After losing in the first round of sectionals last year, the boys soccer team is determined to make a reappearance at sectionals to claim a spot at the state tournament. However, the team’s major goals are to win a conference and regional title.

Last season, the boys went 16-5 and won a regional title. Although the team lost a few key players, the seniors are ready to step up and take control.

“Our senior leadership is second to none so that will be helpful in big games,” Mr. Nate Spriggs, head varsity soccer coach, said.

Alongside the leading seniors, a third of the team is new to the varsity level. This years  team will need to learn to work together to succeed in winning another regional title.

Senior Erik Lakota and senior Matt Schofield believe the team’s biggest weakness is the lack of playing time the boys have had together. However, they feel the team already has great chemistry and adapting to each other will come easily with practice.

Despite their one weak spot, the team has countless strengths that will hopefully carry them to several titles this season. These include the team’s strong speed, physicality, balanced scoring, senior leadership, and their level of hard work and determination. According to Spriggs, the strongest position on their team is the center mid.

When competing for a spot at sectionals, every game is important for the boys in determining seeding, but some games hold more significance than other.

“Our most important games are regional games, Pepsico games, and the game against Oswego East,” Tim Doody, senior, said.

In order to win conference this season, the boys will have to focus on taking down Oswego East, the conference champions last year, and are fair contenders in this season’s competition.

“Last year we started off kind of slow, and we lost a conference game right in the beginning, losing us the title at the end. We need to focus on starting the season off strong so we get the best record possible,” Schofield said.

The boys play their first home game on Thursday, Aug. 31 against Downers Grove North at 4:30 p.m.