Men’s soccer team just short of playoffs despite strong season

By Chris Moffitt

Right now, about 25 young Tempe Prep Knights are trying to once again come to grips with normal life — a life without soccer.

The TPA Men’s Soccer team has just finished a remarkable season. “We had the best season in TPA Men’s Soccer history with an overall record of 9-3,” says head coach Sale. Moreover, the three teams they lost against were Coronado, Cortez, and Fountain Hills, nothing less than the consistent state champs and runner-ups for the past few years. Also, a big highlight of the season for many of the boys was beating Seton Catholic, a first in TPA history.

Ryan Bush was a key factor in this year's successful season. — Ryan Bush was a key factor in this year’s successful season.

So what led this team to such a successful season? First off, was a strong base of talented players. Coach Sale gives special recognition to Senior Ryan Bush, a captain of the soccer team, who “led all scorers in our section with 15 goals and led all players with 45 points.” Ryan definitely helped lead the team to victory.

Another factor was the team’s coaching staff. Coach Sale continued to take control of the details and keep the team in line and dedicated. Also, the team’s new assistant coach Potter, a recent grad from Northwestern University near Chicago, was especially helpful as he brought an experienced new skill set to the team and a mind that really knows loves the game. “Coach Potter really motivated our team to strive for success,” says Ryan Bush.

But the biggest factor leading to their success was the high goals the team had made for themselves. They hoped to do something that hadn’t been done before by TPA. They planned to make it to the playoffs. Speaking for everyone, Ryan says, “I wanted to make a memorable impression on our school and have it be recognized as a powerful soccer team.” This ultimate goal pushed the players to achieve incredible things that might have at one point seemed impossible.

Unfortunately, after the hard fought final win against St. Mary’s, which should have propelled TPA into the playoffs, the team’s hopes were dashed when a trick of arithmetic placed another team in their spot. But that upset cannot undermine the team’s months of achievement. As said by Ryan, “What kept my head up after the tragic news, was knowing that this was the most successful season in TPA Men’s Soccer history.”

Although the Varsity Men’s Soccer season ended abruptly, it left a statement that will leave a mark on TPA’s reputation, and it left memories that will last a lifetime.