Manti soccer sees success in first season
By Alec Barton
4-9-08

MANTI—Competing for the first time as a sanctioned team, the Manti High School boys soccer team has exceeded expectations. The Templars are midway through the season and have already racked up an impressive 5-3 record in Region 12.
Manti faced the Richfield Wildcats on Tuesday, April 1. The heavily favored Wildcats were undefeated—until Manti came to town.
Junior Kenny Squire scored three goals to lead the Templars to a 4-3, season-defining victory over Richfield. Robert Peterson added a goal to Squire’s three.
After scoring a victory at Richfield, Manti took on the Gunnison Bulldogs the following Thursday. Defense proved to be key in this game, as the Templars held Gunnison to just one point. Peterson and Squire, Manti’s “dynamic duo,” each added a goal. Senior Eduardo Nava chipped in a point, and the Templars scored another victory, 3-1.
Manti’s talent, leadership and depth have been recognized by coaches and reporters throughout the state.
“The Deseret Morning News” recently ranked Manti fourth in the state behind three private schools: St. Joseph’s, American Leadership Academy, and Rowland Hall.
Manti appears ahead of Richfield and Grand, two schools that have performed well in Region 12.
Manti’s ability proves especially convincing considering the following setbacks: two varsity defenders were lost to graduation last year, and an injury prevented star forward Joe Kim Olson from competing this year.
As a team, the Templars have been able to handle the pressure from schools with five or more years of soccer experience. Manti looks to extend its winning streak to five this week, as it hosts the Beaver Beavers and the South Sevier Rams on Tuesday and Thursday (results not available by press time).
Region competition begins April 30.