New Macomb High boys soccer coach Kelly Ingersoll is not looking to dwell on the past.
Instead, he is looking toward the future.
The long-time senior minister at the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Macomb, Ingersoll returns to the sport he loved and played as a youth in Oklahoma.
The Bombers finished 3-16-1 last season and have a record of 17-52-4 since 2021.
“We’re excited to get started,” said Ingersoll. “I think we’re tired of kicking each others’ shins. We’re ready to go see other players and other teams and play against them.”
“We’ve got some talent,” he added. “I’d love to have a little more depth. We’ve only got 21 boys out for the team, so we’re a little shy on players.”
“I’m pleased with their work ethic,” said Ingersoll. “They’ve done everything I’ve asked them to do. They’ve worked hard and they’re just a fun group of guys.”
The Bomber defense will be anchored by juniors Harold Greene and goalie Maksim Daytner.
“How he goes, we will go,” said Ingersoll of Daytner.
Offensively, a mix of players aim to be contributors, including senior Dami Famodu, junior Kai Yoshimura, junior Carter Ingledue sophomore Nolan Kurasz and freshman Richard Tshibi.
Ingersoll noted that first week of drills focused on conditioning “That’s a first and foremost kind of issue for any soccer team,” he said. “We have to make sure we were in shape.”
Tactically, Ingersoll plans to use a 4-5-1 formation, a drastic change from the 4-3-3 the team has played in the past.
A lot of practice time has been spent implementing and learning the system, getting the boys used to a new style of soccer.
“My philosophy is that if you win the midfield, you have a chance of winning,” said Ingersoll.
“The more that you control the ball and you control the way the game is being played that happens in the midfield, then you have a better chance,” he added.
With a limited roster, Ingersoll noted that many players are going to get an opportunity to play at the varsity level.
“With only four seniors, we have a lot of sophomores and juniors that are going to play,” he said. “For some of them, it will be their first time to get a lot of varsity action.”
“It’s going to be a growing year for us,” Ingersoll added. “But I think it will be an exciting year also.”
Ingersoll stated that from day one, the mantra for the program every day is to get better as a team and as individuals.
“There’s nothing that’s unimportant that happens at practice,” said Ingersoll. “Everything leads to being able to put it together in a game.”
He stated that the players have done a good job of staying focused and being in the moment.
“They have a desire to do well,” said Ingersoll. “They don’t even know what that means. I don’t even know what that means. But they have that desire to do well and I hope that we can do the best that we can do.”
As for goals and expectations, Ingersoll is keeping the situation in perspective.
“My goal is to win the games we’re supposed to win and shock a team or two,” he said. “That would be a good season for us I think.”
But just like any other high school program, he would like to see the team make a run in regional postseason play.
“What that means, one or two wins, I have no idea,” said Ingersoll. “But we’d like to not be one and out at regional time.”
“That’s all we can expect right now I think,” he added.
Photo By Shelby Burget
