By Hayden Sampson

Oliver Ricken, goalkeeper and captain for the Tempe Prep boys soccer team, dribbles down the field. For some people that understand soccer, that might be a problem. And yes, you did read that right. Our keeper was dribbling down the field, and this wasn’t the first time. This happened in the annihilation of both the Globe and Lincoln and proved who was the superior team.

Says Daniel Tsark, “There are a lot of good teams in the playoffs, but we have really grown as a team and have a chance to make a mark.”

When asked what is needed from the team to make it far into the playoffs, Captain Josh Hudson states, “We need to put everything we got into these next few games.” At Thursday’s big win against Trivium Prep, Olie told the team, “We got two left. This one right here matters. Make it count.” And they did, as Evan Hackett blasted a last-minute left-footed goal past Trivium’s keeper to win the game, bumping the Knights up in the rankings.

The captains on this team are also a big part of the success. Says Nick Woodroffe on the leadership his captains are bringing to the table, “They are some great lads, and they have taught us how to play together as a team. We are super lucky to have them.”

Says Kenneth Russell about senior captain John Patterson, “He makes playing soccer worth the sweat.”

With such great leadership, along with the skill they have throughout the roster, the playoffs are looking bright for our Knights.