Rochester John Marshall had a strong hunch that it was improved in boys soccer.
The Rockets are proving themselves right early this season. Friday night JM blew past traditional Class A power Lourdes 4-1 in a non-conference game at Rochester Regional Sports Stadium.
Rockets coach Tony Birch likes what he's seeing from his team.
"I thought our possession game kept improving; we're moving the ball a lot more quickly," Birch said. "We've got pretty much the same guys as last year, but they are maturing and coming together."
Lourdes coach Tom Kane also was impressed with the Rockets.
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"JM has an excellent team, and even though we outshot them, they controlled the play," Lourdes coach Tom Kane said.
Lourdes was the state Class A champion last year. However, it graduated the bulk of its starters and stars from a year ago.
JM is now 2-0 after also having beaten Lakeville South on Thursday at JM.
The Rockets built a 2-0 first-half lead, then added two more goals in the second stanza. JM's Ayomide Adebayo had two goals and an assist. Chris Clopton and Konrad Laack each added goals.
Johnny Lawson had Lourdes' lone goal, assisted by Dany Berbari.
Ben Kellner had 11 saves in goal for JM and Daniel Schemri-Wismayer had three for Lourdes.
"Tonight the Eagles showed their inexperience," Kane said. "With many new players and players playing new positions it will be a work in progress. I am confident they will turn this around."
John Marshall 4, Lourdes 1
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John Marshall #2#2
Lourdes #0#1
John Marshall:Ayomide Adebayo 2 goals 1 assists; Brett Cornforth 1 assist; Christopher Clopton 1 goals; Drew Rindflesch 1 assist; Konrad Laack 1 goal. Goalie: Ben Kellner 11 saves.
Lourdes:Dany Berbari 1 assist; Johnny Lawson 1 goal. Goalie: Daniel Schembri-Wismayer 3 saves.
