MISSING THE GAME Senior soccer players lose precious last season SANGMIN SONG SPORTS EDITOR oth boys and girls soccer teams found out their season was officially canceled on March 23, and no one got a chance to play a single game due to the spread of COVID-19. Coaches, managers and especially the players were frustrated by the cancellation. “It sucked a lot when I found out that the season was canceled. It was going to be a really fun time to enjoy playing the game with some really good friends,” senior Tariq Moutaouakil said. Senior Kayla Eksteen, one of the captains of the girls team, was similarly disappointed. “I was extremely upset about it. It was my last chance to play soccer in high school,” Eksteen said. “It was also because I would be missing all the fun memories such as the scavenger hunt, senior night, team tie-dye, all the games and just spending time with the team in general.” The sudden cancellation was especially unfortunate for seniors because they had high expectations for their final season. “Senior year was the year I planned on winning districts and moving further in the competition than last year. We had a really exciting group of boys and a new coach so the group was very competitive,” senior Ben Torres said. Juniors were also saddened by the cancellation of the season, since it was their last chance to play with the seniors.
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DISTANCE TRAINING — Nina Otto practices soccer with her club teammates on Zoom.
“A lot of my senior teammates were so mad due to the fact it was their last season playing in high school, and hearing it got canceled was tragic for them,” said Kobe McCowan, one of the few juniors on the boys varsity team. “For us juniors, we were mad for a little bit but we got over it because we have next year.” Junior Reed Johnson is thankful for the seniors’ contributions to the team. “You all have been like brothers to me and I’m truly sorry for this to happen on such a big year for you all,” Johnson said. This season was especially important to some players like senior Nina Otto, who wasn’t able to play on the high school team for the past two years due to her involvement with her club soccer team. “I was really excited to have a senior night and to watch my friends’ senior nights,” Otto said. McLean’s soccer players believe they would have done well if they had a chance to play. “I had really high expectations for the season. I legitimately thought we could have won the states cup if it wasn’t for COVID-19,” senior Steven Lourenco said. Lourenco’s teammates agreed with his prediction. “The team bonded well during the preseason and there was a lot of hope going into this season that we could finally at least put up a banner this year,” Moutaouakil said. “A lot of us seniors talked a lot about what the season was going to be like this year, and all of us talked about how we had the potential to win states.” In spite of the cancellation, players have found ways to stay active in quarantine without practices and games. “My family got a Peloton [indoor exercise bicycle] towards the beginning of quarantine, so I’ve been using that a lot. Also, I’ve been doing workout videos, and if it’s a nice day, I’ll go on a run,” Eksteen said. Torres said he has been working hard to stay in shape. “I have made a goal of mine to stay fit and active during quarantine, so every other day I go on long runs, usually six to 12 miles, or play soccer for a couple of hours,” he said.
STAYING FIT — Tariq Moutaouakil trains solo even though his last season at McLean was canceled. “I’m getting touches on the ball multiple times a week and pushing myself toward a half-marathon.” Staying active is especially important to those seniors who are looking forward to continuing their soccer careers. Moutaouakil, Lourenco and Otto are committed to play soccer in college. Torres and Eksteen plan to continue to play on club teams or play intramural soccer. Moutaouakil has learned some valuable lessons from his experience this year that he hopes next year’s players will take to heart. “As we see here with this virus, a lot of stuff can be taken for granted and we should just take advantage of the situations we have,” Moutaouakil said. “High school soccer is all about having fun and enjoying the game as much as it is about winning games for the school you represent.” Torres also encourages next year’s players to make the most of it. “Playing for your school and representing your classmates and family is one of the most meaningful experiences you will ever have,” Torres said. “Do not take high school soccer for granted because it will be over faster than you think.”
Photos courtesy of Nina Otto & Tariq Moutaouakil
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