The men’s soccer team entered State Tournament play with a 5-7-5 record on the season. But although their record is not anything to brag about, the team had high hopes entering their Sectional matchup with Southport on Oct. 4.

The team had a rough start to the season, as they held a 1-4-5 record through their first 10 games. But they turned it around a little in the latter half of the season, going 4-3. 

The team played a brutal regular season schedule, as according to Head Coach Mr. Joel Russell, “(The team’s) schedule was extremely difficult. For the end of regular season poll, we played the number 1, 4, 5, 9, and 20 ranked teams in 3A”. The team played in close games versus ninth ranked Brownsburg and 20th ranked North Central, though they lost those matchups 5-4 and 1-0 respectively. 

In the City Tournament, the team made the finals, beating Scecina Memorial and Covenant Christian along the way. However, for the second straight year, they fell to Arsenal Tech in the final by a score of 3-2.

The team also battled injuries, specifically to senior Josh Wesseling, who scored 17 goals last season and was named to the Indiana Soccer Coaches Association all-state third team. Wesseling battled an injury earlier this season, but is now back for the tournament. Russell said, “We are now healthy and ready to make a long tournament run. I think we’ll be underestimated by some opponents and hopefully we can use that to our advantage.”

The team is competing in Sectional 11, hosted by Arsenal Tech, and they drew Southport in the first round. The team beat Southport earlier this year, on Sept. 13, but only by one goal, as they won 3-2.

 Going into the game though, Russell did not seem worried. He said, “We completely dominated the run of play and (Southport) scored two late goals to close the gap (in the first game).” He highlighted the need to defend the back side on stacks shortening the field with the defense.

It was evident that Russell was confident going in, and in the game, the team showed just how confident they were. They completely dominated the Cardinals, winning 4-1 behind the leadership of Wesseling, who scored 2 goals and added an assist. Sophomore Calvin Kurwaza added an identical stat line, and junior Liam Fahey added an assist. Sophomore goalkeeper Jett Wallmeier commanded the team’s excellent defense. 

The team will face Lawrence North in the Sectional Semifinals on Oct. 5 at 7 p.m. The Wildcats hold a 4-9-3 record and are coming off of a 4-0 win against Warren Central on Oct. 4. 

Should they win, the team could face Arsenal Tech again in the Sectional Championship, in a rematch. If that scenario occurs, Russell believes the team will be ready. He said, “If Arsenal gets past a very good Perry Meridian tweak, I look forward to getting on the front foot and attacking them in the finals.”