A state run is looking very promising for the undefeated Mayo Boys soccer team, with forty five goals scored and only one conceded. Now they are ranked number seven in the state as well. 

With a record of 14-0-2, the boys are led by four senior captains Juan Ibarra, a very talented player; Cadel Wolf, a clinical number nine; Parker Nelson, the fastest player on the pitch; and Patrick Haslam, able to beat opponents in a 1v1 every time. The four captains are very happy with the results the team has been getting. However, with each new game, the pressure seems to mount.

How does the captain deal with all this pressure on being ranked in the state and state run expectations? “I cope with pressure very well. I have a routine before the game and I just let my game do the talking. It’s my job as a captain to make sure all the boys are on track in training and off the pitch, so we don’t start to slack, and see what happened last year happen again,” Juan Ibarra said.

The Spartans have a very bright midfielder in Amani Gupta. Although he still has lots to learn, Gupta has the potential to be great. “I feel very confident and prepared to take over the starting midfield position. The captains and other senior players have taught me a lot,” Gupta said. He has been earning a great deal of playing time this year, and he sees how the varsity game is different: “it’s a lot faster paced than junior varsity and a lot more physical, [which is] something I need to work on.” In fact, Gupta is a mentor to his younger teammates: “As a sophomore I’m excited to teach the younger players things I wish I would’ve learned as a freshman, and hopefully I can earn the captain armband next season.” It sounds like the young sophomore is ready to lead the Spartans in a positive direction next year, but can they make it happen this year?  

Next year could be a challenging year for Coach TJ. With his whole starting eleven besides two midfielders being seniors, next year will call for a different system and tactics for sure. Because of their hard work, they are already among the top clubs in the big nine. 

Tonight they face Maple Grove, an undefeated team; the game is at 7:30 pm at White Bear Lake High School.