After four sessions of playing in the 95 degree heat, tryouts are officially wrapped up and a roster of 21 players has been named to the 2015 varsity men’s soccer team. A group of 10 seniors will be leading the Pride this fall as they prepare for their first game against Apex Friendly high school on August 17th.
Achieving their goal of completing the season with a winning record last year (12-10-1), the Pride is looking to build on that this season. Paul Dinkenor, head coach of the varsity men’s soccer team, knows the mentality the team needs to have if they want to be successful this season.
“Be the best we can be for the first game. No further. Just be as well prepared to play in the first game as the sessions we’ve had before that allow,” said Dinkenor.
While expecting good leadership from his senior class, Dinkenor also has his eye on 3 specific juniors who he thinks will be important impact players this year.
“One always hopes that the seniors who make the team are good leaders and good role models but our juniors, in particular [Grant] Nelson, [Luca] Menozzi and [Drew] Walczyk look to be in really good soccer shape,” said Dinkenor.
This will be Nelson’s third year on the varsity team. He has seen great progress since the Pride held a record of 5-12-1 his freshman year but he has set his own goals for the team this season.
“In order to succeed, the only thing we need to do is be selfless and improve every day and every game. My goal for the team is to win the conference and to go on and win states,” said Nelson.
After a heart breaking loss in the first round of state playoffs last year, the Pride is motivated now more than ever to achieves these goals.
For more information on Pride soccer, follow LRHS Men’s Soccer on Twitter for updates on match scores and upcoming games.
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