Demon, Hawk boys? soccer capsules

When IMS takes the pitch against Solon on Thursday evening, it will mark the beginning of a new regular season for area soccer teams.

Last year, the Columbus boys? team made big noise, nearly earning its second-straight state tournament berth, but fell one game short in the playoffs.

This year, there are many area teams gunning for a trip to state, and with a new season, there is new hope around.

Washington

2015 recap: Last year the Demons struggled, going 3-11, but there was some reason for optimism after the season.

After opening up the year with a 2-0 victory against the 2014 state runners-up, the Demons only won two more games the rest of the year, and were swept in conference action, only scoring 2.1 goals per game against conference opponents.

2016 outlook: A new head coach, Sally Hart, at the helm could help jumpstart the Demons, who claimed a share of the conference title two seasons ago.

A big reason for optimism was the tightness of some of the Demons? games a year ago.

Of the 11 losses Washington suffered, six came by two goals or fewer. Washington also is penciled in to return four of its top six goal scorers from a season ago, led by sophomore Andres Gutierrez? six goals.

Washington also figures to return its top goalkeeper from a season ago, Thomas Zimmer, who logged 807 minutes in net, allowing 3.1 goals per game.

Washington will open its year at Columbus on Monday.

A full preview of the Demons? season can be found in Friday?s issue of The Journal.

Mid-Prairie

2015 recap: Looking to rebuild from a senior-laden team that finished second at state in 2014, the Hawks couldn?t get a good rhythm going until late in the season.

Mid-Prairie traded games throughout the early portion of the season, before rattling off a three-game winning streak near the end of the season. The Hawks dropped the last two games of the year, ending the season at 8-9.

2016 outlook:

Mid-Prairie?s 2015 year was all about giving its players experience, and the Golden Hawks are hoping it pays off this year.

The Golden Hawks lose their top three goal scorers from a season ago, and will rely on strong goaltending to lead their attack.

Junior Nathan Reed logged nearly every varsity minute in net for Mid-Prairie, making 96 saves and allowing 2.1 goals per game.

Junior Ryan Harapat is the team?s top returning shooter, having posted 19 shots last year, converting two of those into goals. He also went 1-for-2 in penalty kicks.

The Hawks will open their season against Clear Creek-Amana on Tuesday.