FHS girls soccer outlook, boys soccer players to watch

With the return to school, the fall sports season resumes and Hockomock Sports has posted their Kelly-Rex Division outlook for girls soccer and the top players to watch for boys soccer.

FRANKLIN

2015 Record: 17-1-2 (Kelley-Rex Division Champions)
2015 Finish: Reached D1 South Quarterfinal
Coach: Tom Geysen

"The Class of 2016 won a state title, two Div. 1 South titles, went to three straight South finals, and won the Kelley-Rex division four times. That is quite a legacy for the program and, while he has a number of new faces to try and incorporate into the lineup, head coach Tom Geysen is confident that this year’s Panthers will be team to contend with by the end of the season. 

One reason for optimism is the combination of sophomore Halle Atkinson and junior Jess Krouschl up front (once Kroushl comes back from a niggling injury). Both players saw time in the attack last season and showed the potential to be a strong pairing with one as the forward or playing as the wings. The forwards will be helped by energetic midfielders Molly Duncan and Ellie Teixeira, two more players who saw plenty of playing time down the stretch in 2015. 

Defensively, Franklin returns one half of its back four. Nadia Havens will continue as an outside back, while Abby Gibson, who stepped in to have a strong season on the outside last fall, will move in as one of the centerbacks. Junior Kat Robbins will take over from Dani Lonati between the pipes. 

Geysen said, “We’re thin and we’re green…It’s a work in progress. But, by the end of the season I think we’ll give people a test.”

Find out about all the other teams in the Kelly-Rex girls division
https://hockomocksports.com/2016-kelley-rex-girls-soccer-preview/

FHS Panthers

HATIM BRAHIMI, SENIOR – FRANKLIN

"The Panthers have a lot of new pieces in the lineup this season but Hatim Brahimi’s presence in the midfield will help make that transition easier. Speaking of transition, Brahimi is one of the best in helping a team move from defense into an attack. He’s solid with the ball at his feet and is able to spring teammates into open space. If a teammate is making a run into the final third, expect Brahimi to be able to deliver, whether it be on the ground or in the air, and even in the tightest of spaces. He’s confident with the ball at his feet and takes his time in the midfield, without forcing things. In the final third, Brahimi can be a tough to deal with because of his ability to find teammates or finish himself."

Read about the other players to watch for boys soccer
https://hockomocksports.com/boys-soccer-ten-players-to-watch-in-2016/