Luke Myers

Chambersburg boys soccer coach Corey Grove did not mince words when he talked about his defenders.

“In my opinion, I think this could be the best back four we’ve ever had here,” Grove said. “When they were in eighth grade, in 15 games, we were undefeated and had zero goals scored against us. Now, they’re all juniors except Luke Myers, a senior, and this will be his third year starting on the varsity.”

If the defense lives up to its reputation and Grove can find some consistent goalkeeping, the Trojans have a good chance to put together another successful season in 2018.

Chambersburg opens its season Saturday at 11 a.m. at Gettysburg.

Myers plays on the right side on defense and Mikey Williams on the left, while Aaron Maynard and Caleb Gayman hold down the center. That group helped the Trojans to a 12-5-4 record last year (8-2-2 in the Mid Penn Commonwealth) and a third-place finish in District 3 Class 4A. A 2-1 loss in overtime to Ephrata kept Chambersburg one win away from qualifying for states for the first time.

Gone are several key players in the midfield and up top, but Grove believes he has the talent to replace them, and good depth.

Chuy Munoz

“I don’t see a weak part,” he said. “Whenever we make substitutions, everybody is able to bring something to the game, or bring a different dimension.

“Our biggest changes will be in the middle of the field, where we have only one returner, and we have a little bit of lack of depth in midfield.”

Tyler Luther (jr.) is the returner at midfield, and he’ll be helped by his younger brother Tanner Luther (so.), and seniors Garrick Hill and Brady Geyer.

“Tyler and Tanner work well together, and I’m hoping for a little extra from Garrick and Brady in their senior seasons,” Grove said.

On offense, Omario Duncan (sr., 7 goals last year) is the striker, Emmanuel Hewitt (sr., 2 goals) plays the left side and Chuy Munoz (sr., 3 goals, 5 assists) mans the right side.

Grove said, “We have so much pace and athleticism up top that I think we’ll score some goals.”

The coach said freshman Andrew Quach has opened some eyes at wing and will get plenty of playing time. Grove also mentioned Terrell Samuels (sr.), Dennis Alegria (sr.), Eduardo Garcia (sr.), Kenan Korkutovic (so.) and Luke Mason (so.) as key substitutes.

In goal, junior Noah Smith and sophomore Garrett Carter are currently splitting time.

If the Trojans get the kind of defense Grove expects, the midfield can hold its own and the forwards can produce some consistent scoring, Chambersburg should be able to reach the postseason.

“Every season, we want to be in the top two or three in our division, get to districts and see what can happen,” Grove said.

NOTES: Luke Myers also had 3 goals last year … The Trojans were 8-2-2 in the Commonwealth … Chambersburg has beefed up its schedule, adding perennial District 3 powers Hempfield and Gettysburg, as well as Altoona, and it also plays two-time defending PIAA champion Lower Dauphin again.