Team communication solid into new season
Returning players work to perfect crucial skills
September 2, 2015
The boys’ soccer team takes to the field with new players, increased technical skill and a highly competitive conference, according to head coach Chato Alvarado.
Despite the loss of 10 seniors, Alvarado said he is not worried about the success of the team this season.
“Every year we lose players. There are always players willing to step up to the plate to fill positions,” Alvarado said. “I feel blessed that every year I get so many new players who want to play for the varsity team, regardless of their grade.”
According to senior captain Christopher Trotter, preseason captains’ practices helped new and returning players connect before the official start of the season.
“Captains’ practices allow everybody to get comfortable playing and being active around the group,” Trotter said. “This allows them to really see how we play as a program and what will be expected of them.”
Returning varsity player junior Miguel Ocampo said he does not think the team will be at a disadvantage despite the loss of players.
“This year we had 11 spots open from the seniors last year,” Ocampo said. “I don’t think it’s going to be that tough to fill them. I’ve been seeing some good talent and think that we will have enough strong players to fill their spots.”
Trotter said the team has the physical and technical depth to maintain last season’s level of competitiveness.
“We have a lot of returning juniors who have been practicing a lot with their summer club teams, sophomores who have grown and gotten stronger, and freshmen who have a lot of technical ability,” Trotter said. “This year’s varsity squad will be a mix of all these different kinds of players and it will be very effective for winning matches.”
According to Alvarado, competition within conference teams is high, and the team that shows up to win will reign victorious.
“All of the teams we play in conference and sections are good teams. I like our current conference because any of the teams can win it, I don’t believe there is one dominant team,” Alvarado said. “The competition is great and I love it.”
The boys’ next game will be against Minneapolis South at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 8 at Minneapolis South High School.
