With the soccer season breathing down their necks, the Warren Central boys soccer team is ready to take on another year of mud, kicks and goals.
Last year's season was left with room for improvement, and that is exactly what head coach Robbie Pels plans to bring this year.
“Last year, we had a hard time scoring goals,” Pels said. “So, a lot of our focus this summer has been on the tactical side of the attack.”
Many players on the team are looking for self-improvement this season as well. They have been striving to better themselves so that they can better the team as a whole. Senior Kenny Morales said that, as a team captain, his improvement has to be ahead of the team’s in order to stay on top of the team's chemistry. He has been working on and off the field, not just on his soccer skills but also on becoming a better team leader.
Steven Peoples was the lead scorer last year and leading into this season he plans to exceed his previous performance.
“As a team we all practiced together and worked together hard to get ready for the season. Whenever the team needs something out of me, my teammates put me in good positions to score a lot.” Steven Peoples said.
Last season, this team had a difficult time on the offensive side of things. They are hoping to see a significant improvement in that aspect of the game this season.
“I think we're going to see some of our attackers, Ricardo Orellana, Eduar Carranza, Kenny Ramirez, Oscar Suchite, scoring goals and really leading our attack. We also lost an All-Conference goalkeeper after last year, so there is a battle between underclassmen for that opportunity.” coach Robbie Pels said.
Although the offense is important to winning games, it is not possible without the rest of the team contributing as well. The Warriors will be looking for improvement throughout the season that can help them make a run in Sectionals and beyond.
“Winning can only be done by a strong team and not by one person's improvement, the whole roster has to be in the right mindset for pushing through the season, and hopefully going to state.” Pels said.