The 2016 men’s soccer team has high hopes and expectations for this season, and with a skilled roster, aims to echo last season’s successes.
The Pride concluded last season with a 15-5-3 record and were crowned as CAP-8 champions. Unfortunately, the team suffered a season-ending loss to Broughton HS in the second round of the state playoffs.
This year’s squad is looking to mirror last season’s accomplishments, and as a part of a storied program with three state championships, has set high expectations. The team is hungry to go back to back as conference champions and only end their season one way: winning.
However, the group of strong and skilled individuals is still learning to play well together as a team. A lackluster 2-4-1 start is not how the team envisioned their campaign to begin, and a clear sign of the work that still needs to be done.
With 13 new players on the roster, the team is still searching to make the proper strides amid the inexperience, and some players are still adjusting to the pace and physicality of the varsity game.
Nonetheless, the team is confident it will find its chemistry and make steps in the right direction. “I think once we get into conference play, we’ll click and we’ll start playing together as a team.” said Luca Menozzi, senior, and third-year varsity member.
As conference play draws near, the team views the start CAP-8 competition as a new chapter in the season and an opportunity to bounce back and redeem their nonconference woes.
In preparation for the tough competition, the team is working to make improvements to ensure success. “Mainly we need to focus on our shape as a team, because we have strong individuals, but our positioning and our tactics aren’t where they need to be at the moment.” said Menozzi.
As reigning conference champions, the Pride enter CAP-8 play with a target on their back. Though the team still needs to work some kinks out, it is primed and motivated to be a threat in conference play.
The season’s schedule and results can be viewed at MaxPreps.com.
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