In the morning they started off with a six mile run and the running continued with drills, sprints and just pure hard work to get in shape for the coming season. Starting in August, the team practiced from 6am until 8am then returned again from 6pm until 8pm. Yet, they all work well together, socialize off the field, and represent an ideal of public education-the coming together of diverse persons for a common purpose. They also have kids from Bosnia, Albania, Liberia, Kosovo and Syria, that weren't raised on Malley's nor spent their formative years at Lincoln, McKinley, Grant, Madison, etc. The team has lifetime Lakewoodites, many "graduates" of the LSA, which you might have run into at Malley's or the metroparks ten years ago. They are a microcosm of Lakewood in general and LHS in particular. There's another element, at work here that makes the LHS boys soccer team special. In assessing the formula for Lakewood's success, Rabel tributes the dedication of the players' parents, who have spent what must seem like the better part of their adult lives taking kids to practice and games, and raising money, as well as the Lakewood Soccer Association (LSA), for their tireless promotion and support of soccer in Lakewood. Senior Goalkeeper Damir Kuuzovic has also emerged as a team leader and was named captain during this, his first year on the varsity. A four-year letter winner, Kunze has that special combination of talent and work ethic. Captain Scott Kunze, whose considerable talents have sparked the interest of several Division 1 colleges, has helped provide leadership. No team, no matter how talented or well coached, can thrive without leadership from its players. Senior sweeper Edison Hajdari, described by Rabel as unflappable and never intimidated, has also been vital to the Rangers success. Seniors Johny Youssef, Scott Anthony, and Scott Eifel have been key contributors with their outstanding skills and tireless work ethic. The defense is in equally good "hands" with, according to Rabel, "fearless" play from senior David Kingsbury, who has come back strong from a concussion suffered over the summer.
Junior midfielder Shayne Moravcik, an exceptional athlete that kicks for the football team and lettered in basketball last year, has been a key contributor, as has junior midfielder Veton Esati and senior midfielders Dan Toole (in his first year of high school soccer), Alex Kevedsky, and Dennis Gold. (If you go to a game, and appreciate ball-handling skills, keep your eye on these guys) Senior midfielder David Krems is also an exceptional player that has been chosen for Premier teams. His brother, sophomore midfielder Darlington Nagbe, also a superb talent, was chosen for a summer "Premier" National team reserved for outstanding players under age 15. Senior striker Joe Nagbe, the leading scorer, was chosen last summer to be on a "Premier" Regional Olympic developmental team. Of course, no coach can succeed without dedicated, talented players-of which the Rangers have no shortage. His regime has brought continuity, passion and a thorough knowledge of soccer, all important ingredients to the Rangers success. Just who are these guys, and how did they become so good? According to assistant coach Bill Rabel, Head Coach Winston Jacobs has been instrumental over his ten year tenure in transforming the program into a regional powerhouse. The Rangers posted another shutout against North Olmsted, winning 2-0 on two goals by David Krems.
That victory earned a district semifinal match against perennial power North Olmsted at Lakewood Stadium. The Rangers, seeded number one in their district, defeated a stubborn Berea Braves team 5-0 on a damp, cold night. The boys won the Lake Erie League championship for the second year in a row and started their state tournament run on Saturday, October 22nd at Lakewood Stadium. Lakewood boys' soccer has had another amazing season.
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