Players trying out for the 2014 boy’s soccer team laughed and talked among themselves as they got dressed in their uniforms and warmed up with the soccer ball.

At tryouts, senior Gabe Pimsler said he was looking forward to both the soccer playing and the good times enjoyed with teammates.

“I think playing as a senior, I’m looking forward to having fun with my friends on the team,” said Pimsler. “I’m just hoping to enjoy this last season and play our best and hopefully we can go far.”

Tryouts for the team took place August 11-15 at Louisiana Oaks and consisted of many different exercises with the soccer ball. Boys were rated by their coaches on their soccer skills, ability to read the game and attitude. At the end of the week, boys who tried out were placed onto either the varsity team or one of several different levels of junior varsity teams.

The soccer players had to start training hard right away because they had their first games within a week of tryouts. The boys varsity team started strong, winning their first game against Robbinsdale Armstrong 4 to 1.

Junior Eric Hendricks is a new captain this year and is most looking forward to being back in the soccer environment and enjoying the season with his friends and teammates.

“My biggest goal this year as a captain is to try to be as inclusive as possible and to make sure everyone is having a good time on and off the field,” he said.

Coach Chato Alvarado’s main goal for the season is simply to make sure the soccer players play well every game.

“I try to motivate them by working on some of the stuff that they do well, as well as the stuff that they can improve. And also by talking to the captains to make sure that they as well are motivating the rest of the players,” said Alvarado.

Alvarado is in his 15th season coaching boys’ soccer and still enjoys the experience.

“I think we have a lot of great kids in St. Louis Park and for me it’s just a privilege to be a part of it,” said Alvarado.