By Kyle LoJacono
The Land O’ Lakes boys soccer team got within striking distance of the ultimate goal last season — hoisting a state championship.
The Gators (0-1) went 23-4-2 and reached the final four for the third time in program history before falling 3-1 to Plantation American Heritage in the Class 3A state title game.
“It was one of the best experiences in my life,” said senior midfielder Sean Young. “I’ll never forget it. Losing is unfortunate, but to make it that far doesn’t happen very often.”
In fact, it was the first time Land O’ Lakes had made the final four since 2000. The squad lost 10 seniors two years ago and another 10 after last season, eight of which were starters.
Among the graduates are five of its top six goal scorers, including those who accounted for 108 of the Gators’ 129 tallies.
The defense, which allowed only 26 goals in 29 games last year, lost several players, including the 6-foot-2 Jake Frahm.
Mark Pearson, who is entering his 16th year coaching the Gators, said the biggest focus early on is bringing the team together.
“You’re trying to not only replace those players who graduated, but you’re looking to build the same type of chemistry that allowed you to make the final four and the championship game,” Pearson said. “Sometimes it takes a little bit of a slow start. Sometimes it starts right away. The two previous times we’ve gotten that far we graduated eight to 10 seniors, and the players who came in the following year responded and did well. I don’t see us not doing well this year. We just have to get our communication in order.”
Pearson said they are trying several things to develop team chemistry and communication, such as watching Champions League games or getting food at area restaurants after school to get to know each other off the field.
Another weapon is the program’s tradition. Land O’ Lakes has made the playoffs 14 of the last 15 years, including seven district titles the previous eight seasons.
“We have high expectations we carry from season to season, year to year,” Pearson said. “Every senior class has that same expectation to take over.”
Young, who had six goals and 18 assists last year, has been a part of those expectations since joining the varsity team as a freshman.
“It is pressure having to live up as Land O’ Lakes,” Young said. “We’re expected to win games and make the playoffs every year, but I’d rather have that then people thinking we’re going to lose.”
Senior forward Patrick Lawson (nine goals, 10 assists) said there is enough offensive talent to be as productive as last year when they put up 4.4 goals per game.
“If we put in our work we’ll get better through the year,” Lawson said. “We have a solid foundation of guys, so I believe we can keep those positions strong and still be productive.”
As explosive as the Gators were last year on offense, they have been a squad that preaches team defense since Pearson took over the program.
“Everything starts with defense,” Pearson said. “If you don’t have the ball, you can’t attack. Going forward is also a key component. We’re trying to get everything to mesh and gel in a short time. It’s a work in progress always, but I’m confident we have the talent to go far. It might not work out right away, but I’m patient.”
Senior Yanci Algarin became one of Land O’ Lakes’ starting defenders during the second half of last year. He said it will take some time for the backline to come together as a unit, but thinks it will happen.
“We didn’t have a preseason, so right now we’re still learning about the chemistry,” Algarin said. “We’re still learning what our strengths and weaknesses are. Soon we’ll get together and start playing really well. … Once we start to understand each other, our defense will be really strong. You’re going to see us start winning a lot of games really soon.”
Pearson said he will lean on players like Young, Lawson and Yanci for their experience because the Gators are very young.
“We have some freshmen on the squad this year, and they are definitely deserving to be playing varsity, so some really good players in that regard,” Pearson said. “Then we have a lot of players who’ve been waiting in the wings, and that tends to happen when you’re senior laden.”
Young is confident they will be headed in the right direction, especially because of the man guiding the squad.
“(Pearson) knows how to get us going,” Young said. “He’ll say that one thing that gets our heads in the game.”
Land O’ Lakes will play in the Class 3A-District 7 tournament at Pasco Jan. 22 to 25, with the final Jan. 25 at 7 p.m.
The Gators played at Pasco Nov. 12, but results were not available by press time. They host district rival Sunlake Nov. 14 at 7:30 p.m.
—Follow Kyle LoJacono on Twitter: @Kyle_Laker
