The 2009 soccer season, according to long time Head Coach Greg Harper was one filled with frustration.  The Gallatin Green Wave were a group who seemingly looked good on paper and should have had the talent to progress further, but the rigors of the season took their toll and the Green and Gold soccer team did not live up to the expectations set forth by themselves and their coaching staff.  

Said Harper, “Last year, we had great practices and were able to get better as the season went along, unfortunately we just could not put it all together when it was time to step on the field to play.  It was frustrating.”  

The 2010 Gallatin High School soccer team has a bit of a different resolve.   Loaded with seniors, the Wave soccer team should see the success in which they have worked so hard to achieve during the strenuous off season.  

Eight seniors lead the way for the Green and Gold.  Ryan Lechner, James Satterfield, Kyllor DeGraff, Avery Fowler, Omar Hernandez, Bryson Holland, Sam Johnson and Cody Taylor are in charge of the leadership department for the Wave.  Harper said, “This is the biggest senior class since 2002.  They have the talent, they just have to perform.”

“Last year,” continued Harper, “Our season was a little suspect.  We could not put things together and the result was the worse season we have had since I have been here in 2001.”

Though winning throughout the season and earning a bid in the state tournament is the overall goal for the 2010 Wave, Harper says it is not their only goal. “We are looking to be competitive.  We want to be more physical this year.  We want to be a better team in each game scrimmage and practice that we have,” said Harper.  

In their first scrimmage, last Friday, the Gallatin High School soccer team traveled to Montgomery Bell Academy and were able to come away with a win.  Said Harper, “We did not have our best effort, but it did give us a bit of momentum heading into the season, and that is what we are looking for.”

“Anytime you can get a win over a team like MBA, who is always a strong team, is says good things about where you sit as a team.”  

The junior class is also a strong class filled with the type of leadership the Green and Gold searches.  Led by Zach Usery, Zach Lechner, Taylor Warren and Alex Bangean the junior class has a multitude of talent as well.

“In the scrimmage,” said Harper, “We saw a lot of good things from our juniors.  They are going to provide us with great leadership as well as the season progresses.”

The sophomore class of the Wave is strong as well.  Justin Roberts is expected to see playing time and will be a valuable asset to the Green and Gold soccer team as the season begins.  

Predictions of the season are something Harper refrained by commenting.  However, he did make reference to how he expects his team to look at the season.  “I tell the guys that we don’t look at results, we look at effort.  Our main goal is to get to the state tournament and if we have the effort then we have a good shot of getting there.”

Harper did comment on the strength of District 9-AAA as well.  “Anytime you look to make it to the state tournament, you know you have to go through Hendersonville.  We know that it is going to be tough, but we have worked hard and if we continue to do so, and continue to improve, that game will be a good one to watch.”

“We fell short a year ago.  It was something these guys want to put behind them,” concluded Harper.  

Gallatin, who started with 46 players on their roster, currently sits at 38 members.  With three scrimmages before the season opener remaining, (Mar. 4 at BGA, Mar. 9 against LaVergne and Mar. 12 against Rossview); the season is fast approaching for the 2010 Gallatin High School boys soccer team.  

The season opener is set for Mar. 19 against White House.  The season home opener is scheduled for Mar 23 with district opponent Mt. Juliet coming to Gallatin.  Each match is set to begin at 7 p.m.