Starting off their preseason with several close results and good wins, the Timber Creek boys varsity soccer team will be facing off against North Side on Thursday, Jan. 25 at 7:00 p.m. at Timber Creek High School, with JV1 playing at 5:30 p.m. before-hand.
With the team barely missing their chance to make playoffs the previous season, the players have been training hard to create a dynamic team that can exceed expectations once districts begins. With only one game left before district begins, the team’s coaches, such as head coach John Besancon, have high hopes going into season in regards to the athletes capabilities, having already had some close results and a number of wins.
“I am feeling very confident heading into the season,” said Besancon. “Some key players are captains Nathan Talbot and Geoffrey Balkcom as well as seniors Trenton McDaniel and Ben Molen….the team is solid and full of great boys.”
Getting closer to district, the coaches have made it a focus to improve within their finishing, as well as keeping their concentration in dead ball situations. Playing Lewisville high school the previous Friday on Jan. 19, the team lost 1-0, however playing with control for long stretches throughout the second half and working together in hopes of their ultimate goals.
Having already learned from each of their non-district games and becoming more confident in the team and their tactics, Besancon expects to go through district with a strong team, with the advantage of having a strong team bond, believing that if the team is more lethal in front of goal, the results will be beneficial.
“We have a good mix of players that complement each other well. [They’re] willing to sacrifice for each other,” Besancon said. “With one game left before district, I would like to see our finishing improve. We are creating chances and now we need to convert a higher percentage of those chances.”