By Al Camp
Chronicle staff

     Okanogan soccer closed out its season being blanked in two matches by the top teams in the Caribou Trail League and North Central B League.
     The Bulldogs fell to league champ Brewster 6-0 April 28 and fell 16-0 to NCW B champ Manson April 30.
     “They are playing well; we just need to put it together all in one game,” said coach Steve Kunkel. “It was a good learning season for them.”
     Kunkel fielded a largely freshmen team this year.
     Okanogan does graduate Geovani Rodriguez, who directed the team from midfield most of the year.
     Kunkel said his younger players often were at a physical disadvantage against bigger, stronger players this year.
     “Soccer has become more of a contact sport over the years,” said the coach. “There’s more volleying, fighting for the ball, challenging for the ball. Shoulder against shoulder is what it’s supposed to be. A lot of time we see an arm go up and push off. The heavier, stronger person wins.
     “As the kids grow bigger we can address that more,” said Kunkel, who said he’s also got several good junior high school players moving up next year.
     Juniors Efren Cabrera and Hen Castillo (if he remains here instead of moving to Mexico) would be the senior leaders next year, said Kunkel.
     “Coach (Jose) Limon and I are looking forward to a great season next year and the year after and the year after if this great group of guys stays together,” Kunkel said.