7941-04 LHS Boys Soccer - Laserfiche WebLink

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Boys soccer, surpassing all expectations by Steve Voicik In an age when big time hi£h school sports such as football, baseball, and basketbalT are the most popular among students and athletes, lower profile sports such as soccer and volleyball are overshadowed. While the foot"- ball and basketball teams are in a rebuilding year, fans are looking to soccer and volleyball for new excitement" "For the St. Edwards game, we had great fan support, the kids really rose to the occasion, especially the senior class" varsity soccer assistant coach Bill Rabel said. The varsity boy's soccer team is enjoying a fan- tastic season this fall, one of the best in school history: They captured the Lake Erie League title on Wednesday October 13, with a victory over Euclid They ended the regular season with 10 wins, 4 losses and a tie. More impressive than their overall record has been their play in the division. The boys were a perfect 9-ò in the league defeating tough division opponents Mentor, Cleveland Heights and Shaker Heights. Team trust and unity have been two of the main reasons for the team's success. "1Ì1Ist and unity have been very important to our team this year, when we were strugglirig a bit, and broke down a few games, the trust and unity was lacking, and it cost us some wins" Rabel said. Summer league games, coupled with six-mile runs and a mini camp in August, including two-a-day practices, are all designed for players new and old to adapt to each other. They encourage lasting friendships and- strong bonds to form between teammates. The team's closeness was as important to their success as basic soccer training. 4I!B ''Most of these kids have been playing with each other throughout their childhood and now up through the high sdioolleveI. They're all full of talent and trust each other so well. I don't think I've ever ~een a stronger bond between friends and players then with these guys," Rabel commented. The Ranger seniors are able to provide leader- ship for the team. Senior captains Drew Maxfield and Roger Sikes are prime examples. "They are great individuals on and off the fidd and they have great leadership abilities. They are very goal oriented players." Rabel concluded. After a tough stretch of road games, including a test against St. Ignatius, the Rangers battled hard and stayed in the games behind strong defense. In the end the Ran~rs lost a close one to the WIldcats. St. Ignatius is strong and skilled in every posi- tion," Lakewood Head Coach WmstonJacobs said. Recently, the Rangers have had some disciplinary issues. "We lost two great atWetes who were very good players, but they need to understand that team comes before self" Rabel said. As for the playoffs, the Ranger's cruised through their first opponent, North Ride:eville, on Monday October 16, with a 6-0 victory. Lakewood drew Elyria in the second round of the sectional playoffs and this game was played at Rocky River High School on Thnrsday October 21. The Rangers were again victorious beating the Pioneers 1-0. Unfortunately; the postseason came to an end with a close 2-1 loss to Westlake in the District Semifinals on October 25th. lakewood soccer players face Westlake in the district semifinals at Reid Field in Westlake. Times photo by ran Herrington By winning the LEL title the Rangers accomplished one of two season goals. The sec- ond goal was to advance to the District Finals. Despite the semifinals loss, the boys have had a tremendously successful season.