High expectations, but minimal success. That sums up the Boys’ Soccer season this year.
The season began on a high-note, as they went 5-2 and were showing signs of a breakout season.
Then Hamilton and Dobson came along.
Two straight losses against Hamilton and Dobson forced the boys into a corner, as they could not afford to lose many more games.
Following those two losses, the boys beat Marcos de Niza and Boulder Creek by a combined score of 8-0. Playoffs were again in the players’ grasps. (Pause), Hamilton enters the picture, yet again.
The Pumas traveled to Hamilton, and were not able to put up much of a contest as they lost 4-1.
Did the loss hurt? Obviously. Could they recover? Definitely.
The boys had three remaining games against Skyline, Basha, and Mountain Pointe. Winning those three games would help up the chances for the boys to be given a playoff seed.
Prior to the match against Skyline, senior goalkeeper Turner Kallen caught a sickness and was unable to perform. This forced head coach Jim Vanney to insert freshman Dante Compeon.
Although the Pumas have showed they have better talents than that of Skyline, they were unable to prevail, losing to the Coyotes 3-2.
“Our unexpected loss to Skyline put us out of the playoffs,” sophomore Tanner Hedger comments. “We were easily the better team.”
Entering the match Skyline was 5-13, so it is easy to understand that the boys came into the match thinking it would be an uncontested win.
Skyline had other plans, obviously.
Even though Perry was able to win their last two games against Basha and Mountain Pointe, it was not enough to earn a playoff spot.
The hardest thing to put your head around is the amount of seniors (7) that will not be returning due to graduation.
Looking forward to next season, the Pumas have a lot to be optimistic about as their younger players have a lot to offer. From sophomore midfielder Julian Esparza, to junior defender Mitchell Albrecht, the expectations will be set high again.
Will the Pumas fulfill those expectations, though? Only time will tell.
