Rochester Hills

Most successful season in D-1 ends in regional semi for Stoney soccer

By Mike Moore
C & G Sports Writer

» click to enlarge « Photo by Patricia O’Blenes Scott Alampi (10) celebrates his first-half goal with Austin Arnold during a regional semifinal. The Cougars dropped the game 5-3 in overtime. Photo by Patricia O’Blenes Scott Alampi (10) celebrates his first-half goal with Austin Arnold during a regional semifinal. The Cougars dropped the game 5-3 in overtime.

They survived play in the Oakland Activities Association Red Division, considered by some the toughest division in high school soccer.

Come playoff time, the guys at Rochester Hills Stoney Creek emerged as the champs from the Rochester High district, considered by many, the toughest district in high school soccer.

So, as he was asked to look back on the season following a 5-3 overtime loss in the regional semifinals, coach Adam Bican had little to complain about.

“We were unbeaten at home. This is the furthest Stoney has gone in Division 1. This was an awesome group of guys that left their stamp on this program,” Bican said. “They came out with a blue-collar effort and strived to get better every day. What else can you ask?”

Stoney led 3-1 with 20 minutes remaining against Grand Blanc High in the Oct. 23 regional semi. But the Bobcats came back with two goals in regulation, including the equalizer with 1:15 remaining, then scored twice in the overtime to take the win.

“You can’t allow as many chances as we did,” Bican admitted.

Still, when asked about this group and why his guys were able to do what they did, he was quick to answer.

“In the preseason, you saw the work ethic, you saw the conditioning and weight lifting program these guys committed to,” he said. “This was a group that wanted to get better and wanted to challenge themselves. They did that.”

Moving forward, they will likely influence teams to come, as well.

“A season like this has to raise expectations,” Bican said. “Anyone coming in has some pretty big shoes to fill. We’ll be very young next year, but the bar has been set very high.”

Lancers’ last stand
Auburn Hills Oakland Christian had its season come to a close Oct. 27 in a 2-1 setback to Genesee Christian in a D-4 regional final.

The Lancers defeated Harbor Beach 2-1 in the regional semifinal.

You can reach C & G Sports Writer Mike Moore at mmoore@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1038. Follow Mike on Twitter.