After losing to Joliet West in the regional semifinal game last year, the Minooka boys soccer team is looking to advance further in 2018.  They are off to a strong start.

“I expect to win conference and become regionals champs,” Alex Richter, junior, said.

Last year, Minooka had a 9-10-2 record overall and went 2-1-6 in the conference.

“With our returning players and an influx of young talent from the JV team, we hope to stay competitive in the SPC and against our challenging non-conference opponents,” Nate Spriggs, head coach, said.

Some of these returning players include Conor Waldron, Frank Thompson, and Carson Heglund, who are currently seniors.

“A solid backline will hopefully solidify our defense and we will work to put pressure on our opponents on the offensive end,” Spriggs said.

Another returning player, Blake Brandenburg, junior, is expected to be a standout.

“I am very excited for this soccer season, especially to play on varsity again as a junior, it’s truly an amazing feeling,” Brandenburg said.

Newer players Ben Joder and Izaak Avalos will be key to completing the roster for the upcoming season.

“(I want) to win conference, sectionals, and go to state,” Joder, sophomore, said.  

There will be some extra work needed to be put in this season.

“We need to work on shots, and I expect to improve on them this year,” said Richter.

Minooka has started off well this season. The Indians won their first match 7-0 against Morris on Aug. 21, and tied Naperville Central 1-1 on Aug. 23.

Daisy Kleinhoffer and James McGrew contributed to this story.