playing 75% of the minutes in goal as a freshman, making 85 saves.

“The biggest gap currently is defending, and we have been working on that in training,” Kain said. “It’s an area we have to improve to be successful. We haven’t conceded a goal in league play, and I expect that to continue.”

Remarkably, Maumee has outscored NBC opponents 96-0 over the past two seasons. The Panthers have gone 38-2-1 overall in that span, winning the league both years.

Maumee kept several tough nonleague games on its schedule, including matchups against Wapakoneta, Celina, Delta and Friday’s season opener at Sandusky Perkins. The Panthers also added games against Jonathan Alder, which went 17-2-1 last year, as well as Northview and Clay.

“Another undefeated season would be nice, but we have definitely upped our schedule with some great teams,” Kain said. “These boys want to win, and they’re putting in the work. I promise you’ll get the best from us week in and week out.”

Photo courtesy of Pride of the Panthers
Reach IMA at insidemaumeeathletics@gmail.com