Gators return just 4 starters from 2014 Carolina 1A title team

By Rudy Coggins
Published in Sports on August 19, 2015 1:48 PM

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rcoggins@newsargus.com

SEVEN SPRINGS -- Despite having five different coaches guide its boys' soccer program since 2006, Spring Creek has managed to develop a dynasty in "The Swamp."

The Gators have won seven of nine Carolina 1-A Conference regular-season championships during that stretch.

Getting No. 8 might be a little more difficult.

Just four starters return -- Noah Avila, David Ortiz, Omar Ponce and Ulises Vega. Avila and Ortiz combined for nine goals and 10 assists in 2014.

The other 70 percent of the team's offense, or close to it, graduated. The most-notable loss is Otto Binar, who punched in an area-leading 47 goals and was selected to play in the N.C. Coaches Association East-West All-Star Game.

SC also begins a new coaching era, too.

Carlos Borda, who constructed a strong middle school program and directed the girls' team last season, is head coach number six. He replaces Linda Salter, who announced her departure after a season-ending, third-round playoff loss at East Carteret a year ago.

The transition has been smooth.

"Most of them played together in middle school when I coached them, so they pretty much know what kind of play I like and what our objectives are during the season," Borda said.

"They are eager to play and show their potential. They're good listeners and believe in what we're doing."

Borda started preseason workouts on July 27. When official practice began the following week, he held four days of tryouts. Prospective players participated in physical and technical conditioning sessions designed to help their personal skills, but also teach the importance of team play.

Every player seems to have "bought in" to Borda's philosophy.

"I'm not going to depend on a particular player. It depends on the whole team and that is what I'm working on," he said. "If they don't (want to) play for the team, I don't want them."

Opponents may be surprised to see the Gators play a more technical style on the pitch this season. Borda prefers a ball-possession strategy that should enable his team to control the tempo.

If SC is successful knocking the ball around and stretching the defense, then its ability to create and attack should lead to goal-scoring chances. The Gators led the Carolina Conference in goal-scoring and goals-against average last season.

Borda isn't quite sure his team will duplicate 2014 and hopes it doesn't feel the pressure associated with the program's overall success. The Gators are 92-24-3 at home since 2008, including a 25-1-3 worksheet over the past three years.

"They are very ambitious and talented, which is good, but I also know that this is a very young team," Borda said. "We are going to give our best to defend our championship. We have clear goals this season.

"I believe in the guys' potential."