Walled Lake Western’s experience and new arrivals set the tone
- Jonathan Turner
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com
WALLED LAKE, Mich. — With 15 returners and 9 of 11 starters back, Walled Lake Western enters the new Division 2 season expecting a sharp step forward in the Lakes Valley Conference. The Warriors finished 7-11-3 last year, placed 7th in the LVC, and reached the District Final—and they believe this group can exceed even the program’s 2023 mark of 12-3-3.
2024 Snapshot
Record: 7-11-3
Conference: Lakes Valley Conference — 7th
Postseason: District finalists
2025 Outlook
Western touts one of its most seasoned rosters in recent years—many with 3–4 years of varsity experience—and a new tactical approach built on high intensity and front-foot pressure. Two notable additions raise the ceiling: a Ukrainian goalkeeper and a Venezuelan midfielder, both with national-league experience in their home countries.
Key Returners
Bernardo Amador, F — Honorable-mention selection; direct runner and finishing threat.
George Rumija, MF — Honorable-mention midfielder; tempo-setter and ball-winner.
Aiden Menning — Veteran presence who adds stability and leadership across lines.
Newcomers to Know
Ukrainian GK — Shot-stopping pedigree and command of the box should stabilize the back line.
Venezuelan MF — Composed on the ball; expected to link play and raise the midfield’s technical level.
What to Watch
Tactical evolution: How quickly the squad adapts to a more aggressive, high-tempo identity.
Integration of internationals: Blending new spine pieces with an experienced core.
Close-game margins: Turning last year’s tight results into points in the LVC grind.
Bottom Line
Depth, experience, and impact newcomers give Walled Lake Western a real shot to climb the LVC table and push beyond last year’s District Final. With a hardened core and a high-intensity game model, the Warriors look built for meaningful late-season soccer.
ush—even as new faces settle into key roles.
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