The coed soccer team finished the season with a 6-3 record in league and a 9-6-1 overall record.
Although the team made it to the playoffs seeded sixth, it lost its first playoff game on Oct. 23 against Forest Lake, which was seeded third.
Coach Matt Vargo said the biggest challenges during the season were slow starts in games and lapses in communication.
However, he acknowledged that communication has also been the biggest improvement, along with defensive shape.
Sophomore Lili Brush agreed, noting the team’s progression over the season.
“We didn’t talk a lot at first, which made it harder for us to pass the ball well,” she said.
“When we did start talking more, everyone worked together much better. By the end of the season, everyone who didn’t have the ball was talking a lot more and saying that they were open.”
Vargo pointed out many players who played especially well this season.
“(Senior) Nate Jakobs (was) our leading scorer,” he said.
“(Freshman) Arjin Claire had a lot of technical ability and passion for the game. (Senior) Abby LaComb had experience and composure on the ball. (Senior) Jack Christian had a tireless work rate and great offensive skill. (Senior) Leo Eisner was our rock in the center of defense. (Freshman) Ethan Monasa provided a calming presence on the defensive back end. (Freshman) Jordan Lindsay had great boosts of energy and offensive skills.”
Vargo said the goal for next season is to make playoffs again.
However, Brush said that the team will be different.
“We’ll be missing a lot of our really good starters since all of the seniors will be leaving,” she said.
One of those seniors – Jakobs – said leaving the team is bittersweet.
“We had a great season, and it was nice to make playoffs my last season, but it’s never fun to end on a loss,” he said.
—By Sarina Rye
