The Boys’ Soccer program has been striving over the past 5-6 years. After making it to FCIAC semifinals last year, the boys can only push for the best while returning this year!

They started off their season September 9th with an impressive win against cross town rival, Trinity Catholic. Junior Leao Valladares scored 2 goals and senior Luis Maradiaga scored 1 leading the team to a 3-0 victory.

Unfortunately, the team fell short 2-0 to Fairfield Ludlowe  last Thursday Septemeber, 18th.

Before the season started, I got the chance to speak to a few players as well as Coach Buckett to hear their thoughts on how they think this year will go.

“Of course we want to make FCIACS and get far in states,” says Junior, Ariel Sandoval, “but mainly we want to improve the way we play as a team and make changes.”

I also asked Sandoval, “How will this year differ from last year?” He replied, “Losing the seniors from last year and their individual skills will be tough on us.”

However, senior captain Mike Nunziante has a contradicting opinion and feels this year will not have much of a difference in comparison to last year because “many of the key players are returning. We know one another’s playing style from working together for a few years.”

Nunziante and second senior captain Joey Schinella appear to be the most optimistic players of this season according to both Sandoval and Coach Buckett; these players are essential assets to the team.

When asking Nunziante what his main focus is as the team captain, he explained, “As the captain, the biggest responsibility as a leader is keeping people together through rough times, and keeping the chemistry.” Mike works to keep the attitude of the players positive and constructive.

Mike has high hopes for this year and strives to maintain the successful reputation this program has. He said, “Im excited to be the underdog, scrap to be successful, and surprise people. Everyone’s counting us out.”

From a coach’s standpoint, Coach Buckett is aiming to get the guys to play as a team and continue their winning condition.

While being asked what he feels the boys need to improve on to better the team, Coach Buckett states, “The boys need to fill in the gaps of last year’s senior players they lost this year. A lot of the new varsity players this year played on JV last year, so it’s a transition for them.”

“The boys remember losing after getting so far ahead, so they’ll want to make it further this year,” Coach Buckett adds.

There seems to be much anticipation for this year’s soccer season; good luck to the Boys’ Soccer Team!