With soccer season approaching in Sedona, the Scorpions have their eyes set on reaching the playoffs again.

Last season, the Sedona boys’ soccer team finished 6-5 but lost to Arizona College Prep 5-2 in the opening round of the playoffs.

With over 20 boys trying out this season, there will be plenty of competition at Scorpions’ practices.

Scorpions head coach Daniel Valenzuela discussed the expectations
for the upcoming season.

How was the first practice of the season?

It was light, we had a few players come out so it went well.

 What system do you plan on running this season?

The players are not really oblivious to what is happening. They know this year that we have more players so they are aware that if they do not play well, then someone can take their spot. So I am basing our abundance of freshmen and sophomore players into this season’s strategy. We are most likely using a 4-4-2 alignment this season but we will see what we have. We only have a fraction of the team so things could change before the season starts

What do you expect from your midfield this season?

I expect hard work and more distribution than last year from the midfielders. Instead of kicking the ball too high and that’s it, we like to vary our strategy.

How important is possession to this year’s team?

It will be very crucial, like water is to the Pacific Ocean. Attitude will also be very important because if they do not possess the right attitude, then it might not matter. They will need the mindset to work inside the field and maintain possession this season.

Do you think having so many players can help improve your team?

That is the goal. We want to make the players coming in transition
smoothly from the junior high level to high school. Our key players will be the skill players that we have.

Who are some key returners that you will rely on this season?

Senior Clark Borjon and junior Benjamin Philo are two key players that have both been with the program since their freshmen year. They are both very versatile and can play both attacking and defensive mid for us. They are both nearing the end of their high school careers so it is important that they pass on their legacy.

How has the goalie looked and what do you expect from him this season?

We expect to have at least two keepers this season but we currently only have one in Juan Alberto Pina. Even though Pina is a junior, we would like to have another goalie ready to take the reins when Pina graduates.

 What do you think will have a big impact on Sedona’s success?

Our defense. We want to have more coherent possessions this season. In order for us to accomplish
that, we cannot just go swinging, as we will lose the ball. We will have to work the defense so that everyone in that position understands their responsibilities.

 What drills is your team practicing to better maintain possession?

We like rondo drills a lot, along with different variation of that game. We have also practiced a lot of defensive drills as well as scrimmaging.

Sedona opens its season at home on Saturday, Dec. 1, when the Scorpions host American Leadership Academy.