Sport of the Month

Varsity Soccer

Taking+the+field+by+storm%2C+%2314+junior+Cameron+Boch+runs+ahead+of+senior+Ian+Pearlswig+looking+for+the+ball.+The+players+always+put+the+team+first%2C+rarely+looking+for+individual+opportunities+to+show+off.

Grace Copeland

Taking the field by storm, #14 junior Cameron Boch runs ahead of senior Ian Pearlswig looking for the ball. The players always put the team first, rarely looking for individual opportunities to show off.

Evan Houze, Sports Editor

  This year’s Varsity Men’s Soccer team is having a phenomenal season. Holding a top 100 national ranking according to Maxpreps for most of the year, they have held themselves at a high standard. Surprising many after not making the playoffs last year due to a coin flip, they are now arguably the best team in the Cap-8 and a top team in the entire state. Going from a team who cared more about individual stats last season to a team that works fully together, it is obvious that they now care more about getting the win night in and night out. Junior Alex Combs said, “This year we play for each other more like a team compared to last year where everyone wanted to get a goal or get an assist. Now it does not matter as long as we do our job at the end of the day. That is all that matters to us this year.”  You cannot have a great team without caring a lot about your teammates success, and this year’s men’s team is on the path to greatness. Thirteen of the fifteen seniors have played for Millbrook all four years, which helps them have better relationships and understand the culture of Millbrook Soccer better.

  The soccer team has had many come from behind victories this year, but usually seem dominant towards the end of games. Their goal is to keep possession of the ball much longer than their opponents, waiting to take good shots instead of just going for it. They are not a high pressing team but instead sit back and get an idea of the opponent’s game plan to make the match more predictable. Head coach Matt Edwards said, “The guys really trust each other and are sold out to work hard for their teammate. They know if they pass a guy a ball they will get it back or that guy will make a chance for an assist or a goal. They know their teammates will back each other up, and teams are not always like that. It is also the biggest group we have had of twenty-four kids.” This team is full of trust and great chemistry, even being the largest group under Coach Edwards. He is very proud of his team and rightfully so, holding a fairly high state ranking. Senior Ian Pearlswig said, “The team’s togetherness has just been so tight this year. We do everything for each other to be as successful as we can.” Seeing seniors sacrificing the spotlight for team success rather than attempting to pile of college offers is rare and makes a great reputation for Millbrook. Any team of any sport can look up to the Millbrook soccer team because of their teamwork and dedication.

  The JV team is doing good for themselves as well. Holding a winning record this season, they are showing out for the school just as well as the varsity team. They are not afraid to take the spotlight next season when some of them go up to the varsity team. The entire Millbrook Soccer Program is doing a phenomenal job this year and showing great potential for the years to come. Millbrook takes great pride in successful sports teams and they are making the school proud.