It has been said that soccer is the world’s game.
One doesn’t have to look any further each afternoon and some evenings than the French Field turf, where the Kent-Meridian High boys soccer team is dribbling, kicking, shooting and passing proof that a variety of nationalities, languages and talent are converging on the field. The Kent-Meridian roster includes players from Uganda, Burma, Congo and Gabon among other distant lands.
Bringing those nationalities together, with its mix of ability level and the variety of languages being spoken, can be a challenge from a communication standpoint, coach Brian Gabert admitted.
But the coach wouldn’t have it any other way.
In fact, Gabert relishes the opportunity to work with the Royals, a group of boys who are unlike any other in the South Puget Sound League North Division.
“Kent-Meridian’s a great place to teach. It’s fantastic,” Gabert said of Kent-Meridian, a school in which more than 50 languages are spoken on a daily basis. “I have a great job on the soccer side, too. The kids on the soccer team are some of the most polite I have ever met. My kids just have a love of the game, and that’s the best thing in the world.”
The love has turned into a level of optimism for this year’s team, too. The Royals are coming off an 0-14-2 campaign, but the talent to excel this spring is real. It’s all a matter of bringing it together.
“This is probably the best team I’ve had since I’ve been here,” said Gabert, who is in his sixth year with the program.
Kent-Meridian got off to a rough start, dropping its first six games. However, there have been signs of legitimate hope in the way the Royals have played. Kent-Meridian held a lead against Kentlake only to fall, 3-2. The Royals also held a 3-2 advantage over Auburn with 15 minutes remaining in regulation only to lose, 4-3. The Royals followed up the loss to Auburn with another close defeat, this time a 1-0 decision to perennial powerhouse Tahoma.
Despite the difficult luck early on, things are progressing for Kent-Meridian.
“Mark my words, Kent-Meridian will win some games this year,” said Kentlake coach Kyle Jones.
A league title might be out of the question, especially with state contender Thomas Jefferson in the mix. However, a playoff berth, particularly with the top five teams from the North advancing, is a real possibility for the Royals.
“We want to make the playoffs,” Gabert said. “There is not going to be a runaway winner in the league. With the playoffs expanding to five teams, we think we can make it.”
To do so, the Royals will lean upon juniors Moi Monay (center mid) and Klo Wah Shee (midfielder) along with senior defenders Eddie Krivoruchko, Eric Corral and Ta Say. Wah Shee and Monay should provide the offensive punch the Royals are seeking, Gabert said.
“All around, (Wah Shee) is probably the best player we have. He has developed a lot,” the coach said. “(Monay) has got a natural instinct for the ball. He has a great touch.”
Now it’s a matter of the Royals bringing it all together in the world’s game.
ROYALS: AT A GLANCE
• COACH: Brian Gabert, sixth year.
• LAST YEAR: 0-14-2.
• TOP RETURNERS: Moi Monay, jr., center mid; Klo Wah Shee, jr., midfielder; Eddie Krivoruchko, sr., defender; Eric Corral, sr., defender; Ta Say, sr., defender.
• TOP NEWCOMERS: Simon Okullo, sr., forward; Dion Leung, jr., defender; Ephraim Elongo, so., defender.
• OUTLOOK: The Royals don’t have the wins to show for it just yet, but this is a dangerous team that has considerable talent. K-M should take a step forward from last year and challenge for one of the final playoff berths.
• LAST STATE APPEARANCE: 1981.
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