by Ava Lowe and Jenna Dobson

Northern’s varsity men’s soccer team has been doing exceptionally well this season with a regular season record of nine wins and one tied game against North Point High School (Charles County). Out of conference, they suffered a tough loss to St. Mary’s Ryken, 2-1, and their most recent game against Leonardtown High School (SMAC championship game) was hard-fought but, unfortunately, a loss with a score of also 2-1. The team has a positive outlook on the up-comng playoff season.

With the regular season  ending, the players now prepare for the next chapter: playoffs. The players feel great about the turnout of the 2023 season. Senior forward/winger Tanner Bruce said, “It’s gone really well. Going into the SMAC championships we didn’t get the result we wanted, but so far throughout the conference play we’ve done really well.” Senior goalkeeper Nathan Mehls said, “We’ve done really well. In conference, we’re currently undefeated- out of conference we had two tough losses against Ryken and Leonardtown (SMAC championship game).” The team had a great run this year during their regular season and are prepared to keep it running.

The playoffs are fastly approaching and the team is fired up. Even after their tough losses, they know they have what it takes to go far in the playoffs. Senior forward Nick Haney said, “We have a good week of training ahead so we’re going to be on the front foot starting and we already have a first round bye, which will give us time to reset.”  Junior winger Jason Carnes said, “I feel very optimistic about how far we can go and that the team will do well- we’re a strong team and we get along great.”Junior right-back John Stum said, “I think we should go to regionals and have a pretty good shot at winning.” The team’s grit and comradery is what will carry them through the playoff season. 

Now that the regular season has come to an end, the team is reflecting on their memories of their days on the fields this year. From grueling summer practices to sunset games. Mehls said, “Senior night was a lot of fun- we beat La Plata 2-0 to finish the season which was great.” Haney said, “When we played huntingtown- every year it’s an exciting game but I didn’t expect it to be that exciting this year but it was.” These boys have worked diligently this season and are now able to sit back for a second and appreciate what they’ve done for their team. 

On top of reflecting on the regular season, the team’s senior players are looking back on their younger selves as they’ve grown up and evolved as athletes throughout these past four years. With it being their last season, these boys have mixed feelings. Haney said, “When we played huntingtown- every year it’s an exciting game but I didn’t expect it to be that exciting this year but it was.” Bruce said, “It’s definitely more intense than last year- mostly because there’s so many seniors on our team so there’s competition.” Mehls said, “It was fun- a little stressful just because it’s my last season. It’s my fourth year playing so I’m kind of sad to see it go but I’m also excited for the next chapters of my life.” It’s a complex thing to move into the next phase of your life after being in the same phase for four years, but these boys have shown perseverance and resilience throughout the past soccer seasons which in the long run will help them face the challenges life throws at them.

It was great to speak with some of the players and get their personal insight on the team’s success and relationships with one another. Good luck to the varsity men’s soccer team on your playoff season this year- and the seniors on their years ahead!

By JennaD