By By STEVE FRANKLIN, Sports Writer
One is small and quick, the other big and strong. One had a knack for creating scoring opportunities, the other had a knack for scoring. One had the ability to draw penalty kicks, the other usually put the ball in the goal on those penalty kicks. One is a senior, the other, just a sophomore.
Together, senior John Lohman Jr. and sophomore Bladimir Romero led the Pam Pack to a 12-7 record and into the first round of the state playoffs.
For their efforts, Lohman and Romero have been named the Washington Daily News’ 2008 Co-Soccer Players of the Year.
Lohman, who often frustrated opponents with his superb ball-handling skills and relentless hustle, scored 17 goals and added 17 assists for the Pam Pack. Lohman, who missed the entire 2007 season after breaking his leg in Washington’s first game of the year, also led the team with 13 penalty kicks drawn.
Romero, who used his size and quickness to dominate the middle of the field, led the Pam Pack with 31 goals and had 14 assists. Of his 31 goals, 12 came via penalty kicks.
The duo combined to score nearly 70 percent of the Pam Pack’s goals this season. And they attribute that feat to the extra time they devoted to the game this summer.
While Kozuch is sad to see Lohman, the Pam Pack’s only senior, graduate and head off to college next fall, the Pam Pack’s third-year coach is excited about the future of his team with Romero leading the way for the next two seasons.