By Hannah Chadwick

   “Our armor may be dented but that just shows that we wore it,” says Connor Clark, junior and captain of the TPA boys’ soccer team. The high school boys’ soccer team has played a difficult season, and with it coming to an end, its consistent determination has rewarded the Knights with improvement and new favorite memories. 

   Having a small-sized team, each player puts in his effort towards every game, and though they may not always score the “W”, the games have given the team more experience, players say.

   “We’ve worked hard in everything we’ve done to limit making the same mistake twice, and now we’ve improved in our understanding of game tactics and positioning,” Connor says. The team’s persistence throughout the season has taught the players that there is more to the sport than just game day. 

   Now the players have a new set of skills. Senior Elias Ricken says, “As a team, we’ve worked together and gotten better as the season has progressed. I think that many of the less-experienced players have improved greatly throughout the course of the season and I’m really proud of them for that.”

   On top of the athletes’ improvement, the year has also created new memories and experiences. Connor says, “Our small team size allows us to grow closer as players and friends, and my favorite memory is driving my teammates to far away games because of the fun conversations and good vibes we got to enjoy.” 

   As for Elias, he has been impressed by the team’s persistent effort. “My favorite part of being on the team is definitely the fact that we find ways to compete even when all the odds are stacked against us, he says, “With only 12 players, we have had to play games with only 10, even nine men sometimes, and yet we still managed to compete.” 

   Be sure to attend the Knights’ last games, especially Senior Night, scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 1.