Lyon County boys’ soccer coach Derek McCuiston enters his fourth season in charge after a 2017 season that saw the Lyons capture their first 5th District championship in seven years with a 4-3 title-game win over Trigg County. The Lyons’ 9-9-1 record marked the first time they reached .500 during McCuiston’s tenure, with the team scoring 67 goals and allowing 58. A 5-2 loss to Webster County in the first round of the 2nd Region tournament closed the season.
Despite missing significant time for injury, sophomore Bryson Penn racked up 34 goals to lead the Lyons, tacking on 7 assists as well. However, Penn has transferred to Marshall County for his junior season, leaving a big chunk of offense for the team to replace. Also gone are five seniors, including Max Wadlington, Austin Duff and Jack Walker. Wadlington was second on the team with 10 goals and provided a physical force in the midfield, with Duff third on the team with 5 assists. Walker appeared in every game at goalkeeper, allowing 3.1 goals per outing.
Returning for the Lyons is senior Trace Adams, last year’s team leader with 15 assists. Adams also scored 10 goals and would figure to be the Lyons’ main offensive threat in 2018. Senior forward Travis Crayne will also be called upon to provide an attacking spark, after collecting a couple of goals and assists as a junior. Sophomore Clay Haines moves from the midfield to goalkeeper, joined by nine other underclassmen that will be counted on to fill holes. McCuiston has been high on his younger players in the preseason and their development throughout the season could be the key to whether they repeat as district champions.
The Lyons start the season with a trip to Dixon to face Webster County on Monday. In addition to knocking the Lyons out of the regional tournament, the Trojans also claimed a 1-0 victory in last year’s regular season.
