Proving grounds

By Jon Malavolti
C & G Sports Writer

Photos by Deb Jacques Harrison Township L’Anse Creuse freshman Nick Badalamenti (10) looks upfield during the  Aug. 23 season opener.

New coach takes over optimistic L’Anse Creuse soccer

The Harrison Township L’Anse Creuse boys soccer program may have a new leader, but the Lancers retain the same goals.

Bryan Mittelstadt took over varsity coaching duties from William McLellan II, who led the program in a rebuilding mode the past two seasons.

Mittelstadt plans to continue overseeing the Lancers’ rise through the Macomb Area Conference ranks.

First things first, L’Anse Creuse wants to compete for the MAC Blue title.

“We’re trying to shoot for the MAC Blue championship — something I think we can obtain,” the new coach said. “Overall, we just want to compete. … We just want to show we can play.”

Division play gets under way when the Lancers host Warren Cousino at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 8. Mittelstadt noted that the Patriots, runners-up in the division last year, are a serious obstacle en route to the title, along with Macomb Dakota. Madison Heights Lamphere, Port Huron High, St. Clair Shores Lakeview and Warren Mott make up the rest of the division. Sterling Heights High, last year’s league champ, moved into the MAC White.

“There are some strong teams. I think it’ll be tough, but we’re definitely going out and trying to compete,” Mittelstadt said.

The Lancers finished 3-8-1 and in fifth place of the division last year, but went a solid 9-9-1 overall and won a playoff game. Two seasons ago, they went 1-9-2 in the league and 2-13-3 overall. The new coach is hoping to build on the momentum made by the former coach.

“We should have a strong team,” Mittelstadt said. “Coach McLellan did a good job getting these guys prepped. It takes awhile to become a soccer school and put yourself on the map.”

The coach listed leadership, solid defense, creative playmakers, size and speed as strengths of the veteran squad.

“I’m pleased that the kids work extremely hard,” he added. “They want to play.”

You can reach C & G Sports Writer Jon Malavolti at jmalavolti@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1040.