Knocking off the rust

Published 8:00 am Wednesday, March 13, 2002

Thank goodness for the preseason.

Based on what they learned during four 25-minute soccer games Saturday afternoon, Falcon soccer players should be ready to play their best ball next weekend when they open their 2002 season against Lynden Christian. The games, which were part of a non-conference jamboree, were the first real taste of competition the retooled South Whidbey boys have seen this year, and the first real test of a number of new players.

In games against O’Dea and Port Townsend, the Falcon varsity split a pair on Waterman Field. The junior varsity did the same, but against Jackson and Port Townsend.

The games, which were played under standard rules and with officials on the field, were still informal enough for the teams participating to forget about making goals and concentrate on making plays.

“It’s not a matter of scoring,” said Falcon Coach Mark Helpenstell, who made several adjustments to his varsity lineup after Saturday’s action.

The team tried out some new players — like freshmen Ben Walker and Kevin Dunigan — and broke in some rusty ones, like senior walkon George Spivakov. In his first time on the field as a Falcon, Spivakov took enough sideline directions from veteran player Isaiah Murphy during the jamboree to impress Helpenstell with his defensive ability.

“He’s going to fit in nicely,” Helpenstell said.

In the JV games, Falcon coaches saw the team’s future. Freshman Duncan Adams put in two goals in 10 minutes during the day’s first game. The burst of offense comes after Adams spent several years as a defenseman and goalkeeper.

“It’s nice to see him up there finding the net,” Helpenstell said.

After Saturday’s game, the Falcons return to South Whidbey Monday for their season home opener. JV action starts at 3:30 p.m. at the South Whidbey Community Park. The varsity team plays at 5:30 p.m. at Waterman Field.