Winning regionals this past weekend has qualified the soccer team for sectionals. However, they have not lost sight of their goals and are equipped with the knowledge and talent they need to do well in the finals.
“Our defense has really played well, and we have the ability to beat anyone,” Kevin Fitzgerald, coach, said.
Even though the boys have some tough competition, it only motivates them more to better themselves.
“You need to have a certain level of talent, but the true thing that will allow us to compete with them is physical and mental toughness,” Fitzgerald said.
“Plainfield North is our biggest rival; we’re going to beat them by putting nonstop hard effort and work and we’re not going to give up until the last few seconds of the game” Franky Guzman, junior, said. The boys did, in fact beat Plainfield North with a score of 3-2.
The players and coach alike acknowledge that there is no “I” in team, which very well may have contributed greatly to the success they have experienced so far.
“The focus is team goals before any individual achievement,” Ish Contreras, junior team captain, said.
“We stress the importance of team as we’re much stronger together than as individuals,” Fitzgerald said.
Similarly, the closeness of the team makes for better communication and essentially, victory on the field.
“We pick each other up when we fall down and we praise each other when we do things really well.” Guzman said.
“The absolute best thing about the team is our chemistry,” Contreras said. “Most of us play together 365 days a year and have been since freshman year. Some of these guys are my best friends, and have been since the seventh grade.”
The varsity soccer players have very high expectations for themselves and the team this season.
“My individual goals for the year were to make the team better and improve my skills while doing so,” Jonathon Rukujzo, sophomore said.
Compared to other sporting events, such as volleyball and football, not many people come to the soccer games.
“I think our soccer team doesn’t get the credit we deserve, there’s always just parents coming around, not many students. There are maybe fifteen people coming to our games. It makes me angry because my boys deserve credit for winning games,” Guzman said.
“We often joke about our tons of fans that show up to our home games. Although we do have a small number of student fans who we appreciate greatly, we do want some more fans to come out and watch us,” Contreras said.
Despite the low fan turnout, the team hopes to play to the best of their ability in the remainder of the season.
“This year we’re out for blood in the state tournament,” Contreras said.