Park soccer continued their dominant run, beating conference rival Benilde 1-0 with a goal from senior Gael Miteo. The team remains first in the conference with an undefeated record against their opponents. They started slow, but went on the attack in the second half, netting one to secure the victory.
Senior Lucas Tangelson said the team wasn’t focused enough and it left them vulnerable. He said he felt the game was stressful, but he was happy with the result.
“We didn’t have the energy at times, and we were letting them get chances just on top of it,” Tangelson said. “That game was really nerve wracking. I’m glad we pulled away with the win. But like always, it’s a pleasure to go against Benilde and mess them up a little bit.”
Senior Lars Hagstrom said the team played better later into the game. He said he thinks the team’s intensity led to their success.
“I felt pretty good about the second half we played. We started picking up the pace and Gael scored a great goal,” Hagstrom said. “We started pressing the ball a lot more and actually taking some shots, which led to a lot more opportunities which was good.”
Head coach Anson Opara said the game was stressful, but was glad to come away with the win. He said he hopes the team continues its success and accomplishes their goals.
“It was pretty nerve wracking, I thought that they didn’t do all the game plan, but we lucked out,” Opara said. “We want to win the conference, and then hopefully do well, and maybe even get to state this year.”
According to Hagstrom, everyone needs to improve on their short range passing. He said he believes the team will continue to practice together to continue their success.
“We need to work more on our close and easy passes, a little bit more. It looked really good in practice. But when it comes to games, we’re forcing the ball too much,” Hagstrom said. “We’ll just keep practicing and keep getting better, we’re on a pretty good winning streak right now.”
According to Opara, the players need to pass more effectively while also playing as a team. He said a combined effort in the future might contribute to their success
“We need to move the ball around better and pass more. We made it more individualistic but we got the win,” Opara said. “We need to make sure that we play as a team more in the future and less as individuals.”
According to Tangelson, the group has been doing well and has high hopes for the rest of the season. He said the team’s history together has led to their winning streak and will ultimately lead to a special season.
“If our team keeps it up, how we’re going, we can take conference and maybe even get an amazing section run,” Tangelson said. “This has been probably the best start in like three years. Everyone that’s been on this team has been on this team for like two, three years now, so we’ve gotten the chance to build chemistry, and we’ve just been ready to go from the start this year.”
Park will look to continue their dominant stretch against Waconia 5:00 p.m. Sept. 18. at home.
