2012 Fall Preview: NLA boys soccer team's attack should be a strength in 2012

The New Life Academy boys soccer team said goodbye to eight players off of last year’s 6-9-2 team. However, the Eagles return a solid core to the pitch in 2012.

New Life Academy head coach Robb Rupp returns to lead the Eagles for a ninth season this fall.

Also back are key returning players: senior defenders Noah Kriener and Ryan Peterfeso, sophomore midfielder Chris Kesting, senior midfielder Josue Becerra and junior goalie Dylan Larson. Kriener and Peterfeso will captain the club in 2012. The Eagles also welcome promising newcomers Kyle Linton and Austin Wetmore to the fold this fall.

Rupp said the team’s strength is its crop of forwards, which have “potential to be very good.” The team will need to rely on three new starting defensemen this season, however.

No longer with NLA are: Daniel Sleper, Erik Lee, Dan Otto, Raleigh Becker, Micah Cathey, Joey Hunt, Tyler Palesh and Ben Tedla.

NLA opened the year with a 5-0 thrashing of St. Agnes last week. Next, the Eagles travel to St. Paul to take on section foe Como Park on Thursday, Aug. 30. Rupp said the Como game is a big one, as are games against section opponents St. Paul Harding and St. Paul Humboldt and matches against conference foes Trinity School, Heritage Christian Academy, Southwest Christian Academy and Legacy Christian Academy. The regular season concludes on Oct. 2 with a home game against St. Croix Prep.

Tags: 2012 fall preview, sports, soccer, prep, updates