Expectations high as Grace Christian soccer looks to defend VACA title

STAUNTON — Grace Christian boys soccer is coming off one of the best seasons ever. The Warriors were back-to-back VACA League champions and made it to the semifinals of the D3 VISAA tournament a year ago, eventually losing to Trinity at Prairie View in double overtime. The team finished 16-3-4.

Grace graduated seven seniors which included Nolan Brown (19 goals, VISAA All-state and VACA player of the year), Sam Lum (15 goals) and goaltender Trevor Schwartz with a GAA of .75 per game.  Brown will continue his soccer career at Covenant College while Schwartz will stay local and play for Mary Baldwin University.

"Needless to say, last season will be tough to top as we enter into this year's fall campaign," said Grace Christian coach Mike Mallory.

Aiden Weaber and Patrick Wells are two key returning defensive players that anchor the squad in back.

"They are strong defensively but also provide quite a bit of offensive support pushing forward," Mallory said. "Each had three goals last season and will need to provide even more firepower if we are expected to make a deep run this year."

Central midfielder Micah Erdman played a great supporting role to Brown last year but the coach said he will need to provide more control, composure and creativity as he steps into that lead midfield role this season.

The Warriors currently have two players training as keepers: returning player Clark Wells and freshman Caleb Roes.  Both will get significant time in net, Mallory said.

Returning winger Nate Erdman along with newcomers Abe Hochstetler and Caleb Cashion are all seniors that will provide "just a bit of maturity to the squad," Mallory said. The coach believes Hochstetler and Cashion, despite being new to the team, will have an immediate impact with their speed and physicality.

"I am excited about the eight rising freshmen that will be on the field this year," Mallory said. "Anderson Weaber played both middle school and varsity last year and was a solid contributor on both squads. Along with Anderson, I see Zeke Fitgerald, Abe Kirkorian, and Jon Ratigan having significant roles on the team and I have already challenged them to play older and stronger than they really are."

This will be the Warriors first season on the new field at Cedar Green where the former Beverley Manor Elementary School was located. Grace Christian is converting the building into its future home

"It was a great venue for the girls last spring and we are looking forward to defending our home turf this fall," Mallory said.

The coach said he believes the team is in good shape to defend its VACA title.

"Our stretch goal would be to qualify for VISAA D3 again and we have scheduled quality competition throughout the season to challenge and strengthen the team," Mallory said. "Our upcoming early games against North Cross and EMHS will be a great first test to see where we're at and where improvements need to be made."

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Grace Christian boys soccer 2024 schedule

• 8/27 at North Cross
• 8/29 at Eastern Mennonite
• 9/3 at Blue Ridge Christian
• 9/6 at New Covenant
• 9/9 at United Christian Academy
• 9/12 Blue Ridge Christian
• 9/17 Boys Home of Virginia
• 9/19 at Grace Christian School — Mechanicsville
• 9/23 at Timberlake Christian
• 9/26 Regents
• 9/30 at Roanoke Valley Christian
• 10/4 at Virginia Episcopal School
• 10/11 Fresta Valley Christian

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— Patrick Hite is a reporter at The News Leader. Story ideas and tips always welcome. Connect with Patrick (he/him/his) at phite@newsleader.com and on Instagram @hitepatrick . Subscribe to us at newsleader.com

This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Expectations high as Grace Christian soccer looks to defend VACA title