Plano East’s Kolby Lee (7) dribbles through the middle of the field during a Jan. 13 boys soccer game at Princeton. Photo by Jerry Winfrey / C&S Media
By David Wolman
Heartbreak has defined the past two seasons for Plano East’s boys soccer team.
The Panthers’ large senior class — 22 strong — has led the program to 15 wins over the past two years, but each season ended one victory shy of a playoff berth.
As Plano East looks to reverse its late-season fortunes, the Panthers will turn to a familiar face. Justin Bailey, who served as a varsity assistant for the Plano East girls team last season when it clinched its first playoff berth in 15 years, returns to the boys program as head coach after previously serving as an assistant two years ago.
“It has been has been 8-9 years since a playoff appearance here at Plano East,” he said. “They are fueled by the heartbreak from previous years. The success the boys saw me have with the girls last year, and the system I have put in place have us ready to take the next step.”
Graduated alum Logan Potter carried much of the scoring load last season, but Bailey expects a more balanced attack this year. Sophomore forward Larkin Ma-hain is a scoring threat.
The Panthers’ midfield is anchored by experience, with seniors Myles Dennis, Ian Torres and Jackson Young — all club teammates — expected to play key roles.
Junior center back Esdras Mercado, a three-year varsity starter, anchors the back line. Sophomore defender Joshy Fonseca is a promising underclassman to watch. Senior Luca Cortesano, one of three team captains along with Dennis and Rocha, returns as a defender/midfielder.