Roswell’s recent resurgence on the soccer field has been sparked by a revitalized defense, a unit that is quickly developing a reputation as one of the stingier groups in the state.

Leading that defensive prowess has been Tristan Kaisharis, the Hornets’ last line of defense between the goal posts.

“He has been one of the best players we have had all season,” said Roswell soccer coach Billy Viger of Kaisharis, who is in his second year as Roswell’s starting goalie.

“He really improved a lot from the end of last season to the start of this one. He is playing with tremendous confidence and courage, and he is the vocal leader of our defense.”

Through nine games this season Kaisharis has a 0.82 goals against average and has helped lead the Hornets to a 7-2 record overall. In four of those wins the Roswell goalie posted shutouts, including a 4-0 region win over Wheeler and a 12 save performance in Roswell’s 1-0 upset of region favorite Walton.

“Tristan is the most important player on our team,” said the Roswell coach of his talented junior. “And any team that expects to get to the state tournament, like we do, has to have a top-notch goalkeeper like him.”