Coming off of three straight losses, MV men’s soccer finally picked up a win on September 7, against the Mount Carmel Golden Aces.
MV defeated the Golden Aces with a score of 3-0, bringing Mount Carmel to a record of 1-5.
“This was the first game where our team gelled together. Our back line was able to connect several passes to our midfield providing lots of offensive opportunities. We were able to have lots of shots and connecting runs. The team overall moved the ball down the field very efficiently,” described Assistant Coach Jeremiah Fitzjerrells.
“[One thing the team could improve is] making sure we keep our energy up throughout the game and keeping our heads up at all times,” stated Nolan Armstrong ‘24.
In the first half of play, Keaton Koch ‘27 scored his first goal of the game, bringing MV to a 1-0 lead.
“I thought we played excellent together. We worked as a team, from start to finish we played as a whole and not as selfish players,” commented Koch.
Going into the half, the Rams held onto their lead, with goalkeeper Isaac Nitzsche, totaling five saves off of seven shots on goal.
“Our defense played well we communicated very well and man-marked very well,” mentioned Isaac Nitzsche ‘25.
Going into the second half, Koch would tally up two more goals, giving him a hat trick in the match.
“When I scored my hat trick it felt amazing. I was amazed that I was able to get opportunities from my players giving great passes through the defensive line. I wouldn’t have gotten any of those goals without them giving me my opportunities to score,” asserted Koch.
“Keko played a fantastic game. When he makes successful runs, he will more than likely score. It’s been fantastic to have a forward who knows how to make the correct runs and who can shoot with both legs,” stated Coach Fitzjerrells.
After this win against Mount Carmel, many are seeing the possible preseason hype of MV’s men’s soccer team.
“We have good talent and all know how to play our spots, I’d say we stand a chance against most of the teams on our schedule,” said Armstrong.
“We have seen more success this season compared to last season already. Our team has chemistry and they all encourage one another. We have several more kids on our team compared to last year. Overall, our team is very young but very enthusiastic and talented. Using the football field has been a blessing to have since we can play on lights and get the whole field to ourselves,” described Fitzjerrells.
Though the Rams currently sit with a losing record, morale is high among the team.
“The team’s morale is always high. There are games we will lose where everyone is frustrated, but the team always bounces back quickly and is ready to move on to the next game. This was the first time they realized ‘we are going to win some games this season,’” Fitzjerrells said.
“Our morale is higher as a team because once we all have worked so hard for this together we all get closer with one another,” stated Nitzsche, “I am very proud of our team coming together not just as a team but as a family and everyone stepping in to help this team and I hope to see more wins and see more fans coming out to support us.”
With the Rams nearing the end of the first quarter of the season, remember to support our Rams and attend the soccer games!
