Blue Devils look to be patient, yet aggressive in attacking third to generate more offense

QUINCY — While watching his older brothers enjoy stellar high school soccer careers, Carter Venvertloh dreamed of the moment he’d be front and center in Quincy High School’s attack.

That time is now.

A four-year varsity player who was an Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association all-sectional selection as a junior, Venvertloh has watched the Blue Devils progress offensively to the point he believes they will be as potent as any team he’s played on.

“Our attacking half is so amazing right now,” Venvertloh said. “We have so much speed and experience that we’re going to bring in goals right and left.”

Couple that with Nolan Fleer anchoring a rock-solid defense and this season might live up to the dreams Venvertloh had as a kid.

“It keeps getting better every single year,” said Venvertloh, whose brothers were both all-state selections as seniors — Zach in 2008 and Ethan in 2010. “This year I think is going to be amazing.”

The reason for optimism is the continued improvement of the attack.

“Defensively, we’ve been there,” said QHS coach Ron Bridal, whose team finished 11-9-3 last season. “What we’ve talked about is we have to score more goals. The pieces are in place, and the style will be there this year to allow us to get behind defenders and create the opportunities and finish those goals.”

That takes patience and tenacity.

Venvertloh, who had 13 goals and nine assists as a junior, sees that coming.

“It has to be about being patient on the ball,” Venvertloh said. “We create so many opportunities, but some of them aren’t the best. If we keep our patience and create strong opportunities, we can capitalize on this.”

The 1-1 tie with Quincy Notre Dame last fall is the perfect example of patience leading to good results. Boen Brockmiller scored in the 65th minute to tie the game on a scenario in which the Blue Devils held possession, built the attack and capitalized on Brockmiller’s run up the right wing.

Brockmiller returns as a key piece to the attack and is one of six seniors on the roster and will need to be aggressive and opportunistic like everyone else.

“We have to score goals,” said Bridal, whose team opens the season August 23 at Rock Island Alleman. “I’ve been saying that since last year. For us to be able to do that, our ability to combine with our forwards and getting them behind the back line is something we have to do on a more consistent basis. We have to get the ball in front of the net and finish those opportunities.”

The offense can afford to be patient in search of those opportunities with a defense to back it up.

Fleer returns as a center back and team captain, giving the defense a vocal presence.

“We have a leader back there in Nolan Fleer,” Venvertloh said.

Bridal agrees.

“You couldn’t ask for much better back there, and I don’t think there really is,” Bridal said. “If you’re talking about him technically or tactically or his leadership, he’s an anchor.”

Junior goalkeeper Lucas Shepherd takes over between the pipes and is an adept shot stopper. His ability to control the box and move the ball should improve with the addition of former QHS goalkeeper Zach Sutherland as the Blue Devils’ goalie coach.

“He’s really giving those guys the individual attention they need,” Bridal said. “I think you’ll see, like in the past, goalkeeping is a place that will be solid.”

Left to right and front to back, the Blue Devils expect to rely on their defense.

“The building blocks are there,” Bridal said. “Over the next two weeks, we have to work on our defensive organization and responsibilities. By that first game, we’ll be ready.”

Certain intangibles, like the ability to work together cohesively, make that possible.

“I like the camaraderie,” Venvertloh said. “It’s a fun atmosphere every day.”

It should get the Blue Devils off on the right foot.

“The positive energy they bring on a daily basis is key, and I think that comes from the senior leadership,” Bridal said. “That’s contagious. Trying to promote a positive and competitive environment with this group.”