HEADS IN THE GAME BUILDING TEAM CHEMISTRY FROM THE FIRST GAME TO DISTRICTS
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ith a record of 6-10, finishing 2nd in their district, the boys varsity soccer team overcame challenges during the season through their motivation and perseverance. “We have had ups and downs due to injuries,” captain Daniel Garcia ‘20 said. “But we were able to work together as a team and hope to pull through in the district playoffs.” Despite the aches and pains, they leaned on each other and kept working. They continued to develop their team throughout the season to achieve their goals. “The team has grown tremendously over the season,” captain Graham Gotlieb ‘20 said. “Team chemistry is a big part of soccer, and our team has become a family since the start of the season. The players have the desire to fight for each other rather than for themselves.”
words by Grace Hancock photos by Jason Babayev & Charlize Cruger design by Crestian Staff
The team came together as one to make their way to the playoffs, relying on each player to step up and overcome any drawbacks of the season. With that teamwork, the captains know that they have readied the team to keep it up next year. “We have a great atmosphere between the players this year,” Graham said. “There are more underclassmen than usual, and it has been a fun experience being able to mentor them and prepare them to be future leaders of the team.” The team incorporated players from each grade level, making sure that the team stays strong for coming years. “We all supported each other through practice and before home games to make sure that everyone was included and ready to win,” Jed Seiner ‘23 said.
1. Graham Gotlieb ’20 searches for an open teammate to receive his pass. The boys soccer team scored 41 goals during the season. They also made it to the final district game, which was played against NSU University School. 2. Pushing past his opponent, Andrés van Woerkem ’23 signals to his teammates during a home game versus Cardinal Gibbons High School. Fueled by the crowds during the well-attended conference games, the soccer team tied 1-1.
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63 40 6 45 Goals scored
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Rafael Salazar-Paranhos ‘20, Gavin Sullivan ’21, Luke Joannou ’21 and John Thraum ‘20 angle their heads upwards to follow an incoming goal kick from the opposing team. Soccer players often used headers as a strategy to bring goals kicks back down to the field.
GIRLS & BOYS SOCCER
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