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Published on 09/29/1997 All articles from this issue

Pinewood needs the will to win

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By Pete Borello / Town Crier Staff Writer

Panthers coach wonders if his team has the desire to succeed

Pinewood School boys' soccer coach Michael Tetzlaff knows his players have a strong desire to play the game.

It's their desire to win, however, that he's concerned about.

"They have a love for soccer and enjoy competing," said Tetzlaff, who's in his second year as varsity coach. "But it doesn't really seem to bother them if they win or lose. It's not a motivating factor."

Winning is something this group isn't all that accustomed to.

A year ago, the Panthers went 5-11-2 overall. This included a 2-6 mark in the Private Schools Athletic League, which was good enough for second-to-last place.

Pinewood opened the 1997 campaign with an underwhelming 0-4-1 record.

The team scored just three goals in this five-game span.

But the Panthers bounced back to win their next two matches, giving Tetzlaff and his player new hope.

Pinewood blanked San Francisco Christian 6-0 Sept. 19 and then beat St. Lawrence 3-0 on Sept. 23.

"They have good potential," Tetzlaff said. "They just need to learn to want to win."

Part of the problem is inexperience, according to the coach. The Panthers have only two seniors on the roster.

Their top players are all underclassmen, Tetzlaff said.Goalkeeper Nick Montague-Breakwell was an honorable mention all-league player last season as a freshman. Fellow sophomore Ryan Piaget has scored two goals from his midfielder position.

Junior midfielders Craig Wildman and Mike Weber have impressed Tetzlaff with their work ethic and hustle.

As for his expectations for this season, the coach is optimistic and realistic.

"I hope to do better than last year," Tetzlaff said. "But having so little experience will be tough on us."

The league may be tough on them, too.

Reigning league champs Fremont Christian return two of the best players in the PSAL.

Valley Dublin Christian, Sacred Heart Prep and Redwood Christian should also be considered contenders, according to Tetzlaff.

The Panthers are next in action Friday at home against Woodside Priory. Game time is set for 3:30 p.m.