Tiger boys soccer numbers are down

The Mountain Home Tigers open their boys soccer season with three games at home next week.

Tiger boys soccer coach Andrew Kerr indicated that the turnout has been low so far.

"Not as we had anticipated. Not as many as last year. Last year we had about 30 to 35 at this time. Right now it's at about 20, so we're probably going to have to cut the JV team, but we'll have to wait closer to the season opener to see if we'll have enough guys to have both teams."

Coach Kerr lost some quality athletes to graduation, but with lat year's JV team winning the district JV championship, he hopes to see his team come together as the season progresses.

"Having to fill five key positions from last year's team from our seniors that graduated, a few of our kids are stepping up that are seniors now and they're really good.

"Our goal keeper coming back is probably going to be best in the district if he keeps working on it.

"A few of our other kids are stepping it up, we've just got a few holes that we've really got to fill.

"We've got some exchange students and transfer students from overseas that are getting here just before the season starts, so we're still waiting on one of them, but it should be a pretty decent team."

The Tigers open Monday at home against Caldwell, face Payette at home on Tuesday, and host Fruitland on Sept. 1.

"If the kids keep working hard, they'll do pretty well. We're still waiting for the quality to come back. With a little bit more time and a little bit more practice, we should be okay."