Seaside's Will Garvin celebrates a goal with teammate Hunter Thompson in a game against Gladstone.

“Speed” will be the new name of the game in Cowapa League boys soccer. If it isn’t already, it will be shortly.

Once Astoria moves into its new facility, and once the Valley Catholic Valiants officially open play in their new league, four of the six Cowapa League schools will have artificial surface for their home field.

That means speed becomes more of a factor in the game – which means that the Seaside Gulls should find the game a lot more to their liking.

“Out of our program, 80 to 90 percent of (the players) participated in track,” said Seaside coach John Chapman. “So they’re runners – short distance, long distance, relays – they have running in their blood.

“I don’t think size is something we’re going to worry about,” he said. “We’re going to be quick enough to stay away from the opposition. We’re quick. We are really quick.”

“I don’t know if there’s anyone that strikes me as a concern,” Chapman says of the Cowapa League. “Valley Catholic is going to be interesting, because we don’t know anything about them.

“Astoria lost four or five guys, and they’ve lost (Ben) Beeson.”

The Fishermen are the defending league champions, but narrowly defeated Seaside late in the season, 1-0. Astoria finished 9-0-1 in league play, with Tillamook second at 7-1-2. No one else was even close, as Scappoose finished a distant third at 4-4-2.

Banks has dropped boys soccer, leaving the Cowapa with just five teams. The Gulls took the opportunity to schedule a couple tough nonleague opponents.

“We picked up Gladstone and Molalla after Banks withdrew, and thought it would be stronger for us to play some of the Metro teams early in the season,” Chapman said. “Our goal is to use six nonleague games early to prepare for league.”

No stars for the Gulls, but no weak links, either.

“I’m very pleased with where we’re at,” Chapman said before the first game. “With our club mentality direction, we’ve been building on that. Everyone’s been able to show what their abilities and skills are, and earn a position.

“The formula we’ve been working on is across the board,” he said. “Our involvement is definitely going to be a team unit. There’s not a single person on the field who will be singled out as a ‘star.’ They’re all going to bring good qualities.”

Seaside has to replace all-league goalkeeper David Ward, but apparently they’ve done it, with two – junior Jarrett Coughlin and sophomore Jesus Perez.

“With Jesus and Jarrett, either one could take the field, and lead this team in the back field, with total confidence,” Chapman said.

“We’re still very young,” added Chapman, whose varsity roster included three freshmen and six sophomores for their first game.

“We’ve moved a couple guys around in the field, to better use their skills and ability. You’re going to see a totally different team this year. Almost everyone is a different position or role.”

The seniors are Vicente Alverez, Marshall Ferre, Shane Fritter, Michael Stafford and Brandon Velazquez.

All-Leaguer Hunter Thompson returns for his sophomore season, and junior Taylor Barnes will play a key role up front for the Gulls.

SEASIDE BOYS SOCCER

Coach: John Chapman, 2nd year

2013: 3-8-2 (2-6-2 Cowapa)

All-League Losses: Sonny Davis, David Ward

All-League Returners: Marshall Ferre, Sr.; Shane Fritter, Sr.; Hunter Thompson, So.