Nova Scotia’s long-time senior men’s soccer power will have a decidedly younger look this summer.
Halifax City Coldwell Banker still has many of the veterans that helped it win five of the past six Nova Scotia Soccer League Premiership championships, such as perennial all-stars Kristin Kirincich, Mat Budreski and Brian Francis.
But this year, head coach Darrell Cormier will integrate a handful of teenagers from City’s youth system into the veteran lineup: Defenders Chris MacEachern and Josh MacIntyre and midfielders Coady Field and Stuart MacAdam.
“We have a lot of quality,” said Cormier. “Maybe we’re not as deep, but our young guys have an opportunity to step up and I see us doing some damage this year, for sure.”
It will be difficult to overcome the losses of starters Matt Britner, Christoph Barrow and Chris Coxon on the back end, but longtime City defenders Ralph Levangie, Jamie Sawler, Wayne Francis and Mark Sweetapple are there to step in.
Cormier said it’s a “good blend” of youth and experience.
“Every year’s a rebuilding year but every year you fight for a championship,” Cormier said. “With the experience we have here, we’re always in the mix for it.”
The roster of Halifax Dunbrack Bremner’s — a team that went unbeaten through 20 games before collapsing in a loss to City in the final — returns most of its key players.
“We picked the worst possible time to play our worst game of the season,” said Dunbrack head coach Alan Jazic.
“We’ll be fine (this year). Hopefully, we’ll just win the big one.”
