Kicking off their season, the BVNW boys’ varsity soccer team played their season opener at home with full stands watching as they faced Northwest’s biggest rival, the Mustangs at Blue Valley North.
“This game plays out like it always does where it doesn’t matter whether you feel like you’re the better team by a lot or by a little, it’s always a tie or a 1-0 game,” head coach Brian Pollack said moments after the soccer game Friday.
The beginning of the boys’ varsity soccer season started by facing their rival team, Blue Valley North. After a double overtime, the game ended in a 0-to-0 draw.
Pollack explained how this game is “the game” for the boys and that it is hard for the team to focus on other things until it is over.
“It’s a great game for everyone involved win or lose just because you have a filled stand, and I know football players take it for granted but for soccer that’s a special thing,” Pollack said.
Before the game, Pollack explained the dynamic of his team and their diverse experience.
“You have players who have been on varsity for years and so they have that experience, but then you’ve got players who have worked through C team and JV and are hungry and want that varsity experience,” Pollack said.
When describing the flow of the team, sophomore Rogen Anderson said they participate in team-bonding activities to improve their chemistry on the field.
“We didn’t get as many chances as we wanted, but overall defensively we played well,” Anderson said.
Anderson started and played the majority of the game, staying in for the double overtimes as a defensive outside back. Center back junior Jacob Banyas said he agreed with Anderson about the team’s performance.
“We fought hard and wanted to win but it’s only up from here,” Banyas said.
There are many games ahead of the team and when asked about what Pollack hopes to achieve this season he said he is taking a different approach.
“We have set goals every year and I chose not to this year, we are just taking it one game at a time,” Pollack said.
