By Chris Moffitt

 

During TPA’s second game for men’s varsity soccer, a referee approached one of our players with a yellow card. Turning from the opponent he had just savagely knocked to the ground, our player genuinely reassured the ref, “I’m okay, I’m not angry.” Unfortunately, Senior Gabriel LeBeau didn’t realize that the yellow card was for him.

Although this moment will forever live in infamy for Gabe and the soccer program, the team still dominated the game against San Miguel with a 7-0 shutout.This occurrence is somewhat representative of this year’s team. The team is a mix-matched group of boys with vastly varying levels of experience, but it is also one of the strongest teams TPA has ever had.

Senior Isaiah Brittain (outside back), along with LeBeau (wing), are two of the players with no previous soccer experience, but their general athleticism has led them to secure starting positions on the team. Speaking of his excitement for the season, Isaiah says, “We have a lot of great players who know what they are doing and a lot of new guys who are athletic and can do what they want on the field.” One of these new guys, Gabriel Lebeau, admits, “Sometimes I mix up soccer with football…so I’ll kind of run over some people on accident, but I am getting better! Soccer is just a really fun sport and, as somebody who loves competition, I am really excited that we are looking to have an amazing season.”

This amazing season was certainly evidenced in the team’s game against Scottsdale Prep, a team two divisions above us. The game was the first and — quite possibly — the biggest game of the season. As soon as the freshman starter, Alex Wait (forward), made the season’s first goal after a beautiful assist from Senior Captain Connor Woltz (forward), the team knew that game was theirs to win. After another two goals by Woltz in the first half, a goal by junior Connor Bush (wing) in the second half, brilliant saves by senior Captain Nick Bellavia (goalie), and the defense — led by senior Captain Jacob Brown (center back) — holding Scottsdale at bay, TPA came out of that game with a 4-2 signature win.

The team is very excited about that win. The team’s motivated and highly skilled new coach, Coach Potter, says, “winning that game was a terrific step in the right direction for where we want to be this

season, and it showed the boys they don’t need to fear schools in higher divisions anymore.”

Junior Captain Jacob Cryder (midfield) agrees with coach saying, “Beating Scottsdale Prep has motivated the team as a whole…we will now strive as a team together and continue to play with the end in sight every game.” With this attitude, the team has an even better chance of achieving Coach Potter and the team’s main goal for the season: “getting into the state tournament.”

But not only does the team have the skill, they also have a great team atmosphere. Coach Potter says, “One thing I love about this group of boys is that they have the drive and desire to take that next step. They also have a great chemistry [with] seniors joking around with freshmen and respecting [each other.]”

Such an atmosphere makes playing soccer a successful and enjoyable experience. Speaking with a growing passion, Connor Woltz says, “You know what? All of my close friends are on the soccer team this year. It is the most wonderful soccer team I’ve ever been a part of my entire life.” Most of the team would probably say that they agree with Connor on this one.