Starting Monday, Oct. 7, Warren Central’s boys soccer team will be competing in sectionals. After what many would call a mediocre season, the Warriors hope to turn it around and make it deep into the sectional round.
The Warriors play in a tough sectional this year, with top teams like Cathedral and Heritage Christian. In the 2023 season, the Warriors defeated Lawrence North in penalty kicks but faced a crushing 9-0 loss against Cathedral in the second round of sectionals. This year, the team looks for a different outcome as they battle the winner of Herron and Lawrence North in the second game on Oct. 9.
“I think the season is going well,” sophomore Kailli Jimenez said. “Every game has been tough, but we have been working hard.”
The team struggled in many games throughout the season, finding little success in big games. In games where many players believe the team should have won by more, as a team they struggled. The Warriors took on the Shortridge Blue Devils on Aug. 24 and while they did win 6-5, the Warriors had the opportunity to win by more. However, players believe they can get the job done when facing setbacks.
“A realistic goal I have for the team is trying to communicate in the game, and also determination in not giving up when there are setbacks,” senior Oscar Suchite said.
Looking back on the season so far, the team has reflected on both the ups and the downs. Because of this, the team can accurately make goals come sectionals. Reflecting on what they have struggled with during this season will help players acknowledge what will need to improve.
“I believe we need to work on being the first team to make an impact in the game,” Suchite said. “It gets the blood, adrenaline flowing in everyone when we get the first shot.”
Other players believe that the mindset of the team could have played a role in their struggle.
“In my opinion I think the team struggled with confidence and motivation,” Diego Villatoro said. “Sometimes the attacks don't take shots because of the lack of confidence, and when we get scored on, the defense drops their heads and loses faith. It’s up to the individual player to have faith in themselves and the team, but we are all doing our jobs and we are doing a good job as well.”
There are six seniors on the varsity roster this season. With that being said, leadership and experience from seniors will be paramount to the team success in sectionals. If leadership falls short, the team could potentially not advance.
“As the captain of the team, I would like to talk to each player individually after games and try to help them on what they think their mistakes were in the game,” Suchite said. “While in the game it can be rough at times, but I just try to tell them to push through and leave everything you got on the field.”
Coaching is a huge factor in the team’s success, and because of this confidence boosts from the top are essential to the players.
“Coaches motivate us to help boost our confidence and it actually works,” Villatoro said. “We try our best to pay attention to his tactics and what he tells us to do on the field. We make sure we do what he tells us to.”