Depth, Youth Propel Tam Soccer to Strong Start

In a particularly brutal three-day stretch in its 2009 season, the Tam High soccer team simply couldn't find the back of the net, unable to score a single goal against rivals Marin Catholic and Redwood.

Lack of scoring punch hasn't been a problem so far for head coach Dustin Nygaard's squad this year, as the Red-tailed Hawks have racked up 23 goals in 9 games, including at least three goals in six of those games. Tam (6-1-2) is undefeated in North Coast Section (NCS) play, with its only loss a marathon battle with out-of-section Rocklin High of Placer County that ended 10-9 in penalty kicks in the final round of the Bay City Invitational Tournament in Santa Rosa. 

"This is the deepest team we've ever had since I've been here," said Nygaard, who took over coaching duties for in 2007. "When we go to the bench, the level doesn't drop off all that much, if at all."

That depth comes in two forms. A strong core of experienced defenders, particularly center backs Sean Wilkinson and James Gilmore and midfielders Imran Nana and Spenser LaBay, has laid the groundwork for a slew of emerging young players to flourish, Nygaard said.

"Having that core in place to show them the ropes and do all the little things so that the younger guys don't have to do too much is key," he said. "We are ahead of schedule for this time of year defensively, especially in the Bay City Invitational."

But while that experienced core is the team's foundation, its young talent has stolen the show, particularly sophomore Julien Melendez, who has scored eight goals in myriad ways. In a 3-3 tie with Drake last week, Melendez bent a free kick from 25 yards out early in the game and later took a pass from Nana and blasted a shot from the left side just inside the far right post.

"He's just one of those rare kids who has an absolute knack for scoring goals of all varieties," Nygaard said. "He's a very advanced goal scorer, and he absolutely loves the game."

Melendez hasn't been alone. Sophomore Tesfaye Paine has been on both ends of several scoring combinations with Melendez, while junior strikers Minho Kang and Ludo Nengo have platooned up front, both bringing a "big, strong presence that complements one another," Nygaard said.

Nygaard said he has been thrilled with the play of freshman left back Lucas Janetos.

"He's gotten better every game," he said. "He has a great combination of speed and tenacity, and his one-on-one defending has been fantastic."

Nygaard said he has been surprised at how quickly the team has seized on a personality and a formula for success.

"The guys are really starting to come together and we're establishing what we think our identity is going to be," he said. "We're definitely ahead of schedule."

Next up is a showdown with Marin County Athletic League (MCAL) rival Redwood, which starts a lineup laden with underclassmen and has been led so far by sophomore midfielder Jack Elton. The game is Wednesday at 4:30pm at Redwood High.