With three decisive  wins against South Carroll 2-1, Catoctin 2-0, and South Hagerstown 6-0, Linganore soccer is looking to improve on a 7-6 record and a 2013 first round playoff loss, and the man to lead them is new head soccer coach Andres Moreno. He replaces longtime coach Josh Gilmore who took an assistant coaching position at Hood College.

Coach Moreno has plenty of experience, playing at the professional level in Mexico for the Tigres as a goalkeeper. He coached a semi-pro team in Mexico’s until he moved to the area in the early 2000’s. He then coached for Seneca Valley High School and led them to a division title.

As well as coaching at LHS, he is a coach for the Frederick Alliance Galaxy club team. In 2012 he took his team to the national tournament but lost in the National Finals. He also trains goalkeepers throughout the area and was a goalkeeping coach for the Washington Freedom professional women’s team.

Moreno is optimistic about the team. “There is a lot of good talent here… We all want to be state champions,” but he recognizes the obstacles that come with a new coach. “The team will need to get to know the system.”

The team has experience with five seniors Alan Flint, Kyle Johnson, Nate Mejia, Neal Roberts, and Preston Windnagle. Coach Moreno says it will be tough to replace that talent next year.

He thinks the juniors and JV players can fill those shoes. “We have a strong JV team to come up… My vision for this team is in two years, we will be state champions.”

Senior midfielder Neal Roberts said, “Coach is very enthusiastic… I think we’re going to improve.” Roberts says a good strength will be the team’s ability to execute set plays.

Junior defender John Kirk said, “Coach really knows what he’s talking about. He is going to have a positive impact on the team.” Kirk says the team will be, “a lot more physical” than last year.

The team has done a lot more running during practices and both Kirk and Roberts agree the team will be ready for the season. “The team is in shape. We’re very well-conditioned,” said Kirk.

Watch for forwards Kyle Johnson and Luke Staley, midfielders Greg Dorsche and Matt Watson, and defenders Andrew Tran and Preston Windnagle to be big players. Goalkeeper Matt Milner is hurt, but he will be a great addition when he returns to action.

The team will have to go up against some stiff competition, including rival Urbana who won the 3A State Championship last season. Oakdale and TJ both gave the Lancers trouble last year as well, with TJ knocking them out of the playoffs last year in the first round.