Kyle KausSoccer

Vicenza

Last week: Kaus, a sophomore striker, scored two goals Friday as Vicenza, winless last regular season, blanked Naples 4-0 on the road in its season-opener. “Kyle, even as a freshman, always was a threat,” Vicenza coach Roland Strunk wrote in an e-mail. “He has always had the ability to get behind defenses and get chances, but had difficulty finishing. Beginning at the (European) championships in Germany last spring, things started to turn for him. “In the past year he has been playing with an Italian team and the difference in his play is noticeable: his skills are better; he’s a smarter player; and he’s definitely a more lethal finisher.” Even though the Cougars find themselves in the rare position of leading the American Schools in Italy League, Strunk said his team is keeping on an even keel. “We have to keep our nose to the wheel and continue to get better.... Certainly an opening game victory against Naples, who we have not beaten for several years, is a nice start,” he wrote. “But we need to keep things in perspective; it is only one game with many more games to play.”

Loisann DeLassSoccer

Hohenfels

Last week: DeLass, a junior and two-time all-conference choice, scored three goals and assisted on one Saturday as Hohenfels blitzed Bamberg 5-0 on opening day at Bamberg. All her scoring came in the second half; she had volunteered to play goalie during the first 40 minutes, according to her coach Kathy Clemmons. “My goalie of three years graduated last year,” Clemmons wrote in an e-mail. “Loisann had played goalie before, so she volunteered, even though her passion is playing up top.” After making five saves, DeLass was let loose on the Bamberg defense. “She has excellent foot skills and a powerful shot,” Clemmons continued. “Her talent allows her to pick spots rather than just shoot at the goal. She always looks to cross or pass, but found herself with a lot of open field Saturday and took advantage of it.” Clemmons said DeLass scored once off a crossing pass, converted a penalty kick and headed in a corner kick. “We are fortunate to have such a talented and unselfish player on our team,” Clemmons concluded.

— Selected by Stars and Stripes staff

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