Brighton a slight favorite in Region 2 soccer

Through the first 15 games of the preseason, Region 2's six teams are undefeated, compiling a 12-0-3 record.

The region will be extremely tough, and only three teams will qualify for state. Brighton, which hasn't won a state championship recently, has been very successful in region play and looks to be the team to beat in Region 2.

For the past six years, Brighton has won the Region 2 title five times and tied for first place once. This year, the Bengals are looking for more. Senior leaders and captains Mike Nielsen and Travis Barton have been four-year starters, which is unusual in the Brighton program. Nielsen thinks this is the year the Bengals are going all the way.

Russ Boyer, the Brighton coach who has engineered much of the program's recent success, downplays goals for state championships.

"We're looking to compete for the region and the state championship," he said.

The Bengals graduated eight players from last year's squad, but there is plenty of firepower coming back. For example, at goalie, Nate Stoven and Patxi Shortsleeve have been splitting time and both are solid. Boyer says one might eventually emerge as the main keeper, but at this point, they both deserve playing time.

Tim Herzog has scored two goals so far this year but both have been off of dead-ball kicks. Herzog is known more for his defense, as are Spencer Burnside and Mike Hanna.

Boyer prefers team balance and hopes the scoring will be spread around.

"We have great guys coming off the bench," Boyer said. Playing at the center midfielder position, Nielsen sees the ball a lot and he revels in his dribbling skills.

"I like to dribble and make defenders look foolish said Nielsen, who has signed with the University of Portland.

Also in the middle, Barton likes to make things happen. "I'm the playmaker," he said, "I like to make my teammates better."

Besides having skilled players and a successful junior varsity program, Boyer said the Brighton program has been built by dedication and work.

"Our players are willing to work hard," he said.

Region 2 boys soccer

BRIGHTON BENGALS:

COACH: Russ Boyer

LAST YEAR: 11-5-2, lost in state quarterfinals.