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- Category: Past Issues
By Joe West
PUTNAM — Big changes are on tap for the Putnam Science Academy boys’ soccer team with a new head coach at the helm.
Muttalip Ozturkmen moved to Putnam last spring as he accepted a teacher’s position at Putnam Science Academy. This will be Ozturkmaen first head coaching job as he replaces Saeng Phongsa who stepped down over the summer. “I am confident we will be successful taking on new challenges this season, and I am excited about what our returning players and incoming freshmen will bring to our program,” Ozturkmen said.
“We will miss coach Phongsa very much this season,” said PSA Athletic Director Tom Espinosa.
“Coach Phongsa brought respect and class to the program year in and year out. Phongsa is a true professional in every way possible.” At the same time, Espinosa is very excited with coach Ozturkmen. “I think Ozturkmen will continue to build this soccer program. He is great with the kids and he is very knowledgeable about the game,” said Espinosa.
Returning are senior Fehmi Agaoglu who has led the Mustangs in scoring for the past two seasons; and four other seniors. Fatih Macun, Nahit Akrsu, Yusuf Eraslan and Abdul Bektas return as starters and will need to bring leadership and toughness to this group, Ozturkmen said. He added the Mustangs expect big things with senior goalkeeper Ali Yuksel, who started four games in net last season.
Mustangs hope to improve their 3-8-1 record from last season.