The New Mexico Rush BU14 Nike Stingers have officially gone from hunters to “the hunted,” and coach Justin Sells is doing everything he can to make sure they’re prepared.

“I’ve been stressing that we have a huge target on our back here in the state,” he said. “We’re the No. 1 team and we have to work twice as hard now. It’s not easy being on top, so we have to work so that when state comes around we’re a step ahead of everyone. We have to come to practice everyday committed. We can’t become complacent, or it will bite you.”

The Stingers were the ones doing the biting a season ago, as they put together a banner season under first-year coach Sells. The Rush won the state cup without surrendering a goal during the tournament play, and defeated longtime nemesis Sereno in regionals where they advanced to the quarterfinals before bowing out.

It was a wild ride built on the team’s balance and dedication. Sells, also the club’s technical director, is effusive when talking about his team’s commitment. Of all the player’s on the roster, the Rush only have one who plays a sport outside of soccer – rare for a young group, and indicative of the team’s singular focus on soccer.

The Rush isn’t the biggest or most athletic team around but it’s a talented and technically sound group that doesn’t have many weaknesses through the roster.

Forward Zach Akterson leads the way up front. He scored six goals during regionals last season and thrives by using his athleticism and speed. The coaching staff has been preaching the technical side of things to Akterson, who is already a dangerous player.

On defense, Lucas Salachman stabilizes things as the group’s center back. What Salachman lacks in size he makes up for with tenacity. He’s a first -class tackler and competitor and he embodies the team spirit.

A couple of key additions this year should make the Rush a little deeper as they only brought 13 players to the state cup a year ago.

Ben Spencer and Zach Cooper have come over from Rio Vista Football Club and will surely strengthen the cavalry.

Spencer is a forward, while Cooper will boost the backline.

“They’re jelling with the guys really well and stepping right in,” Sells said. “All the guys know them already from within the soccer community so it’s not much of an introduction that was necessary.”

One other anticipated arrival is the return of  Joshua Lasallo, who broke his leg during league play and spent eight weeks healing and rehabbing.

“He’s a kid who’s really ready to get back and play,” Sells said. “He wasn’t able to go to Hawaii with us, now he’s back healthy and we’re happy he’s back.

The strength of the Rush is in its numbers, and the team now has more than ever. 

“This isn’t a team where one guy goes down and it’s the end all for the team,” Sells said. “There are a lot of guys on this team who you can count on. I was proud of the experience we had last year and how we represented. Hopefully this year we can get back.”