Valley Sports ReportTIOGA CENTER — Tioga boys soccer coach Donnie Van Dusen is pleased with how his team came together in the preseason, and is hoping it leads to an improved season in 2026.
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LAST YEAR: 1-14. ... OPENER: Tioga plays at Marathon Wednesday.
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"This team seems to mesh much better and I believe that they spread the field a lot better than past years," said VanDusen. "And, that is very relevant in drills at practice."
Seniors Skylar Nelson and Caden Ramp, who could see time on the wing, return on defense.
Junior David Van Dusen III returns at goal keeper, while juniors Jed Decker, who could also see time in the goal, and Joey Wilkinson returns on defense, Drayke Ulrich is back at center-mid, and Jace Schanbacher returns at striker.
Freshman Kyler Roberts returns and will see time in the midfield and at striker, and sophomore Collin Wilson returns on defense or in the center-mid,
Also returning are senior Emiliano Sanchez and freshman Matthew Martin, who will vie for time on the wing.
Newcomers for the Tigers are Bodie Ulrich, who will see time at multiple positions, Cameron Thompson, who will see action in the midfield, Tenocht Lezama, and Colton Balheizer, who will see time at the wing.
"The newcomer this year to keep an eye on is Bodie Ulrich," said Van Dusen. "I truly think he does the work that doesn't get put on the stat sheet. He hustles, he comes out of nowhere and he just knows where to be when needed."
Van Dusen said his biggest concern this year is his team's communications.
"Communication is a big concern," he said. "We have some younger guys again who haven't played with the rest, but some think it is a mute practice and play and that is what I have tried to stress the most with this team.
Van Dusen expects more offense from his team in 2026.
"My expectation for this season is to see a lot more team scoring and spreading the field, which my hope is will lead to more wins," he said. "I am expecting to see a lot more patience in attacks as well instead of rushing the shots and shooting off one pass."
AROUND THE IAC SMALL SCHOOL
"O-M is the team to beat," said Van Dusen.
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IN PHOTO: Tioga junior David Van Dusen III. ... VSR STOCK PHOTO.
