When the Andover High soccer team takes the field this year, Sam Percival will be especially suited to anticipate opposing defenses.

After all, the Golden Warriors' senior midfielder played defense for the first three years of his high school career and in club soccer. But this season, the co-captain will have the opportunity to concentrate on scoring goals for the first time.

"I have basically always played defense," said Percival. "Now I'll be looking to create opportunities for my teammates or for me to score. I think I'll definitely be able to score a good number of goals this year."

In three years as a varsity defender, Percival tallied three goals, all last season. He feels his experience preventing goals will prove valuable in his new job.

"I think it's a big strength to have played defense before," he said. "It helps me hold the ball better, and lets me clear my head and know what to do. I am more aware of what defenses want to do."

The 17-year-old, whose full name is Salvatore Albert Morgan Percival, spent the summer preparing. He attended camps at the University of Richmond and Bryant University, and played for the Stars of Massachusetts club team out of Boxboro.

Andover coach Mike Wartman is confident Percival will have little trouble making the move.

"He has the ability to adjust to wherever he is on the field," said Wartman. "He had a very strong year last year on defense, but we want him in the middle of the field this year. He also really proved himself as a leader and the kids have a lot of respect for him."

Percival has spoken to coaches about playing soccer in college, including Richmond, Bryant and Babson.

But right now, his concentration is in Andover. He is confident the Golden Warriors can bounce back from last year's 5-10-3 season in which they did not make the tourney for the first time since 1989.

"We have a very strong senior class," he said. "We also have a few juniors who are looking very good on defense, which was a weakness for us last year. We have a lot of weapons."

Boys Soccer

2007 record: 5-10-3, didn't make state tourney

Returning starters (7): Sam Percival, Sr., midfield; Kevin Moran, Sr., midfield; Josh Torres, Sr., forward; Matt Twomey, Sr., midfield/defense; Mike Birecki, Sr., goalie; Alex Golan, Sr., forward; Rob Martin, Sr., midfield/defense

Returning lettermen: Tom Busta, Sr., midfield/defense; Brendan Crawford, Sr., defense; Matt Liedes, Sr., defense; Tom McQuillan, Sr., midfield/defense; Andrew Pallotta, Jr., defense

Newcomers: Sam Dempsey, Sr., defense; Matt Gibbs, Sr., midfield; Eric Heath, Sr., defense; David Hu, Sr., midfield; Alex Dumitrescu, Sr., forward; Kaelan Crawford, Jr., midfield; Andrew Osborne, Jr, goalie; Randy Sartor, Jr., midfield; Kerrick Stevens, Jr., defense; Bryan Burkhard, Soph., forward; Panayioti Kostakis, Soph., midfield

Candidates in all grades: 90

Captains: Sam Percival, Kevin Moran, Josh Torres

Returning leaders: Alex Golan 9 goals

Returning honorees: Sam Percival, All-MVC

Head coach: Mike Wartman (7th year, 64-38-13)

Assistants: Jim Saalfrank, JV; Scott Armstrong, Frosh.; Brian Cronin

Opener: at Dracut Sept. 4, 3:30 p.m.