Throughout the soccer season the players got used to the techniques of a new head coach, Brian Benn, along with assistant coaches Peter Johnson and Daniel Solorzano.
All three coaches worked really hard to improve Messmer soccer, in a way that will equal success.
Soccer players had practice every day after school from 3:15 to 5:30. These practices were not easy. The players had to do “Chelseas” which is when they have to run 5 laps around the soccer field in less than 8 minutes. It was difficult at first, but players knew that they had to adapt to these practices in order to stay part of the team. The players found this exercise to be very helpful in the long run.
Coach Benn reflected on the season, “The first part of the season the team was in constant fluctuation and the effects of that showed up in the game results. The second half of the season the team was much more cohesive and the team finished the year with a string of good results. After starting 0-3 in conference, we finished 3-5.”
As freshmen joined the team they found it was difficult for them to transfer from middle school soccer to high school varsity. Freshman Daniel Hernandez said, “At first it was hard because I am a goalie, but then I got used to it.”
Coach Benn said, “The biggest challenge was the lack of size. With such a young team we were fighting a size battle in every game. The team compensated by attempting to play a possession based game that played to the strengths of the team that are touch and speed. The overall youth was a problem as well, in most cases kids would lose their composure when put under pressure. The experience of playing a full season of varsity soccer will only improve-- this is still a young team going forward.”
The younger players finished the season ready to play for next year and waiting to see what will happen next. Junior Jorge Ramirez described what he can do better by saying, “I can motivate people more for next year, so they can try harder and not give up.”
Messmer soccer team: Do not give up, we are pulling for you!
--Contributed by senior Missael Alba
