Kicking Off Soccer Season: A Preview

I definitely see a lot of areas to improve, but I also see a lot of potential for the team to have success.

— Morgan Emokpae

The 2018-2019 soccer season kicked off Saturday with the opening jamboree. The Waves played New Hope and Amory in the first mock games of the season. I spoke with members of the soccer team, coaches and students about the upcoming soccer season and what they believe it will hold. Although both teams suffered two losses, members are staying hopeful for what the season will hold.

This year the Lady waves have a substantial amount of returning seniors. The Lady Waves suffered back to back losses Saturday, falling to New Hope 4-1 and Amory 5-1. In both matches senior Erin Williams was the only player to score.

“I think the team has things they should work on, but we have great potential. Going forward, I think this will be a great season we need to work on putting passes together and communicating more,” Williams said.

Additionally, the boys team has a handful of returning seniors. Senior captain Morgan Emokpae commented on his team’s performance from Saturday.

“I definitely see a lot of areas to improve, but I also see a lot of potential for the team to have success.”

The boys team lost both of their matches as well, losing to New Hope 6-0 and Amory 3-0.

Head Coach Mori Mims commented on the performance of his team.

“This was the first outing. It was a learning experience. We definitely improved our play, which is our goal. It’ll be our goal all season long. If we continue doing that we’ll be in a good place at the end of the year.”

Junior players shared their opinions on the team and the outlook of the season.

“I’m optimistic about the season because we have a lot of talented players on the team. We have players with a lot of experience that are good at the game, and we have a lot of players that are new that are showing improvement everyday,” junior Britton Phillips said.

“I think we’re getting better and better connecting with each other on the field and after we get to know each other throughout the season the chemistry of our team will improve substantially,” added junior Catherine Li.

Senior Helen Peng is excited to cheer on her Blue Waves this season with her friend Sarena Patel.

“I am excited to go watch soccer with Sarena so she can explain it to me!”

The Waves will face Louisville High School in their first match of the season Thursday, Nov. 8.