Upper Perkiomen's boys soccer team tasted playoff success at the end of last season. Now the team is looking to add to it post-season accomplishments. The Indians, who return 10 letter winners, expect to contend for the Liberty Division title

Junior forward Cole Kendra heads a ball in practice.  The team will see action on Friday and Saturday at the Lynx Classic in Oley.

and qualify for the Pioneer Athletic Conference playoffs.

            "I think the players we have are ready to take on the responsibility of contending for our division," head coach Kyle Fisher said. "I expect them to mentally prepared to do that. By no means will it be easy."

            Upper Perkiomen, which opens its season with two games in the Oley Valley Lynx Classic on Aug. 30-31 before kicking off its conference slate Sept. 4 at home against Pope John Paul II, likely won't be able to fly under the radar after last season's milestone win. The team posted a 1-0 victory over host Pottsgrove in the District One Class 3A playoffs in October. Michael Fisher delivered the only score during penalty kicks.

            The coach expects the Falcons and Phoenxiville to provide its toughest competition in the division. He said the competition will likely be challenging.

            "We're not going to sneak up on anybody," Fisher said.

            On the field, the Indians will be led by a sextet of seniors that includes goalkeeper Patrick McHale, midfielders Bryce Lesko, Dean Miller, and Austin Dunar; and forwards Joe McMichael, and Mason Powers. The junior class will feature defenders Jack Cupitt, Michael Fisher, forwards Cole Kendra, Kyle Shemeley and midfielder Lucas Carpenter. 

            Keaton Durning, a junior, and David Schwab, a sophomore – each of whom received significant playing time last season – are expected to contribute, according to Kyle Fisher.

            "I think our players we have some good club experience," the coach said. "They have competed and won some big tournaments."

            A relatively large group of ninth graders, most of who grew up in the Valley Soccer Club, helped balloon the number of players on the varsity and JV teams to 35. According to Kyle Fisher, a few cuts were made to get to that number.

            "We have some skilled players and some really hard players in that group," he said. "I'm very excited a about the ninth graders. Along with a solid group of sophomores, they will allow us to maintain a good program."

            Over the weekend, the Indians scrimmaged four teams from District Three. According to the coach, they went 2-1-1 against Lebanon, Pequea Valley, Octorara and Kennard-Dale, a Class 3A qualifier last season.

            "Not bad," Kyle Fisher wrote in a text. "But lots to work on."

            This weekend, the team will face Oley Valley and Daniel Boone in the Lynx Tournament.