The Grand Island Vikings Boys Soccer program has become the model for how to build a strong Soccer program in WNY. The Vikings are the #1 ranked team Class A team in all of New York State. The ranking is well deserved as the Vikings have kept up the success of 2015 where they finished with a record of 19-2-1, making it all the way to the State semifinal game.
After losing their leading scorers in Troy Brady and Joe Kulikowski (both now playing in college), who combined for 50 goals in 2015, the Vikings have not lost a beat in 2016 with Garrett Robinson and John Griffin leading the offense. The Vikings are a perfect 9-0 overall and 7-0 in the NFL, outscoring their opponents 61-3 in 2016.
Head Coach Frank Butcher was not sure if this year’s team could live up to the 2015 team heading into 2016, “I wasn’t sure what to expect coming into this season. I thought we would be good but I wasn’t sure if we could match last year’s team” said Butcher, “These guys got a taste of winning last year and just want to keep that going. We have a lot of work to do yet but we have a lot of hard workers on the team that never give up.”
As for the overall recent success of the program, Grand Island’s top forwards attribute that to chemistry. Griffin says “We’re a family and we just work hard for each other.”
Robinson points out that the players have been playing together for a long time, “We have guys that have been playing together since 5, 6, 7 years old” said Robinson.
Robinson and Griffin both got the “taste of winning” from 2015 and have not only answered the call to replace the offensive losses, but will likely topple it as the duo have already combined for 34 goals this season. Robinson has 20 goals and 16 assists and Griffin has 14 goals and 7 assists on the year.
“Garrett just has a nose for the goal. He is always in the right spot to either score or set someone up. It is something that can’t be taught. He makes the game easier for everyone around him.” said the Head Coach, “John is lightning fast and relentless. He will not stop running until he gets the ball from the defender or scores. His work ethic is contagious and keeps us playing at a pace that most teams can’t keep up with.”
Grand Island’s goalkeeping duties are split between Lucas Robinson and Steven Pufpaff. Robinson has 2 shutouts and Pufpaff has 4 in 2016.
“They are both incredible keepers. It would be a shame to keep one of them on the bench. Unfortunately, I can only play one of them at a time. It is a great problem to have” said Butcher.
Even though both keepers are certainly good enough to get the job full time, according to Butcher there is no animosity between the two, saying “they are each other’s biggest supporters. They push each other hard in training every day and I would trust either of them in any game. They only care about the team and what they can do to make sure we keep winning.”
Everyone in Grand Island is on the same page about what the ultimate goal is for this season. “Our goal is to keep pushing, trying to get back to states,” Griffin affirmed.
Going forward Butcher wants his team to continue working hard and keep a level head throughout the season. “Our goal is to win our league because then it will place us in a good spot for our larger goal, a return to states.”
On Monday night the Vikings continue their campaign as they host the Lewiston-Porter Lancers (6-0-1, 8-0-1) at 6:30 pm in NFL action.
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