Prep soccer: Gonzaga Prep uses experience gained in rough 2014 to vie for district spot

Experience has been the biggest teacher for Gonzaga Prep, the surprise team in Greater Spokane League boys soccer this spring.

After going 4-8-1 last year and being picked to finish seventh this season, the Bullpups are tied for second place heading into the final week of the regular season.

“Last year we were a very young team and took some knocks, but the majority of the guys who played a lot last year are the same ones having success this season,” said Bullpups coach Matt Kinder, who still has just four seniors on his roster.

“We’ve believed all season that we had a shot to be in the top 3 in league, (and) that is still our goal and something we’ve strived for all along,” said Kinder, whose team is 5-2 in GSL play and 9-3 overall.

Wins this week over Mt. Spokane and University would guarantee a top-three finish going into district play next week.

Kinder credited his team’s overall resilience, but cited senior forward Drew Mosman for “creating opportunities for himself and teammates.”

Defensively, goalkeeper Anson Millsap and center back Jack Coomes have helped the Bullpups post four shutouts in seven GSL matches.

Corner kicks

With two matches left, Central Valley (7-0 GSL, 11-0 overall) has clinched the top spot in the District 4A tournament. The Bears get a first-round bye, then will play May 7 against the winner of a loser-out match between the fourth- and fifth-place finishers. The other five 4A schools are still alive for the postseason. … In the 3A ranks, North Central (3-6 GSL, 4-7 overall) has a two-game lead on the field for the top spot at district. … Pullman can win the Great Northern League title with wins this week over East Valley and Clarkston. … In the Northeast A League, Colville, Medical Lake and Riverside are tied for first at 5-1 with five matches left.