Roseville

Panthers, Thursam wrapping up stellar season

By Jason Carmel Davis
C & G Sports Writer

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ROSEVILLE — With four games remaining in the regular season, the Roseville High boys soccer team had some definite goals that it wanted to accomplish.

As a team, the Panthers were 11-1-2 overall, 7-0-1 in the Macomb Area Conference Gold Division, and in line to win their first division title since 2005.

“We’ve worked hard and played tough all year,” Roseville coach Ron Baller said. “We started strong and kept it up, and that’s why we’re where we’re at today.”

Individually, senior forward Christian Thursam is putting the wraps on a stellar career. After pouring in 13 goals last season, Thursam sat at 20 prior to the team’s Oct. 1 game, one goal shy of matching the school scoring record, which was set in the mid-90s, according to Baller.

“It’d be an honor to set the record,” Thursam said. “Knowing all the great players who’ve come through the Roseville program, being at the top of the goal-scoring list and (setting the record) would mean a lot to me.”

Even though he’s on the cusp of Roseville soccer history, Thursam has some perspective. Yes, he wants to break the record, but it’s not the end of the world if he doesn’t.

“We’re having a great season,” Thursam said. “I know I’ve made my mark on the program and helped the school in my time on varsity. Even if I fall short, I know what I’ve done and what the team’s done.”

Thursam, who also wrestles at Roseville, is a three-year member of the varsity team, and he definitely has a knack for knocking in goals.

“He had a good year last year, but this year, when we first started working out, was when we found (Thursam) really had a knack for scoring goals,” Baller said. “He just finds a way to get the ball in the net.”

Baller added that his senior captain seems very focused this season.

“Being my senior season, I wanted to play well,” Thursam said. “Just working out a lot in the offseason and since the season’s started has helped out a lot.”

The Roseville coach said Thursam’s size plays a role in his scoring prowess.

“He wrestles, so he’s a small, strong, quick guy,” Baller said. “That helps him to get behind the defense, and he’s obviously good at putting the ball in goal.”

Thursam said Panthers midfielders play a role in him getting so many goals and scoring opportunities.

“It’s a team game,” Thursam said. “I know I’m scoring the goals, but I wouldn’t be able to do that without my teammates.”

Roseville next has a pivotal MAC Gold showdown with Clawson, set for 6 p.m. Oct. 3 at Clawson.

You can reach C & G Sports Writer Jason Carmel Davis at jdavis@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1107. Follow Jason Carmel on Twitter.