Varsity Boys’ Soccer will begin district play against Lancaster on Jan. 26. The Broncos finished last season with a district record of 4-9-1 and were ranked sixth in the district. Although this season the sun seems to be peeking in between the clouds for the Broncos. They are recovering five senior starters from last season. This being said last season they only retired five senior players out of a 21-man roster so this season’s roster doesn’t look all that much different form last season.
Senior midfielder, Mikey Keefer, said he’s looking forward to the season opener, which will stand as senior night for the Broncos.
“We’re going to enter [this season] really strong,” Keefer said. “Whether we lose or win, we’re going to bounce back from whatever we did and go out with a bang.”
Even though their season has just begun, some seniors are already thinking about playing at the next level, like Keefer, who signed to play soccer at Paris Junior College on Jan. 10.
“[Signing] was a dream come true, because I want to play college ball,” Keefer said. “Just having the feeling was an amazement. I grew up playing soccer, and I found love in the sport and it’s just amazing.”
Junior defender Bryan Ukeje was on the varsity roster as a sophomore midfielder last season, but has climbed up to a starting position since. Ukeje said the Broncos have the opportunity to have a stand-out year.
“We have a lot of potential as a team this year to improve. We’ve played together for two years now. I’m ready to see how much we’ve developed,” Ukeje said. “My goal for the season is making sure the team chemistry is on a high.”
Personally, Ukeje said this season he’s hoping to make first team all district. Ukeje said he’s planning to continue playing soccer after his high school career and he’s currently speaking to colleges.
“Soccer is a way for me to get away from stress and all my issues in life,” Ukeje said. “It brings me peace.”
The Broncos’ game against Lancaster could set their momentum for the rest of the season. They will have to rise two district spots to fourth place to make the playoffs. You can watch the Broncos begin district play against Lancaster at 7:30 p.m. at Legacy on Friday, Jan. 26.
“My goal is to make playoffs and not to let people down,” Keefer said.
