By John Molene

The beat is expected to go on for the very successful South Washington County Thunderbolts this fall in adapted soccer.

Last season, the Thunderbolts did what they usually do and qualified for the adapted state soccer tournament in Stillwater. In the tournament quarterfinals South Washington Country dropped a 5-2 decision to state runner-up Dakota United, then lost a squeaker in the consolation semifinals to South Suburban 4-3.

The Thunderbolts have participated in 23 state adapted soccer tournaments from 1993 to 2020, won state championships in 1997, 1998, 2014 and 2019 and have had three state runner- up finishes. “The Thunderbolts had a great soccer season last fall and are looking forward to the new season to begin,” said head coach Jeff Figlmiller who returns to his ninth season of guiding the Thunderbolts. Assistant Coaches Jim Barghini and Kelly O’Donnell are both back for another season.

Key player losses from last fall (all graduated) were Elliot Miller, goalie Allen Gillman, Sara Badeski and Lydia Osburn.

However, the Thunderbolts have several key players returning for another run, including, center Lucas Moredock, defenders Ryan Anderson and Peyton Chlebecek and Logan Yannarelly who will play both offense and defense.

Team strengths this fall should be defense and game experience by the returning players. Biggest challenge might be in finding a new goalie after the loss of steady starter Allen Gillman. The Thunderbolts also need to find more athletes who can put the ball in the goal, coach Figlmiller said.

Newcomers who can help the team are still being sorted out.

A successful fall season would include “students learning new skills and applying them to the game and students having fun playing soccer,” Figlmiller said. South Washington County opens the 2022 season Monday, Sept. 26, with a home game against North-Tartan at East Ridge High School, starting at 4:30 p.m.