By Mike Moore
C & G Sports Writer

WEST BLOOMFIELD — There are two ways the West Bloomfield High soccer team can look at the 2008 season, one in which it finished with an impressive 14-5-1 overall record.

It was either a season of tremendous heartache or one where it put itself in position and learned along the way that it had great potential.

The 2009 Lakers are choosing the latter.

Last season’s disappointments included dropping the final game in the Beverly Hills Detroit Country Day tournament, finishing one point shy of first place in league play and falling 2-1 in districts — the game-winning goal coming with 27 seconds left in regulation.

“It’s not so much that we lost and came as close as we did last year that we’re focused on,” coach Dennis Darnoi said. “What we’re focused on is the fact we got ourselves to some good places last year, places where we had chances to do some great things. Now it’s a matter of taking that next step. Now the focus shifts to not just getting there, but finishing the job.”

“To come as close as we did in a few different things and not follow through was tough,” senior goalie Jeremy Goldman admitted. “But the past is just that. We’re worried about right now and the opportunities we have this season.”

At press time, the Lakers were off to another good start, with a 2-1-1 record and three shutouts. They again reached the final in the DCD tournament, and although they lost 2-0, Darnoi saw it as a huge step in the right direction.

“Country Day embarrassed us last year in the final,” he said of the 5-0 loss. “This year, we hung right with them. It was a very good game, a game we had some great chances in. It really showed me how far we’ve come.”

Talk to Darnoi, or any of his players for that matter, and it’s more than obvious that the team is certainly not lacking confidence.

“We feel like we can win a lot more than last year,” junior Uriah Polley said. “This is a great group of guys. The veterans understand what’s at stake, and the younger guys have mixed in real well.”

“These guys are loaded with confidence,” Darnoi laughed. “The key for us is consistency.”

When asked about specific goals, Darnoi was quick to answer.

“Similar to last year,” he said. “We want to be in the hunt for that (Oakland Activities Association White Division) title.

“It’s going to be tougher with the way things were realigned, but to be in that hunt again and have a chance to come out on top is what we believe in. After that, we’ll focus on districts and trying to get some of these guys their first win in the playoffs ever.”

You can reach Sports Writer Mike Moore at mmoore@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1038.