Nationally soccer season is typically in the fall, but not in Texas. Cold nights mean soccer season is here. It’s time for intense games, watching players jump up and headbutt the ball to score. Despite the cold, soccer games are exciting to watch.

Two months in the team is 12-17 with one tie against Wichita Falls. There are two more months for the boys varsity team to bring up the record and keep winning. The varsity boys soccer team consists of 21 players. Of those 21, 19 are returners.

“This year’s varsity isn’t too different. We have a couple young guys but the majority of the team is upperclassmen, so I’ve been with these guys long enough to know how they play with each other,” varsity assistant coach Oswaldo Vasquez said.

Most players have been on the varsity team since they entered high school.

“I’ve been on varsity since freshman year, and I believe I earned this spot because I gave my all in tryouts and I’ve been playing since I was a little kid in city leagues and in school,” midfielder Oswaldo Lara said.

The boys start practice ninth period.

“As soon as we go outside we warm up and then we start with drills. Sometimes practice is fun but it’s tiring because we also run laps,” defender Joel Ramirez said.

Practice is an everyday routine for the team.

“The boys know what they have to go out and do, while I’m setting up the drills they are warming up and once they are finished I tell them what we are going to do, but every day is different,” coach Vasquez said.

The team has won many trophies and their hard work in practice definitely shows. Coach Reichman has 600 plus wins since he’s been at school.

“We work hard to win and it’s exciting, but there’s still work to be done. It’s still early in the season,” varsity coach Bruce Reichman said.

Practice for the team is different every day.

”I like to switch things up because I don’t want them to dread coming out for practice. We pretty much prepare ourselves for the team that we are going to play next and just work on their skills all around, I don’t think our team being continuously recognized has anything to do with myself or coach Reichman. It’s the players themselves who make this team well known,” coach Vasquez said.

The varsity boys played Ysleta High School, their long time rivals, Jan. 23, winning 8-0.

“It felt great to beat them but we are not done. We still have another game to win against them and once we do we will be satisfied,” midfielder Oswaldo Lara said.

Their next game against Ysleta High School is Feb. 23, they have time to prepare for the next round by watching film and practicing as if it is an actual game.

The team always comes out with high energy ready to play.

“Before the games we all just chill in the locker room and blast music that gets us pumped before we go outside and once we win the game we come back in and do the exact same thing,” defender Joel Ramirez said.

Each team has a goal and this team has their eyes on the prize.

“Our team goal is the same typical thing every other team wants, which is advancing to state and getting yet another trophy. We work hard in practice to achieve this,” coach Vasquez said.

The players treat their practice as if it is an actual game.

“Since it’s my last year I would like for my team and I to win state. We practice every day to better ourselves and even though we have taken a couple losses we will only improve from here,” midfielder Oswaldo Lara said.