Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett boys soccer combats lack of depth, injuries By Jon Malavolti Most local varsity soccer teams with a full roster of 18 or so players would be able to absorb the normal aches and pains that come with every season. But there was good reason for concern when three Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett players were sidelined earlier this season with an assortment of injuries. The Knights, because of their school’s small size, have been limited to carrying 13-15 players on the varsity squad, leaving them with a very tight bench. The depth dilemma, coupled with a tough schedule of bigger schools in and out of Metro Conference play, has left Liggett with a 3-4 conference record, 7-5 overall, at press time. “We’ve certainly hit some rough patches, and a lot of that has to do with our numbers,” Liggett coach David Backhurst said. “Those injuries have been really devastating for us being a small-sized school.” Even before the Knights started feeling the affects of in-season injuries, they had to get used to a bunch of new teammates on defense — all four starting defenders graduated — and a new style of zone-oriented defensive schemes. “It’s been awhile getting the kids used to that and understanding it,” he said. And just as the players have overcome a short bench, they’ve also adjusted to the new defense and formed a solid unit, with junior goalkeeper Mark Ghafari leading the way. Backhurst called Ghafari a “natural” at his position and the “strength” of the team. On the attack, the Knights have relied on senior Jack Fisher and juniors Noah Saganski and Dan Zukas. Fisher scored 20 goals last season, and despite drawing plenty of attention from opposing defenders, is on pace to reach that total again this year. “He’s been our primary goal scorer, even though everybody knows about him this year,” Backhurst said. “He just attracts defenders. Every time I look up, he’s got at least two, maybe three, on him.” Zukas and Saganski, who both have dealt with injuries this season, rotate from midfield to forward in support of Fisher. “Those are really two quality players,” Backhurst said. And now with the playoffs around the corner, Liggett is looking to pick up where it left off last season. The Knights won their district last season before bowing out of the playoffs in a 3-1 loss to eventual state runner-up Auburn Hills Oakland Christian in the regional semifinal. “We had a really good season last year,” Backhurst said. “We were hoping to build on that season and improve. At the beginning of the season, I was very optimistic, and I continue to be optimistic.” Liggett is scheduled to open the Metro Conference tournament at 4 p.m. Oct. 2 at Hamtramck High. District playoffs for the state tournament are scheduled to begin Oct. 13. Liggett is slated to host a Division 4 district, which includes Detroit-Universal Academy, Royal Oak Shrine Catholic, Sterling Heights Parkway Christian School and Warren Macomb Christian. “We expect to win our district,” Ghafari said. “The goal from day one is to win the state championship. If we can stick to our goal and play hard every time and play with intensity, we can beat anybody.” You can reach Sports Writer Jon Malavolti at jmalavolti@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1040. |
