Bulldogs soccer young and hungry

Coach O'Brien Byrd doesn't want to call this season a rebuilding year for the Bulldogs boys soccer team. He hates that clich.

And besides, he points out, how can a squad aiming for the state championship be in the rebuilding process?

Byrd admits his team is young and unproven. Only three starters are returning from the 2008 squad that took a 44-game winning streak and two state titles across three seasons. That team finally fell to Billings Central in a 3-2 heartbreaker at the Class A state tourney — leaving a bitter taste for the seven returning seniors.

Yet, Byrd says this version of the Bulldogs has shown it could make a run, too.

"This is kind of a young squad," he said. "They haven't played at this level before, but they are a skilled little team, they are hungry."

Another state title, Byrd said, is the team's aspiration.

He says there are a few underclassmen who will be pushing for starting positions, something he hasn't seen in a few seasons.

Matty McCrone, a sophomore from England, appears to be a solid defender that has the potential to bring an English style of play to the field that could be a big advantage.

Byrd says sophomore Casey Beiser's long stride will be an asset at the wing position while Mark Stormes, another sophomore, brings a quickness to the midfield. Stormes finished second overall in the team's fitness test this fall.

As for upperclassmen to keep an eye on, Byrd points to senior keeper Alex Whitaker. He says 2008 Bulldog all-star goalie Joe Galbraith took Whitaker under his wing in past seasons and Galbraith's positive influence is evident.

"Alex has really matured as a player and as a person," Byrd said.

Senior forward Travis Adams will most likely be a top scorer, and senior captain Matt Danczyk will lead the team at midfield.

The strength of the 'Dogs appears to be their ability to control the midfield. Byrd says he has been impressed with his players' ability to keep possession for long stretches and keep the ball moving with sharp passes.

The first match of the 2009 season is Friday against Stevensville.

Byrd is looking forward to the match to assess the 'Dogs' brute strength.

"Stevensville is traditionally a physical team," he said. "The game will be a good test for us. We'll see how our young guys respond wearing a varsity jersey for the first time."

The home game kicks off at 1 p.m.