Varsity boys soccer back in action

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Photo by Jenavie Orta

Luis Jovel chases after the ball during the Belton game.

Leah Lopez, Rumbler Staffer

This year on the varsity boys soccer team, look out for seniors Luis Jovel and Dylan Dunfee. Although the players have completely different roles, the both contribute huge parts to the team.

“As a captain, it’s a good feeling having each other’s backs and knowing that they trust me enough with being captain,” Jovel said.

Jovel, who is a forward and has lettered on varsity all four years, has been playing soccer since the sixth grade. Dunfee has about nine years more of soccer experience and has been on varsity since his junior year.

Coach Darryl Knight talks with the players after the Belton game.
Photo by Kylie Birchfield
Coach Darryl Knight talks with the players after the Belton game.

“As a goal keeper I make sure that my defense is in position and that we properly distribute the ball.” Dunfee said. “This is a very stressful position because it’s up to you to keep the team in the game.”

The team started the season with a 0-0 tie against Leander, Jan. 8 before heading to the Governors Cup, a tournament in Georgetown, Jan. 14-16.

They lost to Belton 2-0, Jan. 14, but recovered with a 2-0 win over Sherman, Jan. 15.

“The win against Sherman was a good win, but we still needed to fix a few things,” Jovel said. “We didn’t get scored on but up top we could’ve finished with more goals.”

They finished the tournament with a 1-1 tie against Bowie.

“The tie to Bowie was a tough game because they’re a really good squad,” Jovel said. “We took our one opportunity to score and from there we were on our heels until Bowie tied up the game.”

In their first home match, Jan. 22, the team took a 2-0 first half lead over Connally. But the Cougars scored three goals in the second half and won the non-district match 3-2. They started the first round of district at Pflugerville, losing 3-0.

For Dunfee, being on the field has helped him grow and develop as a soccer player.

“Soccer has given me an outlet to go and be fast and show the world what I’m made of,” Dunfee said.

DISTRICT SOCCER SCHEDULE
Jan. 26 at Pflugerville, 8 p.m.
Jan. 29 vs Westwood, 8 p.m.
Feb. 2 vs. Round Rock, 8 p.m.
Feb. 5 at McNeil, 7:45 p.m.
Feb. 9 vs. Cedar Ridge, 8 p.m.
Feb. 12 at Stony Point, 8 p.m.
Feb. 16 Hendrickson, 8 p.m.
Feb. 19 vs. Pflugerville, 8 p.m.
Feb. 23 at Westwood, 8 p.m.
Feb. 26 at Round Rock, 8 p.m.
March 1 vs McNeil, 8 p.m.
March 4 at Cedar Ridge 8 p.m.
March 8 vs Stony Point, 8 p.m.
March 11 at Hendrickson, 8 p.m.