Picking up where they left off

boy soccer preview

Coaches and players in most every sport strive to be part of one of the teams that are "peaking at the right time," as the familiar saying goes.

Last season, several Cape area boys' soccer teams followed through on that vision.

Through hard work and dedication, they got stronger as the season progressed, leading to a climactic finish to the season with several teams playing well and battling it out for every inch and every free ball in the district tournament.

No team was hotter than the Cape Coral Seahawks, who put together an eight-game winning streak, which included the District 5A-15 championship and a first-ever appearance in the regional finals.

The new season begins next week and teams, once again, will try to make constant improvements so they're playing their best at the right time.

"There is a high bar to live up to, but we don't worry about that," said new Seahawks coach David Torres. "With the likes of (Ida) Baker, Mariner and Fort Myers out there, it will be hard enough just to stay competitive with these programs much less worry about last year's accomplishments."

The Seahawks made an unprecedented run last season. They entered the district tournament as the fifth seed, but knocked off top-seed Fort Myers, Baker and Mariner on their way to the title.

They continued with a pair of victories in the regional playoffs, resulting in the best season in school history.

The Seahawks return six starters but are going through some transition. Torres, who served as an assistant last year, steps in as head coach. Veteran coach Aldo Nardiello is taking a sabbatical from coaching the high school team. He guided the Seahawks the past three years and has coached nearly 30 years at various levels including club and college.

Torres brings some of his own philosophies, but also provides stability, already having been on the staff.

"Our strengths will be that we are building a strong program and all these kids know what we demand of them," Torres said.

boy soccer preview