Both soccer teams have had their ups and downs this season as they continue to work towards the common goal of making playoffs.

The boys’ soccer team puts the work in at practice and the results have shown up in the games.

“We struggle a little bit at the end of games [when] we do something silly that isn’t necessary,” senior John Cronin said. “Guys with bad grades have been one of the biggest problems this season. We are trying to help them pass so that they are eligible to play all season.”

The boys’ team captain, junior Peter Hmung, is back this season after injuries to both knees that cost him all of last year. Hmung has been scoring and is a leader to his team.

“My biggest struggle was my knee injuries,” Hmung said. “I couldn’t play at all and I really wanted to be there to help out my team.”

Although inspiration and hard work are excellent qualities for a team, they have not been enough to be everything the teams dream of being. The boys stand at 7-2 overall and 1-1 district, while the girls stand at 5-3 and 2-3. Although it’s only the beginning of the season, focusing on improving problems is the best way to reach goals.

“Some of us tend to get caught ball watching instead of stepping to the ball, myself included,” sophomore Emily Palmore said. “My plan is to work hard the entire game, and to make sure when we’re on defense to have my mark and to get up when we are on the attack.”

Even though there have been difficulties this season, both teams have had numerous bright spots on their records. Players agree that there has been good ball movement and both squads seem to be playing as a team instead of there being a one man show.