Boys soccer competes in competitive league
By working on team dynamics and strengths, the team strives to dominate in their closely-ranked division. They spend time together outside practice and focus on their set pieces and strong defense.
Face off…Racing to the ball, Souderton soccer player Nolan Hughes (left) and Neshaminy player Owen Biedeman press near the end line on Souderton’s end of the field during an October 4 out-of-division game. Souderton won the game 2-1.
One of the most competitive leagues in the state is the Suburban One Colonial Division.
The boys’ soccer team is stepping up to the challenge this fall season.
According to Coach Matthew Benner, he has worked hard preparing the team for their competition.
“The 10 games we have against our five league members are always difficult from a physical and emotional standpoint,” Benner said, “because the league is so strong, we need to be at [our] best at all times and continue to get better as the season progresses.”
According to Benner and senior Tyler Bovell, the team’s closest competitors are North Penn High School and Pennridge High School.
Benner said that a strategy he uses is to play to the team’s strengths.
“Our team has some good size along our backline and any time we can bring them forward for set pieces,” Benner said.
According to Bovell, the team spends time out of the game together to strengthen their bonds and team dynamic.
“What makes our team training different from other teams is that we take time to get together even on weekends to work and develop as a team/family,” Bovell said.
This comes into play after a loss when the team is able to encourage each other to “keep their head up and look into the game,” Bovell said.
According to Bovell, they celebrate wins together, too.
“My favorite moment this season would have to be when Ben Lare scored a goal against Christopher Dock then celebrated by doing [a dance,]” Bovell said.
