According to assistant coach Pat Hartman, the boys’ varsity soccer team has come a long way since losing its first two games this fall.

“We have really skilled players, but I think one of the biggest things was our team unity was really high this year. It wasn’t about being an individual scoring a goal or doing the amazing play, it was about the team performing well,” Hartman said.

Hartman said he could see a big difference in the team’s performance between their two games against Washburn.

“We went back and played them (in the Section semi final). We beat them 3-1 and afterwards they looked shocked. The fact that we actually off guard and that we stepped it up, that made me happy,” Hartman said.

Junior Ben Klepfer said he was happy to see the team establish an identity and build chemistry.

“It took us a couple of games to really learn to play together and gel, but once that happened, we could contend with any team in the state,” Klepfer said.

Klepfer said he was satisfied with the level the team managed to reach by the end of the season.

“We could see the team we had the potential to be, and at the end we were at our peak, which is what you want in a season,” Klepfer said.

Senior honorable mention Abati Dedefo said although the season posed several challenges, he was proud to see teamwork on and off the field.

“I think our coaches helped us a lot, and my teammates worked hard this whole season. Last season injuries affected us a lot,” Dedefo said. “I’m glad nobody got injured this season.”

According to Dedefo, the team’s hard work paid off this season.

“I think we played good as a team and throughout this season we progressively got better. Even though we lost our final game, I am really proud,” Dedefo said. “We’ve improved so much since our first game.”