Brendan Mann leaps into the arms of Izaiah Vignali after scoring a 2015 goal. Mann is a returning all-state selection for the Rockets.
REYNOLDS – Brendan Mann is the man for Reynolds soccer this year.
He is at ease with that designation.
Mann won’t be thrown off if the Rockets ask their attacking midfielder to play a little time at forward. He is a former N.C. Soccer Coaches Association all-state and Citizen-Times All-WNC selection who is willing to take on whatever role the team needs.
“I really want us to have a good season,” Mann said Wednesday.
“I wouldn’t say we’re the most-talented group of guys in the world, but we’re all working really hard and the chemistry is absolutely there for this year’s team. I really feel like we can accomplish some great things. I definitely feel like I have to be a leader. It’s my team in a lot of ways and I need to step up.”
Mann put home a team-high 19 goals to go along with eight assists in 2015.
Mann is a member of the Highland Football Club’s 98 Red team in the offseason. He is still considering his college options.
Juniors Matthew Kennedy and Ben Kintner (both midfielders) are other returning All-MAC players from last year’s 19-5-1 team. Former All-MAC striker John Diavatis is finally back after missing his entire junior season due to hip surgery. Diavatis scored 12 goals and dished out five assists as a sophomore.
Senior Griffith Porter is stepping in as goalkeeper after being the backup to former All-MAC keeper Parker Johnson.
Reynolds hosted Western North Carolina soccer’s largest preseason jamboree last weekend and longtime coach Patrick Gladys liked what he saw.
“We’re going to be really, really strong,” Gladys said.
“We’ve had a good summer and the chemistry is looking pretty good.”
The first game for the Rockets is Monday at Hickory St. Stephens.
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