The Big Lake boys soccer team should see a big improvement during this season.

Coach Mike Baldwin, in his third year with the team, says his players are continuing to mature. Last year’s team had one senior - a foreign exchange student. There were two juniors, but the rest of the squad were sophomores, freshmen and some eight-graders.

“They could all play and were moving the ball. But they were going against seniors and juniors,” he says. “It was hard to compete battling for a ball against that strength and speed.” 

The team finished 3-9-3, but were competitive. Baldwin expects the maturity, as well as experience playing together, will translate into more wins this season.

“We’re bigger, stronger, faster, an inch or two taller and maybe 10 to 15 pounds heavier playing teams that may have lost six or seven seniors,” he says. “We’ve been together for a few years. We pretty much have the same starting lineup.”

Baldwin believes the team’s strength is the defense, starting with All-Conference goalkeeper Tyler Huver, who has been playing since eighth grade. His backup is Austin Brethorst, also strong in net.

Outside backs Conner and Logan Rosenthal, seniors, can control the ball in the midfield as well as junior centerback Zack Medlock.

“They did well last year and will be better this year,” says Baldwin. “They’ve gotten bigger and faster.”

As far as offense, the team doesn’t have one “go-to” player.

The foreign exchange senior forward Frank Djalla was last year’s leading goal scorer. It will be different this season.

“We’ll spread the scoring around. It’s a team effort,” says Baldwin.

The Hornets have a busy schedule, with games almost every other day during some stretches. But Baldwin believes his team is up to the challenge.

“We’ll be more competitive in the conference,” he says. “I’m looking foward to a good season.” 

Big Lake opened the season Thursday at home against Little Falls. They host Rockford 4:30 p.m. Monday. Results next week.