After finishing last season with a 4-14 record, the Boys Soccer team has reinvented themselves. Long summer days full of endless conditioning. Traveling hours away to play teams outside their conference. Eating, sleeping, and playing together 24/7. From learning each other’s playstyles, to starting a tradition of going out to eat together after each game, the team has done everything to prepare for the 2024-2025 season.
However; the offseason didn’t just create a lifetime of memories for the players, stars will soon emerge. From Joel Joseph’s speed, to Matthew Maldondo’s dynamic field vision, both have contributed heavily to the electrifying start of the season.
“We hope to improve on last year’s overall record, as well as increase our wins in conference play,” Coach Brian Past said.
Team Building has always been a big focus for the team. Over the summer they engaged in a team camp at Purdue Fort Wayne. Here they showcased what was to come for the season. Whenever they weren’t playing soccer, they were enjoying their time together.
“Certainly the overnight team camp at Purdue Fort Wayne is a great bonding experience for our players,” Past said.
During this camp, Maldonado separated himself from the others. Foreshadowing his laser precision.
“At the Purdue Fort Wayne team camp, he was the only player, at the whole camp, to hit the crossbar of the goal, three times in a row,” Past said.
That was just the beginning of Maldondo’s achievements. At the Northwood Tournament, he led his team to first place, marking the first of many major victories.
“He hit a free kick with 11 seconds left that tied up the game for us and was also one of the players to hit his PKs in both penalty kick shootouts, which eventually secured us the championship of the tournament,” Past said.
At the Northwood Tournament, Maldonado was able to succeed under pressure.
“In the moment, I knew this might be the last play of the game,” Maldonado said, “Honestly I didn’t think it was going in. Sometimes you have to just hit the ball and hope something happens, and in this case, it went in and we went on to win the game”.
Maldonado went on to score two goals against LaPorte and Kankakee Valley.
“I like to joke that Matthew has ice running through his veins,” Past said. “He never backs down from a challenge and is a great captain and leader of our team.”
Coming off an injury, Joseph was more than just determined to get back on the field. His game against Portage would show this, as he scored a hat trick. Joseph believes to overcome adversity comes with a multitude of strength.
“I think it takes a strong mindset and good friends so that way if you do fall down or stumble, you have your company or friends to help you pick your head back up when you don’t have the strength yourself to do it,” Joseph said.
During the game, Maldonado helped assist Joseph’s three goals. Pass plays are a big part of soccer and the boys’ teamwork helped them succeed. Joseph believes his teamwork with Maldonado has progressed over the years.
“I felt like us talking more and spending time together outside the field helped else get into each other’s head so that way when we do play we already know what the other person’s thinking and where they’re gonna go,” Joseph says.
As the Boys Soccer team’s season goes forward, they are determined to keep getting better.
“I would really love to improve my technical abilities so that way I can keep up with those guys and help them execute plans that they see more than I do,” Joseph said.
