This year’s Boys Varsity Soccer team did not only kick off a great season on the field, but managed to succeed off the field as well. Ready to enter the playoffs, the soccer team members believe that they owe their victories to the group’s astounding amount of team unity.

Todd Hummel (’09), captain of the team, said, “I think this year more than any of [my] other years … the team has all gotten along.”

Brandon Kates (’09), also captain of the team, agrees with Hummel. Kates finds it very important that the players have good relationships in order to keep their wins coming; so far it has proved to help

“Our team chemistry has been very high this season. We stuck together, [and] we all like each other,” said Kates, reflecting on the boys’ bonds.

Brian Thompson (’10), starter for the team, feels the difference as well.

“Everyone’s friends on the team. Last year it was kind of different,” Thompson said, glorifying the composition of this year’s team.

Although it is valid to attribute the team’s success to their friendship, the players’ talent is also an imperative factor to their accomplishment.

Hummel said, “I would say probably the blend of … a strong group of seniors [has helped us win,] and then also a bunch of underclassmen stepping up.”

Even before the season began, the team was aware of the strong union in the group, and the vast amount of talent within the player.

“We had high expectations for ourselves this year,” said Kates.

Now, with the playoffs coming up next week, players keep their heads held high in hope for some more wins to add to the list.

“I think defensively we can hold our own, and our team can stay in the game with any other team that we’ll play. I think it’s just a matter of us putting the ball in the net,” said Hummel.

As far as practices go, coaches have conducted the same types of practices, as if they are preparing for normal games. They also play a few teams in regular season games, which help them prepare for the playoffs. The players’ last regular season game will be this Friday against the rivals of Cherry Hill West.

“Were just taking it day by day,” said Kates, explaining the team’s outlook on the upcoming week.

Overall, Hummel said that even through the ups and downs of the past season, the players are most definitely excited with the results. They hope for support from their fellow East students for the games to come.

Thompson said, “I’m pretty sure that our first game is home, so I’d hope that we have a big crowd.”