A young roster awaits the Washington Demon boys’ soccer team this spring. First year head coach Sally Hart says she has seen an increase in the number of players out this spring, stating 25 kids are on the roster this spring compared to 17 a year ago. The Demons will have one of the more youthful teams in the Southeast Conference this season with 20 of the 25 players being sophomores or freshman.

Christian Mejia is a returning captain for the Demon soccer team, and is one of two seniors on this year’s squad. Mejia overcame injuries to play in 11 games last season as the team’s starting center midfielder. He scored five goals and assisted on three others during his junior season. Giovanni Coronell is Washington’s other returning senior. Coronell, a forward, played in all 14 games last year, depositing three shots in the net.

Washington’s three juniors are also returners from last season’s squad. Owen Horak started 14 games last season as a defender. Kyle Anderson also started 14 games last season but played multiple positions throughout the spring. Anderson, who primarily played defense, scored one goal and assisted another as a sophomore. The final junior on the squad is John Dilion, who primarily patrolled the midfield for the Demons. Dilion is also the team’s back up goalkeeper, making two saves last season.

Among the 20 underclassmen are a pair of sophomores who held starter positions last season. Thomas Zimmer returns as the team’s goalie, making 129 saves as a freshman. Anthony Torres played in 13 games last year, starting 12 as the team’s outside midfielder. Torres connected on four goals in his first varsity soccer season. Sixteen freshman are practicing this spring for the Demon boys’ soccer team.

The team is trying to fill the voids left by four graduating seniors, including Joe Smith, Khaven Wagenknecht, Jacob Baughman, and Sebastian De la Rosa Lopez. The four combined to score 13 of the Demons’ 34 goals last season.

The Washington boys’ soccer season debuts next Tuesday, traveling to Louisa County for a non-conference battle versus the Columbus Wildcats.