New year, new attitude, new results?

Photo by Eunice Tom

With new coaches, new players and a new attitude, the 5th/6th grade soccer team hopes that all the fresh blood will translate to some success on the soccer field.

The team is now in its third year and has tasted minimal success at best the last two years. In their rookie season, they unofficially won their last game of the year 1-0, although the referee never saw the ball go in the net.

The momentum immediately stalled their second season, because they were unable to have a full squad for almost every single game. When 11 players were needed on the field, they would usually have 9 or 10. The few times they had 11 weren't even their regular players. So the revolving door of players definitely hurt the chemistry of the team and it showed on the field.

However, everyone's hoping that this is the year where they can break through. They've already practiced for close to three weeks and already look sharper than before. In their scrimmage Monday against a 5th grade team that won the championship last year, they were pretty solid throughout and had numerous chances to score goals.

Their best shot came in the first half of the tune-up when Aaron shot the ball hard, only to be stopped by their goalie.

Athletically, the players are gifted. Though they don't have the size, they have the speed and athleticism to compete. They face an uphill battle as most St. Mary's teams do, having half the team being 5th graders playing in a 6th grade league.

What has plagued them over the years was their maturity level at practice. They would goof around too much, argue about who is first in line during drills and other childish nonsense. They still have that problem here and there, but have cut down on those indiscretions.

Photo by Eunice Tom

Come game time, there focus is there, but sometimes it isn't enough. Tomorrow's first game (2 p.m. @ West Sunset) will be a measuring stick on how far this team has come in the last year.

Daniel is expected to start in goal for the third straight year. The twins Joe and Tom, along with Jason in 5th grade will be making their soccer debuts.

It's time to bend it like Beckham.