BY SAPNA PATHAK
Peter Bisson knows what makes a strong team. Now he has to convince his young players of it.
In his first season as head coach of Pembroke Academy’s boys soccer team, Bisson brings a new outlook to the Spartans program.
On Wednesday, Sept. 5, the Pembroke mentor watched as his squad dropped a 2-1 decision to visiting John Stark Regional High School of Weare.
“They haven’t had a lot of success in the past here, so they need to get out of that mindset,” said Bisson, a former assistant varsity and goalie coach for Central High School. “Success breeds success. Once they get that into their heads and get that first win, things will build off of each other from there.”
Against the Generals, Pembroke took an early lead when Tynan DeBold scored on an assist from Brandon Ricker. John Stark answered with its first goal two minutes into the second half, and the visitors took the lead for good 11 minutes later.
This year’s Spartans roster sports seven returning seniors, a large junior class, three sophomores and one freshman.
Juniors John Grenier and Doug Turnbull should lead the backfield attack, while junior Pat McCormick sets up the midfield offense for Pembroke.
“A lot of these kids are seeing some of the new ideas and drills I brought for the first time,” said Bisson.
“It’s one thing to do it in practice. It’s another to do it in games. And on top of that, they’re being asked to do it right. We’ve got a big group of older players and another of younger ones … a good blend.”
During preseason practices, Bisson transitioned the squad from an attack-based 4-3-3 formation to a possession-based 4-4-2 scheme. The Spartans new look allows for more ball movement and possession.
“I want them to be more patient, push the ball forward when they have an opening and make the defense defend us,” said Bisson. “We’re all getting used to each other. But when we do, hopefully … we can start turning things around.”
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The Spartans tied Laconia, 1-1, on Friday, Sept. 7, and easily defeated Bedford, 5-1 on Monday, Sept. 10.
Pembroke Academy visits 1-3-0 Fall Mountain on Friday, Sept. 14, entering that match with a 1-2-1 record.