An original member of the GCPL, the Pool Boys formed in March of 2014 as an extension of Alexandria youth organization, Crossroads Soccer Association. Representing Louisiana on multiple occasions on a regional level, the Pool Boys enter their third season with high ambitions to push for their first league title.
Team overview: A few familiar names resurface this season for the Pool Boys. Up front Dril Mboungou and Robert Weeks should lead the attack along with California native, Harrison Houle. In the midfield Brazilain brothers, Luiz and Julio Martins, along with former Louisiana College product, Zach White, are predicted to lead the charge. On the defensive front, third year veteran for the Pool Boys, Peter McLean, returns along with some new faces, Brian Okpala, Jorge Ortega and Martin Iddon.
Alexandria, Louisiana is home to two of the three men’s college soccer programs in Louisiana. In a city that is more well known for producing baseball and american football players, the two programs (Louisiana College and LSU of Alexandria) have brought in an influx of talent from around the world and has allowed the Pool Boys to become an outlet for a good amount of the players currently residing in the Red River city. The mixture of current and recently graduated college players, with a handful of local players, offers a pool of talent and experience to keep the Alexandria outfit competing at a high level.
Over the offseason the Pool Boys stayed a little busy focusing on hiring a new coaching staff and were able to achieve their goal by bringing in Arick Lassiter and Zach White. Lassiter, a former player and assistant coach at NC State, is currently residing in Louisiana assisting with the state’s Olympic Development Program. White, former Louisiana College player, will help assist as a player coach. Lassiter’s name could be recognized due to his brother’s, Roy Lassiter, success on the US Men’s National Team and in the MLS, along with his nephew, Ariel Lassiter, who currently plays for USL side, LA Galaxy II. Needless to say, it’s in the blood.
With the addition of a seasoned coaching staff and a mix of experienced players, can this be the year that the Alexandria outfit finally contends for the title?
One to watch: Dril “Juno” Mboungou – Attacking Mid/Winger
A product of the Pool Boys youth system, Crossroads Soccer Association, Mboungou enters his third season with the Alexandria outfit. The former LSU-Alexandria standout has yet to play a full season for the Pool Boys, but is set to be a player they’ll utilize to help lead the attack in a starting role this season.
