Boys soccer season comes to a close with a 11-10 record. What many considered to be a rebuilding year for the team was turned into a deep playoff run where the Jags climbed all the way to the State Playoff Tournament. The Jags eventually were defeated by Maize in a triple OT and a double shootout period.
“It was heartbreaking to lose in such a close game,” senior midfielder Trevor Chaves said, “but I think we had a great season overall and really came together as a team to have some really great wins.”
The team was doubted in the beginning of the season, but quickly made a name for themselves as the season progressed.
“We lost a couple of the best players in the state last season, so it was a question as to how good we were going to be….We were put down as a rebuilding team or a rebuild year, but I knew our team was better than people thogut. We had great leaders and our team chemistry was probably the best I’ve seen, and we proved that, our record was 11-10 which doesn't seem amazing, but we had so many 1-0 losses, 2-1 losses and overtime losses. Ultimately, we achieved our goal of making it to state, and we took the #1 seed to penalty kicks after playing 110 minutes. 100% success,” junior captain Jared Cromly said.
The Jags managed to defeat cross town rival Andover twice this season and credit their wins and season to their team dynamic.
“We had some great wins this season. I was really glad to end my senior season beating Andover twice. That game just means more since it is a rivalry. I think our chemistry on the field really separated us from a lot from other teams,” Chavez said.
The Jags bonded together to create a memorable season and made it back to the State Playoffs for the first time since 2017.
“The difference with this team than any other team I’ve been on is the team chemistry. You can have the top guys in the state on your team, but without team chemistry, you aren’t going anywhere. Usually you have a team with a couple friend groups, but not one big one, but on this team everyone is close. Not a single person was lower or higher ranked than anyone else, we were all best friends, nevermind that, family,” Cromly said.
The Jags ended placing 4th in State and will continue to play in the 5A division next year.