Cumberland County High School’s soccer program is smaller this year, shrinking from two teams to one, but the coed Dukes squad features a mixture of experience and youth that its new head coach is optimistic will lead to success in the future.

The team entered Wednesday’s home game against Goochland High School with a 0-9 record.

“First-year coach, coed team — we’re coming into our own,” Head Coach Spencer Postans said, “getting better and better every game, so it’s coming along, coming along for sure.”

He noted that the 2018 Dukes are made up of eight seniors and eight players who have never played before.

“That makes us young, but at the same point in time, best of both worlds,” he said. “I get eight experienced players and older, mature players, but I get eight youths that are coming in and learning the game and learning from experienced players …”

Postans noted several players who serve in leadership roles, including his goalkeeper.

“Kavon Foster is definitely one my leaders out here on defense,” he said, also highlighting Hunter Cochran. “He’s definitely one of my leaders, one of my most experienced and veteran players.”

Matthew Hazlegrove also drew praise from Postans for his contributions on defense.

Up front on offense, Alexander Osei and Logan Morris play as forwards, and in the midfield, Jack Giles, Ebony Arauz, Jacey Burley and Brianna Newsome are key contributors.

The Dukes return to action when they visit Buckingham County High School on Monday at 6 p.m.