Season preview: Cajun Soccer Club

Returning this season as one of the three original clubs that has helped create what the GCPL is today, Cajun Soccer Club looks to rebound after some what of a down year last season. They may have finished their 15-16 season on a strong note but they failed to qualify for the USASA Region III National Cup for the first time in their three year existence. Missing out on their chance to represent Louisiana on a regional scale, which they’ve proven to do well.

Team Overview: Returning for Cajun SC this season are some familiar names. Brandon Briscoe and Austin Clause will once again be set to lead the attack with Seth Gary, Jesus Suarez, Holden Linn, Caleb Sutter and Jake Hebert offering support in the midfield. Leading the charge on the defensive front are Aaron Boudreaux, Tyler Albert, Grant Viviano, Robbie Romero and Mario Reyes, and between the sticks returns veteran Kevin Elston.

Questions loom over the Lafayette outfit as they enter their third season. After a strong showing in 2014-2015, the Cajuns entered their 2015-2016 campaign losing three out of their first five contest, ultimately finishing 3rd in the league table. As one of the three clubs in the GCPL that were created from a youth organization (Lafayette Youth Soccer Association), the boys in blue should have a leg up on their opponents when it comes to filtering in young talent to compliment the veterans. However, the youth involvement, or the lack their of, has put Cajun in a position to rely heavily on their older players.

Luckily for the Acadians, when healthy, the veterans tend to do their part and get the job done. Even after a bad start to their 15-16 campaign, Cajun finished their season with some strong home performances issuing BOCA FC their first loss of the season at Clark Field and forcing Motagua NO to score a late equalizer to salvage a point. Still to this day, Cajun are undefeated at home with an impressive 6-2-0 home record in league play.

The future should be seen with optimism for Cajun. Although their youth involvement could be much improved, LYSA still produces a good amount of high level prospects that could eventually find their way in to the senior team mold. Whether that is something set for the near future or not, the potential is there. For now though, Cajun will have to put their season, once again, on their veterans’ shoulders.

One to watch: Austin Clause, Attacking Mid/Forward

A Lafayette native, Austin Clause has been leading the attacking charge for Cajun since forming in 2013. In his two LPL seasons, Austin has been on the board 6 times while assisting 4. An active attacking presence for the boys in blue, the Cajun’s will need a strong year from their captain to help push them towards their first league title.