After watching his team face off against Deer Park in a preseason soccer match up, it didn’t take long for Spring Woods coach Wadey Yaya to realize that this team has a good thing going. Though he graduated several key players last season, Yaya sees new fire from his young squad.

“Last year our team was based a little more on individual talent, but I think this year we are more of a unified team,” Yaya said. “As far as I am concerned, the leadership is way better this year. I think overall, I am just enjoying the camaraderie of this team. It’s going to be a pretty good season.”

That team unity helped the Tigers to a 5-0 win over Deer Park Thursday night at Grob Stadium. With a dominating win like this one was one would only believe that a coach looks for the season to be quite favorable.

But obviously Yaya saw things differently.

“I told these guys we are going to finish in fifth place,” Yaya told his players in regards to the District 19-5A standings. “Of course they looked at me like I was crazy. But I told them, if you plan on doing better you have to prove me wrong.”

As far the district is concerned, Yaya feels that Spring Branch ISD competitor Northbrook could be the top team. He also said to keep a close eye on Aldine Nimitz.

“I think Northbrook is going to be the team to beat this year,” Yaya said. “They have some great returning players. I also think Nimitz is going to be a team to watch. But in 19-5A, every team in this district will compete with us.”

In the Deer Park scrimmage, the Tigers had four scorers. Mateo Jimenez led the way with two goals. Bob Collin, Augustin Estrada, and Jaime Grajeda each chipped in one apiece.

The Tigers have a few more scrimmage/preseason games left on the schedule before they play in their first tournament on January 10. Spring Woods will open up with Bellaire, followed by Seven Lakes and Katy Taylor.
 

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