Libby boys soccer has talented group of returners

The Daily Inter Lake

Mark Peterson, in his third season as head coach, has a talented group of returners, led by starters Ethan Hoff, a senior center-back, Tyler Lucas, a senior keeper, Austin Swartzenberger, a junior center-back, Logan LaBelle, a sophomore halfback, and Sebo Sanders, a sophomore striker.

Lucas, a three-year starter, was a center-back for the last three years. Also switching spots is Swartzenberger, who moves to center-back from the midfield.

Libby, who finished 4-6-1 a year ago, missed out on the playoffs after back-to-back trips. Gone is the team’s leading scorer — Cody Wood.

“We lost three-year all-state players,” Peterson said. “I had 10 seniors on Saturday and I started three players who never played a soccer game before. They did really well.”

His said this year’s team is pretty thin on numbers and experience.

“Just improve,” he said of what he’s looking forward to this season.

“A lot of players will get significant playing time. Just to have fun, a good time for all.”

He said Lucas, who is a team captain, had a strong outing in goal Aug. 26 in a 0-0 tie with Stevensville.

“He made nine saves on some really tough shots,” Peterson said.