Boys Varsity Soccer Season Nears Exciting End

Anxious moms and dads fill the bleachers of VC varsity boys soccer games, encouraging the players’ every move, and sharing remarks about game’s referees. The competitive athletes on the field, sweating and exhausted do anything but give up. It is obvious to anyone watching from the sideline, or the stands that the boys strive for victory and with every effort, bring the ball closer to a goal. “Soccer is a brutal sport; these boys get injured a lot, but always get back up, and continue with the game, “ stated senior Stephanie Stead, who can be found at most games supporting her fellow classmates.
The exciting season is approaching an end, but the boys are finishing strong. On January 12, Valley defeated rival Saint Francis 2-0. Senior Jeff Coggan scored the first goal, with an amazing pass from senior Joey Stryker, who managed to pass the ball as he was falling backwards. This play also marked Coggan’s 30th goal of his career, breaking the scoring record previously shared by brother Jimmy Coggan, and Ronald Jenkins. Coggan is now the all-time leading goal scorer, and assist leader in school history. Next, senior David Nettemeyer would score his third goal in three games, all from headers, as junior Ross Mark played a perfectly timed ball into the box. After a slight deflection, Nettemeyer was able to head the ball over the charging keeper and into the Saint Francis net.
On Saturday, January 21, the boys traveled to San Francisco to play Sacred Heart Cathedral Irish. The day began poorly, with rainy weather and the bus managing to get lost on the way. But the boys pulled out their sixth win this season with an ending score of 2-0.
The first goal scored in the first ten minutes of the game was scored by Coggan, who brought the ball down between two defenders and deposited it past the diving keeper. Pumped at the score and their sudden lead, the Warriors struck again just minutes later. Junior Ryan Favre one-touched the ball to a streaking Stryker who collected the ball and struck it into the far left side netting, 2-0 Warriors. “I knew I had to finish that one since I was all alone. That ball from Ryan just came to my feet, it was perfect,” Stryker said on the bus home after the game. The game consisted of many other notorious efforts, which helped secure their victory.
Saint Francis and Sacred Heart are just a couple of the many games that stood out, and ended with exciting victories. For more information on the soccer games, or a schedule, go to www.vcsoccer.com.