In recent years, the boys soccer team has seen great success, most notably being a win over Carmel High School in 2023, when they beat Carmel 1-0. That season, Carmel was ranked #2 nationally on MaxPreps. This year, the team is ramping up their effort in hope of a strong start heading into IHSAA sectionals. Members of the team have a hopeful view on how sectionals will go for them.
“I’m looking forward to showing what we’ve been working on and winning games,” senior Ezra McAfee said.
With any given sport, teams will absolutely face challenges. Whether it be injury, performance, or any off field activities, there are various ways a team can be held back from performing at its fullest potential.
“I think that the biggest challenges we will face are staying consistent against tough opponents and scoring when we have our opportunities,” McAfee said.
Despite setbacks, teams will always grow throughout the season. Individually, players grow physically and mentally. As a team, their bond grows among each other. When in a positive environment, teams will prosper.
“The best part of the season has been the overall positive team environment, the improved food/transportation and the games,” McAfee said.
In preparation for sectionals this year, the boys soccer team has been practicing in a variety of ways. More practices allow for more repetitions at different gameplans. Various situations have the best combination of players and the best overall combination of players will change depending on the opponent.
“We are practicing a lot and going over different strategies,” McAfee said.
The boys soccer team has great players, many of them have been in the program for multiple years and understand how to critique others as well. Each player has individual strengths that impact the team.
“The biggest strength is definitely our work ethic and commitment to each other,” McAfee said.
Despite these strengths, all teams, including the boys soccer team, have areas for improvement.
“We need to work on scoring our chances in front of the goal,” McAfee said.
Heading into sectionals, the team knows there is tough competition. However they remain confident in their abilities and how they will perform in this year’s post-season.
“I think we are good but if we play our best we will win no question,” McAfee said.
Overall, the team is very confident with their abilities and they are practicing to
improve their skills, both individually and as a team.
