Soccer
The 2011 varsity soccer team place high expectations on themselves as they try to claim another district title…which has eluded them since 2008 when the team reached the state finals and lost in a shoot-out. The soccer program had success, reaching the state finals twice in the past six years and claiming three district titles during that same span of time.
Five returning seniors expect to lead the talented 2011 squad. They are joined by five returning sophomores and seven highly experienced freshmen. The Cougar’s standard 4-4-2 formation is anchored in goal by senior Dylan Elkins. The back line field general sweeper is senior, all state selection, Adam Williams with sophomore Trevor Howard, Bryan West and freshman Aeriel Horton sharing the stopper role. Outside backs are sophomores Colton Hood, Evan Conrad, Alex Middleton, Aisha Abuga and freshman Brian Clark. Senior Shane Holley will hold down the defensive midfield duties with senior all-state selection Alex Powers fueling the midfield attack. Outside midfielders are senior Dylan Vu, with freshmen Ian Wright and Andrew Arias sharing time. Up top, the Cougar forwards are talented freshmen Ryan Puente and Garrett Henson filling the boots of all-state forward Tyler Mathis.
This is Eric Pearle’s first season as head coach for the Canterbury soccer program. Eric has an extensive soccer resume which includes playing on the championship school and club teams for Richardson High School and The Texas Longhorns Soccer Club. Eric played collegiate soccer at the University of Texas in Austin. While with the Longhorns he played a stint in England and had the chance to meet the legendary Pele on the field. Eric also had the opportunity to practice and play with members of the NASL team, The Dallas Tornados. He founded a men’s Austin city league team that went on to win a state championship.
Varsity and Middle School Coach: Eric Pearle, e-mail Coach Pearle at PearleE@TheCanterburySchool.org