By Caleb Peckham

The men’s and women’s soccer teams finished their seasons last week, wrapping up several months of running and scoring in the coldest (and warmest) winter days in Arizona history. While neither team achieved the success they were aiming for, both became stronger and worked through many difficulties.

The men’s team struggled to find a consistent line-up as grades, injuries, and illness wreaked havoc on the young squad. This unfortunately resulted in upset losses early in the season that deprived the Knights of valuable points in the power rankings, as they finished 8-8-1.

 

Nevertheless, there were highlights and areas of marked improvement from previous years. Tempe Prep had strong showings against Scottsdale Christian and Horizon Honors, keeping the two playoff-bound teams mostly in check and showing that the future of Tempe Prep men’s soccer is bright. Other highlights include decisive shutouts over Arizona Lutheran (8-0), Mesa Prep (7-0), Gilbert Classical (4-0), Chandler Prep (3-0), and Valley Christian (7-0, 3-0).

With only three seniors graduating, much of the team will remain intact. Aggressive midfielder Ryan Bush is the heart of the Knights’ attack. Freshman Connor Woltz is also a leading scorer, contributing to an offense that scored almost twice as many goals as last year’s team. In addition, sophomore Isai Estevez and outstanding junior goalkeeper Niku Khatami look to aid next year’s playoff run.

Young coaches and underclassmen have ushered in a new era for Tempe Prep men’s soccer, and the Knights are sure to build on this year’s progress.

The Lady Knights have fallen from the championship heights of 2008, struggling through the cold winter days with a roster cut short by graduated seniors and dwindling student interest. Despite these tough times, the team had some strong showings this year, staying with Seton Catholic and contending well with large schools like Coronado and Tempe High.

The team also had the strange distinction of tying the most games of any Arizona high school this winter. These four ties came after the AIA decided to stop using penalty shootouts this season.

Seniors Felicity MacDonald, Serena Abouchar and Rosalie Simoneau led the way for the Lady Knights, playing key roles on offense and defense, keeping the squad competitive in multiple showings. Talented underclassmen Claire Ternyik and Berkeley Clark give Tempe Prep women’s soccer hope for future seasons.

 

 

[Boys’ Soccer photos courtesy of Bert Matsumoto, girls’ soccer photo courtesy of David Fischer]