Playoffs on the line for both soccer teams

The boys and girls soccer failed to make the playoffs but rather than lament the season being over, guest columnist Cole Engelbrecht writes that the off-season is a time to put in the work for next year.

Eilidh Mcgarva

The boys’ and girls’ soccer failed to make the playoffs but rather than lament the season being over, guest columnist Cole Engelbrecht writes that the off-season is a time to put in the work for next year.

Both the boys’ and girls’ soccer teams will finish up district play on Friday as they battle for a spot in the playoffs. The girls will take on the Lions at Reedy at 6:30 p.m. while the boys’ team will play at 7:30 p.m. at home.

“It’s kind of emotional knowing that this could be the last time I ever play in a Liberty jersey at Liberty,” senior Josh Fuller said. “For all the guys I’ve grown up with the past four years, I think it’s gonna be an emotional night and hopefully we come out with a win”.

With the season having begun in late December, this is the last game for many seniors who will be graduating at the end of this year.

“For the first time in a long time, our last game is important,” girls’ assistant coach Bryan Beck said. “Our seniors need to step up and need to be leaders and they need to take the reins and do the things that for four years we’ve been teaching them how to do and if they do, then things should work out in their favor.”

In order to make it to playoffs, the girl’s must win on Friday by multiple goals, but they also must rely on a loss from Heritage to earn the fourth place spot.

Friday’s game will also be the deciding factor in the boys’ team making the playoffs, something the team has done for six straight years. 

“This game determines if we have a chance to make it, or if not,” Fuller said. “If we do make it I think like we’re just going to have to constantly work hard and stay focused, and not be intimidated by other people. We can beat any other team, and anything can happen in the playoffs”.

Many of the teams’ seniors have made special bonds while playing for the school, something that may have been hard to find if it weren’t for the sport.

“I still have bonds and friendships with people I played with my freshman year,” Fuller said. “It really creates good bonds. You’re family after that.”