Despite a tough loss to start the season, the boys’ soccer team looks to rebound and come away with more victories.
photo by Rebecca Holt
The varsity boys’ soccer team is yet again in search of that trophy that has thus far eluded them: state championship. “We have one of our most promising teams in years,” exclaimed coach Jon Poole. “I’m lucky enough to have a good group of seniors, and a great cast of juniors and underclassmen.” Many believe this year is the year; the year the team finally comes together to bring soccer back into the spotlight.
“I want it so bad, winning is all I can think about!” said Senior Starter Tommy Moehlman, with an intense tone. For seniors like Tommy, and David Sanchez it has been a very long three years. “It’s the same story every year; we look great at the beginning, but as the season plays out we lose our confidence,” said Sanchez. The squad has very high expectations, and many believe they should easily be seeded at the top in the playoffs, alongside other powerhouse DPS schools such as East and Lincoln.
On Tuesday, September 8th, the Spartan boys faced off against the Olympians of Gateway, who had a rebuilding season last year. The varsity crew came into this one fully rested after a long, three-day Labor day weekend, but came up short in a heart-breaker, 1-0, with a great game in net by Senior goalkeeper Chris Needham who saved 92% of shots. “We just looked tired; we weren’t mentally in it,” said Needham.
The frustration was also easily seen in the eyes of Coach Poole as his team underachieved. “It’s the first game of the season,” coach exclaimed in the post-game huddle. “ We will work out the kinks. We can only look at the positives, and build off the negatives,” said Poole.
Coach Poole is well known around school as a very inspirational coach with a unique and successful way of bringing the very best out of his players out on the field, as well as his students in the classroom. “He really makes me want to play; he pumps me up!” said Freshman Michael Mahoney. “Poole is everything you want in a coach, a dedicated mentor, and most of all a friend.”
Make sure you catch the varsity team bounce back against Faith Christian High School on Wednesday September 16 at 4:00pm.
Tue 9-8-09 Gateway High School @TJ 4:00pm (L 0-1)
Thu 9-10-09 EagleCrest High school @ TJ 4:00 pm (L 1-3)
Mon 9-14-09 @Elizabeth High School 6:00 pm (W 10-0)
Wed 9-16-09 Faith Christian High School @TJ 4:00 pm (W 2-1)
Fri 9-18-09 Evergreen High School @ TJ 4:00 pm
Mon 9-21-09 George Washington High School @TJ 4:00pm (W 4-0)
Wed 9-23-09 @Denver South High School 4:00pm
Tue 9-29-09 Denver North High School @TJ 4:00pm
Fri 10-2-09 @Denver East High School @TJ 4:00pm
Tue 10-6-09 Abraham Lincoln High school @TJ 4:00pm
Thu 10-8-09 Montbello High School @ All City Field 6:00pm
Fri 10-9-09 Ridge View Academy @TJ 4:15 pm
Tue 10-13-09 Denver West High School @ All City Field 6:00pm
Thu 10-15-09 @Kent Denver 4:00pm
Tue 10-20-09 @ John F. Kennedy 4:00pm
