by Joey Lavoie ’14

A young team and injuries usually is not a good formula for a team to have a successful season, but the boys’ soccer team has been able to weather the storm on the way to a 2-4 record. Under new Coach Mike Kogok, the team has competed in every game, in spite of the injury to starting goalkeeper, senior Nick Widmaier.

Widmaier, with a lingering ankle injury suffered during summer training, has played a total of one game so far this season, playing one of half of each of the games against Seneca Valley and Clarksburg. Backup senior goalkeeper Jake Kram has stepped up in the high-pressure position and through the first six of the season, he has not allowed more than two goals in a game. Widmaier should make his return in the next week, which will allow for the Warriors to turn to a more experienced option in goal.

“Although it’s been tough sitting on the sidelines and watching for the first half of the season I am still supportive and Jake has been doing a great job filling in, and I can’t wait to get back out there and start playing again,” said Widmaier. “It’s exciting being able to start practicing again, and I am excited to be able to finally get my shot to start playing in games again.”

A strength of the team is in the midfield and on the attack, where senior captain Austin Cecil and senior transfer Jeremy Rollings have given the Warriors a chance in every game, even when the Warriors fall behind in a game.

“Austin and Jeremy provide relief for the back line and midfield as they are able to hold onto the ball long enough for the rest of the team to join the attack,” said junior defender Christian Demoya. “They are then able to lay it off and make a run or take on a defender.”

Last Saturday the Warriors took on Clarksburg at Caruso Memorial Field, where they lost after scoring in the first five minutes. Cecil opened the game with a goal, but that was as far as the Warriors got. Clarksburg was able to storm back, tying the game in the first half, then never letting off the gas pedal and scoring once again in the second half. The Warriors have now dropped three straight as Widmaier looks to take over goaltending duties.