To say that East’s boys’ soccer team is simply “good” this year would be a severe understatement.
Through the regular season, the Wildcats punched in 86 goals while only allowing 18 from their opponents. The team has only one loss in conference, winning nine out of ten conference games while outscoring their opponents by nearly a factor of five.
In the 2021-2022 season, the Wildcats won just 13 times, recording six losses and two ties. This year, after concluding their final regular season games, they’ve already won 18 times and are 14-1 in their last 15 games.
The team is also ranked top five in the 4A section this year, an impressive feat considering East soccer moved into the division only one season prior.
The Wildcats have shown drastic improvement this season—but what’s the reason for their sudden success?
The team’s dynamic pair of forwards, seniors Lucas Mann and Ethan Hertzog, have headlined the Wildcats so far this season. Hertzog leads the team in both goals and assists, with Mann close on his tail. Both are also on pace to double their statistical totals from last season.
Hertzog attributes his success to his teammates.
“Without all those other guys, players like Lucas and Edgar [Delgado], even new players like John Pierre [Linares], I might not be able to do what I do.”
Similar to Herzog, Mann cited listening to his coaches, gaining more experience in his role and “putting in a lot of hard work”—modest answers from the team’s leaders.
On-field production aside, the two have also stepped up as leaders on the team, along with many of their fellow seniors.
Whether it be the team’s goalkeeper, senior Facundo Pagani, bellowing at his defensive line from the back, or other players organizing lunches and extra practices, senior leadership has been key to the team’s chemistry.
“The seniors have lifted our team up this season compared to recent years,” said junior Roman Patel, a second-year player. “They carry a tenacity and winning mindset. Every time we’re out there, they remind everyone on the team that East Soccer is there to do business.”
While the Wildcats have certainly taken care of business so far this regular season, their postseason remains an open book.
Last season, they were forced into an early exit after a 2-1 first-round defeat against Lancey Wilmington. Although a disappointing loss, making it to the playoffs was an achievement in itself considering it was East’s first season in the 4A division.
This season, many of the Wildcats are more confident in the team’s playoff outlook.
“We’re gonna win the conference, and I think we can make it far in states,” Hertzog said.
Patel, also having high expectations for the team, said he thought they have a shot of making states, if not winning.
Regardless of the postseason result, the young team has reason to look forward to the future.
With 11 seniors, fourth-year students compose only around a third of the total roster. Regardless, those 11 are consistently the loudest voices and largest locker room presences, always looking to provide guidance and leadership.
Hertzog emphasized that the seniors hope to get their younger teammates more involved, doing their best to “make them a part of the combined unit, and the team more connected overall.”
The Wildcats have eight underclassmen on the roster, with four of them starting. Paired with the seniors acting as mentors and role models this season, the future of this team looks to be in good shape.
Photo by Ben Parry/ECHO
