Where Do We Go From Here: After back-to-back district titles, Broncos prepare for tough new set of opponents

The McKinney Boyd boys soccer program has advanced equally in achievements and expectations the past two seasons. A year after winning the first district title in program history, the 2012 Broncos added a second consecutive 10-5A title and made it to the regional quarterfinals in the playoffs – quality accomplishments that now feel somewhat anticlimactic.

“I thought it was a good year,” said Casey Osborn, Boyd head coach. “We didn't fulfill our ultimate goal, but winning back-to-back district championships and going three rounds deep, you have to count that as a success in some ways.”

The Broncos were eliminated in heartbreaking fashion in a 2-1 shootout loss to Jesuit, and well over a month after it played out, Osborn said he was still very sour about the game. Jesuit would go on to reach the regional finals before being eliminated by Austin Westlake in a 4-0 blowout.

“When you play well and the kids do everything that you ask and it still doesn't happen, it's hard to swallow,” Osborn said. “We knew coming in that we had to have breaks and had to have things go our way, but sometimes bad things do happen to good people. You live and you learn and next year hopefully we won't put ourselves in those vulnerable situations.”

Just making the playoffs will become a little more exciting for the Broncos next year when they are joined by McKinney, Plano Senior, Plano West, Plano East and Allen in District 10-5A. Those teams pose a greater challenge than the field they squared off against the past two seasons, and the Broncos are doing what they can to prepare for a new style of soccer.

“I think it will be a more physical style of soccer as opposed to the quick, direct style that I think this last district offered,” Osborn said. “I think it will be a more possession-focused style of soccer.”

Boyd coaches will make the rounds scouting 10-5A opponents when they can during pre-district competition, but Osborn expects the most significant adjustments to take place between the two rounds of district play.

“I think across the board, top to bottom, it will be much more competitive,” he said.

Playing against an intra-city rival again will also help add excitement to the Broncos' district schedule.

“I'm looking forward to it,” Osborn said. “I think it will renew that rivalry a little bit. We didn't get to play McKinney last year, so we're looking forward to that. I think the fact that we'll be tested week in and week out will be good for the boys as well. It's going to be a brutal schedule with our district and non-district as well, so we'll definitely be battle tested by the time it goes to the playoffs, if we survive.”

The Broncos are well-prepared for the move to a tougher district, though. They'll lose just three starters to graduation this season, with the most significant departures including keepers Austin Butler and Patrick Barba, as well as Jordan Rubel, the reigning District 10-5A MVP, and Grayson McMurry.

“The program is at a pretty healthy point right now,” Osborn said. “This junior class is extremely strong. We're losing three starters and a total of 10 seniors, but we have a lot of experience coming back. The sophomore class is strong too and this is the best freshman class that I've ever been a part of. So, the future looks bright I believe for us going forward.”

Helping with the graduation of both its keepers will be the return of Boyd's entire starting back line: defenders William Wiginton, Dillon Farrell, Benny Broadway and Jared Symmank. That carryover on will help as a new keeper gets acclimated to varsity competition

In the meantime, Osborn can spend the summer mulling over the success the program has enjoyed since he took over as head coach two years ago, all while planning out how to progress further next season.

“You're always as good as your players, but they've responded well to me and I'm extremely happy here,” he said. “They work very hard for the program and there's a lot of talent here. Hopefully, with the right combination of things, we can get more success next year. Maybe get a state title back here.”

Current Rating: 0 of 0 votes!

Rate File: Select Rating: * ** *** ****

 Plano Apartments
 Plano Attorneys
 Plano Auto Dealers
 Plano Auto Parts
 Plano Auto Repair
 Plano Beauty Salons
 Plano Car Rental
 Plano Dentists
 Plano Doctors
 Plano Flowers
 Plano Hotels
 Plano Insurance
 Plano Loans
 Plano Mortgages
 Plano Movers
 Plano Pizza
 Plano Realtors
 Plano Restaurants
 Plano Storage
 Plano Tax Preparation
 Plano Travel
 Featured
 More...