Last year, IHS Boys’ Soccer ended the season with an overall record of 14–4, culminating in a loss to Fairport in the state semifinals. With the heavy support of fans, the team won every home game and beat IHS’s longtime rival, Vestal. After the regular season ended, Ithaca went on to beat John Jay in the Class AA regional finals and made it to the state semifinals, where they lost 2–1 to the Fairport Red Raiders. Despite last year’s stellar performance, the team will have a lot to prove in the upcoming months.
Even after the team’s loss of several starting seniors, many players remain confident. “We have a lot of good players coming up, and the experience that our rising seniors got last year will leave them plenty prepared,” Andrew Araneo ’16 said. The JV team’s performance last year, especially their 12–0 win over Binghamton, is proof that the Class of 2017 will be able to fill the gaps left by graduating seniors. However, before the season starts, the team will have to replace the starting defenders who graduated after last year’s dominant season. “One of our biggest challenges will be replacing our defense from last year, as we lost all four starting defenders.” Tristan Cornell-Roberts ’16 said.
The loss of seniors won’t just affect the roster. “We lost a lot of great leaders,” Cornell-Roberts said. Members of both the senior and junior classes will need to step up as leaders if the team hopes to make it to the playoffs.
When asked about the team’s biggest upcoming challenge, Alex Patz ’17, one of two sophomores to make the team last year, commented on “the lack of senior experience and team chemistry.” He noted that the new players will have to work together and bond if they want to make it to the playoffs again.
Many of the players have been playing club soccer throughout the summer, so the transition into pre-season will be natural. “Most of the team is playing pre-season with our club coach Lamar—it’s great for getting in shape and being ready for the season,” Cornell-Roberts said. Before their season starter against Elmira, the team will be practicing twice a day to make sure players’ skills are ready.
Despite the loss of many graduating seniors, members of the Varsity soccer team have prepared rigorously throughout summer and are excited for a successful season. “I look forward to defending our four titles through hard work and dedication, and winning the state finals,” Patz said. With the team’s track record and upcoming talent, a state championship may not be so far-fetched.