As their third season in the Canadian Soccer League approaches, the FC Whitehorse Freezers are looking to take a big step forward. President Jaheem Byam stressed in a recent interview the need for progress. "Success in this league is determined by your ability to progress year over year" said Byam. "For this year, we are looking to become a mid-table side. It's not going to be easy. This league is full of teams that are pushing to be in the top half at least. But, we can't keep spinning our wheels. Our fans expect more, and we really have to deliver."
Manager Raley Treffle acknowledged the pressure to succeed, but felt that pressure was on him. "The players don't need to be reminded about the need to win" said Treffle. "They're professional athletes. They have been succeeding at every level in this sport up to this level. That ultimately falls at my feet. We have put a team together that we feel really good about. Now, we need to work to get everything to gel as a team."
The Freezers have made a tactical change this season, moving into a 4-3-3. Raley Treffle noted that the formation fit the team better. "We have a lot of strength up front, so we really need to take advantage of that" said Treffle. "I like the 4-3-3. It's a bit risk reward. It's like trying to write a movie soundtrack in your underwear: you have a good chance to score, but have to be careful not to get caught with your pants down."
FC Whitehorse will likely alter their lineup a lot this year, but are expected to go into their first match with these starters:
In net, 18 year old Zako Schmit takes the reigns from Zavala this year as the starting goalkeeper. Zavala remains here and will compete for the backup job with Rubinho. The defensive corps largely remains in tact, with Letour moving to center back to join Nunez, and De Melisco as the new left back opposite Sabido. Newly acquired Daniel Fuertes will join Gabiro Rezusta as the substitutes in the back. Captain Johan Nix will anchor the midfield flanked by Rentería and Rivas. With the departure of Serginho, Dylon Lemaitre becomes the first choice substitute in midfield. Josemisco will move outside to the wing this year, joined up front by transfer acquisitions Angel Piña at striker and Timothy Brett at right wing. Rókus Bencsik has been demoted to a substitute role joining Marthaldo on the bench.
In the post-match press conference after Whitehorse's 6-1 exhibition win over Belgian club S.V. Red Star, Johan Nix praised his team's work during training camp. "It was amazing to see that everyone showed up ready to go" said Nix. "The new guys came in and I feel like we all gelled really quickly. The goal for this season is to play everyone competitively, and I think we are in a position where we can do that."
The Freezers will have their work cut out for them as they open their season on the road against the 5 time reigning champs Molly's Migrant Monarchs.
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